For the leader. A psalm of David.
I
The Lord answer you in time of distress;
the name of the God of Jacob defend you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
from Zion be your support.
May he remember your every offering,
graciously accept your burnt offering.
Grant what is in your heart,
fulfill your every plan.
May we shout for joy at your victory,
raise the banners in the name of our God.
The Lord grant your every petition!
II
Now I know the Lord gives victory
to his anointed.
He will answer him from the holy heavens
with a strong arm that brings victory.
Some rely on chariots, others on horses,
but we on the name of the Lord our God.
They collapse and fall,
but we stand strong and firm.
Lord, grant victory to the king;
answer when we call upon you.
Psalms 20:1-10
This sounds like a prayer being offered in support for those going into battle, but I can see it as a prayer for anyone in any circumstance. It is always a good idea to pray for others. So often we tell the people we love that we are praying for God to “grant what is in your heart, fulfill you every plan.”
Maybe we could take some time today, and throughout the weekend, to think about everyone who might need our prayers right now. Shortly after I started keeping a prayer journal, I made a section of it to remember the prayer intentions I offer to people. This might be the most rewarding part of the journal. It really keeps me in touch with so many people.
When I get to the section of the Prayer Process that suggests prayers for others, I open that section of my journal and read through the list. The first surprising thing is the length of that list! I never kept track of such intentions before, and it is striking. I couldn’t believe how quickly that list grew, which is such a reminder of our need to care for one another in this life.
How often do we comment on someone’s Facebook post or tweet saying that we will pray for them? Do we really remember to say that prayer? Well, I do now! Let’s all do what we can to remember to keep others in our prayers.
As the psalmist reminds us, others rely on the resources of this world, “but we on the name of the Lord our God.” And consequently, “They collapse and fall, but we stand strong and firm.” I pray that we will all learn to take comfort in our prayers for one another and ultimately in the power of the Lord, who loves us beyond all measure!