A Humble but Urgent Prayer

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

A Humble but Urgent Prayer

Date: Jan. 11, 2023

Passage

Psalm 141:1-10 (ESV)

A Psalm of David.

1   O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me!
    Give ear to my voice when I call to you!
2   Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,
    and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!
3   Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
    keep watch over the door of my lips!
4   Do not let my heart incline to any evil,
    to busy myself with wicked deeds
  in company with men who work iniquity,
    and let me not eat of their delicacies!
5   Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
    let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
    let my head not refuse it.
  Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.
6   When their judges are thrown over the cliff,
    then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.
7   As when one plows and breaks up the earth,
    so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.
8   But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord;
    in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!
9   Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me
    and from the snares of evildoers!
10   Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
    while I pass by safely.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 141:5

  Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
    let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
    let my head not refuse it.
  Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.

The burning of incense in the Old Testament temple worship represented prayer going up to God. We should have faith that our prayer life is a sweet-smelling offering to God (2). The Psalmist once again is praying urgently for deliverance from enemies. But first, he prays that he himself may not speak wicked words (3) or be tempted by evil (4). Then he confesses his willingness to receive a rebuke from the righteous (5). To grow spiritually, we need to be able to receive correction ourselves, not just pray for others to be changed. God honors humble prayers from those who are seeking to be made holy.

When we have humbled ourselves before God, we can also pray for God’s justice to be displayed against evildoers (6-7). However, it is more important to keep our own eyes fixed on God and trust him for our protection (8-9). That way, we can avoid becoming too focused on human enemies.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for being my protector. Please send me your correction in the right time and help me speak only good and helpful words.

One Word: One Word: Willing to accept a rebuke

Key Verse: :

Today's Question

What is a sacrament?

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