Listen to me

Scripture: Listen to me, Yahweh, answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard me for I am faithful, save your servant who relies upon you. You are my God, take pity on me, Lord, for to you I cry all the day. Psalms 86:1-3

Prayer: Help me to echo these words of King David always, especially in the darkness before dawn this day.

Response: Yes, one might easily have concluded that the prayer is rushing out of the mouth of someone who is indigent, out of work, in poor health, facing a calamity of uncertain proportions. But, no, this is the prayer of a robust King David. Does this prayer peel off all the garments of wealth, success, and youth? Instead, the prayer exposes a soul that knows no age, is exalted by no promotion, and is not comforted by regal garments. Isn't that encouraging to hear, once again, that your earnest prayer is equal to King David's as to a street urchin in the slums of Calcutta?

But not only that your cry to the Lord is equal to the pleadings of others, but that your plea is heard as clearly though there are times it is so difficult to express in words what your heart is urging. There is never, repeat never, an occasion when your prayer is not heard even before you speak. Be assured, as many times as you might challenge the outcome of your prayer, His comfort, peace, grace, and love are poured over you—even if you are not sure you can swim.

As soon as you can find the time, or perhaps snatch the time is more realistic, go to the Lord—not with a prepared script that even has a suggested final scene—be present and listen even if not a word is spoken from you. Yes, you will realize in an instant His presence and be left to wonder why you haven't emulated King David sooner or more regularly.