Give Heed to My Cry For I Am Brought Very Low

This meditation is based on a passage for November 5, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Psalm 142

Reflection and Question: Some of the psalmist’s circumstances might be reflected in this prayer for comfort and help. “Bring me out of prison” may be one real detail. “There is no one who takes notice of me” may be another. One of the lovely things about this poem is that these details are less important than the cries for help to God that can arise from an infinite number of situations and feelings. And the hope of this prayer can be ours too as the petitions turn to affirmation that God “will deal bountifully” with us when we ask. How have you been brought very low so that you join this cry to God?

Prayer: Forgive me for every unkind word and thought;
Release me from the prison of fear that I may rejoice and offer thanksgiving!
Transform my weaknesses in to new life, that I may be a gift of your love to all I meet.
Amen
(Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying, pp. 296-297)