O, God of My Right

Text: Psalm 4

Reflection and Question: Psalm 4 begins with a curious prayer to “God of my right,” highlighting the way English has multiple meanings for the word “right.” On the one hand, the right or good thing to do; and on the other hand, one of two sides — in the political or social realm, the more conservative side. It is ours to decide which of these is meant by the psalmist here and it could be either one. My conclusion, based on the rest of the prayer, is “right” as “good” for the speaker has strong confidence in his or her righteousness and therefore trusts in God’s help. How do you read, “God of my right?”

Prayer: O God of my right, thank You for this wise counsel: “When you are disturbed, do not sin; ponder it on your beds, and be silent. Offer right sacrifices, and put our trust in You.” Help us to do this, as You will. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).