Rise Up, O God! Do Not Let Mortals Prevail

This meditation is based on a passage for May 18, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Psalm 9

Reflection and Question: In the concluding verses of this psalm, the poet invokes the infinite distance between God and us by asking God to judge the nations of earth. My way of saying this same thing is to pray for humility. While the psalmist is concerned about enemies and cities, he also includes the ubiquitous Biblical theme of God being “a stronghold for the oppressed” and “the hope of the poor.” After reassurance that God “does not forget the cry of the afflicted,” the writer’s yearning is clear: “Be gracious to me, O God. See what I suffer.” What righteous judgment of God do you watch for?

Prayer: I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
(Psalm 9:1-2, New Revised Standard Version)