Morning Prayer Thursday, 28 January 2021
HOLDING ON IN THE DARKNESS
“O Lord the God of my salvation,
I have cried out by day and in the night before you.
Let my prayer come before You;
Incline your ear to my cry!”
(Psalm 88:1-2 NASB)
This is a Psalm of the sons of Korah. It is an unusual lament in that it does not end on a happy note. We are grateful for days when we talk of the joy of the Lord; but there are also difficult days. The author is struggling with unanswered prayer, as above. This is not an unsaved man crying out to a God he doesn’t worship. This is a true believer pleading with God for help, and so far He hasn’t done anything. He is coping with trouble and sickness. “For my soul is full of troubles and my life draws near to the grave. I am counted with those who go down to the pit. I am like a man who has no strength—vs.3-4. The foundations of his life seem to be slipping away, and the possibility of death looms before him. In his desolation what does he do? He holds on to God’s power, loving kindness, and faithfulness.
When nothing seems to go right, when people are neglecting you and God seems to have forgotten you,
- don’t stop praying. This troubled psalmist did not cease to pray. “Lord I have called daily upon You, I have stretched out my hands to you” (vs; 9). Even though the light is not shining don’t stop praying, because God will answer.
- Start each day with the Lord. ”But to you I have cried out, O Lord and in the morning my prayer comes before You (vs.13). Always begin your day with the Lord and He will give you the strength to finish it.
- Look to God alone. We have a tendency to trust circumstances, ourselves, and other people. Not the psalmist. He said “I am going to look to God alone. I’m going to trust the Lord of my salvation.”
What do you do on those dark, disappointing, days? Hold on to all that God is and all that he does. God is still working for you. Trust Him, don’t turn away from Him. He is still on the throne and will see you through. (Excerpts from Prayer, Praise and Promises by Warren W.Wiersbe)
Church family, always let us start our day in prayer and draw strength from His Word. Keep your eyes on the Lord, not on your circumstances, and He will deliver you. Remember what he has done for you in the past, in spite of what you see around you. Trust the Lord to see you through all your troubles. Nearly one year ago we can remember hearing of the first person in the UK who died from the coronavirus. Today, we have passed 100,000 deaths and counting!! Grief and depression take time to heal and no matter how we feel, we can always take our problems to God and express our anguish to him. The writer of Psalm 88 was close to death and felt forsaken by friends. If you know someone who is ill (with the virus or otherwise) consider being a prayer companion for that person. Psalm 88 can be a prayer you can lift to God on his or her behalf.
Let us pray, Grant O Lord, to all who are bereaved the spirit of faith and courage, that they may have strength to meet the days to come with steadfastness and patience, not sorrowing as those without hope, but in thankful remembrance of your great goodness, and in joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen (Book of Common Prayer)
Prayer based on Psalm 88 by Rev Dr Leslie Griffiths; Lord Griffiths of Bury Port- Methodist minister and life peer.
Lord our God, by day we call for help. By night, we cry aloud in your presence. Let our prayers come before you. Hear our loud entreaty, for we’ve had our fill of woes, which have brought us to the brink of despair. For those who are suffering from this dreadful disease, or who’ve lost loved ones, or those whose loss or suffering have been turned into the statistics we see on our daily news bulletins. For everyone living in fear shut into their homes, somehow surviving on the streets. For those afraid their jobs or livelihoods may be at stake. For those whose fear is turning to panic. For policymakers, frontline workers, health workers, and care providers, and all those who worked so hard to develop a vaccine. For the over 70’s, those with underlying health risks, for pregnant women, for good neighbours and loving friends. For those closest to us in this time of need. Will your wonders be known in the region of darkness, your victories in the land of oblivion? Dear Lord, in your mercy hear, our prayer. Amen
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor.12:9)
“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.” (1 Thess.4:13)
“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11)
Glynne Gordon-Carter 28th January 2021
