Deliver me, O Lord - August 22, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 140, 142; PM Psalm 141, 143:1-11(12)
2 Samuel 19:24-43; Acts 24:24-25:12; Mark 12:35-44

During an online continuing education course this week, I heard some lovely and inspired prayers used to open our sessions. The convener prayed for God to bring focus and vulnerability, peace and meaning to our time together. Her words were profound and poetic.

I come away with a different feeling after perusing and praying through the psalms appointed for this morning and evening in the Daily Office:

“Deliver me, O Lord, from evildoers; protect me from the violent, who devise evil in their hearts and stir up strife all day long.” (Ps. 140:1-2).

“I cry to the Lord with my voice; to the Lord I make loud supplication. I pour out my complaint before him and tell him all my trouble.” (Ps. 142:1-2).

“O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly; hear my voice when I cry to you.” (Ps. 141:1).

“Lord, hear my prayer, and in your faithfulness heed my supplications; answer me in your righteousness. Enter not into judgment with your servant, for in your sight shall no one living be justified.” (143:1-2).

These four psalms’ opening verses strike tones of urgency and agony. My shoulders are tensing up, just thinking about them! And yet, there are times when these prayers are the ones we need upon our lips. What liberty and honesty can come from saying and feeling these words. We receive permission to name the heaviness upon our hearts to God and to one another. When we do not speak the truth of pain in our lives, it oozes out in other ways – in anxiety, in fits of rage, in destructive behaviors, to name a few.

If these psalms are not what you need to put voice to hardship today, that’s okay. Tuck them away for a time when it feels like all is lost or upside down. These prayers of deep appeal to the Lord remind us that we have companions in our sorrow. We are not alone in the depths. We still have much to learn – and the prayers of the psalmist can center us and help us name our desire: deliver me, Lord, so that I can praise you more and more.

Always with God’s help,
Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Revisit today's psalms. What does it feel like when you name the heaviness upon your heart? Who is a confidante and prayer partner for you in the anguish? 

If there is a hard time upon you, connect with someone you trust. Confide in them. Ask them to pray for you. Pray for the Lord's guidance along the way. God is faithful, even when the way is hard and long.