Praying with the Psalms
Posted by greglarson in Psalms at 8:39 am | 
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Psalm 88:4-5 (RSV)
4 I am reckoned among those who go down to the Pit;
I am a man who has no strength,
5 like one forsaken among the dead,
like the slain that lie in the grave,
like those whom thou dost remember no more,
for they are cut off from thy hand.
Eugene Peterson: “Two images describe the misery: that of being buried alive (”you have put me in the depths of the Pit”) and that of drowning (”you overwhelm me with all your waves”). The grave, whither in cold earth or deep waters, tells the story of extreme trouble. In this time of need the name of God is repeat four times (vs. 1, 9 , 13, 14): no trouble can rob us of the power to prayer.”
Prayer: Dear Jesus, you were tested at every point that I can be. Lead me through the time of testing, defend me against despair and guide me into the place where my prayers for help will be changed into shouts of praise. Amen
