The Two Word Prayer
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Help, Lord, for no faithful one remains…” Psalm 12:1 HCSB
Often the simplest of prayers can be the most effective. I recall, when a leading layman our song leader and choir director suddenly died when I was in my first pastorate. As I sat with his wife in an ambulance, I opened my Bible to find something to share in our mutual shock and grief. I thumbed the pages of the Psalms and my eyes fell in the first two words of Psalm 12, “Help, Lord…” That was my simple prayer and one that I have repeated many times since.
This earnest plea of the Psalmist is found as he surveys that landscape of the culture of his day and sees a void of those who are faithful, loyal and true. Character and virtue has been replaced by vice and debauchery and all kinds of evil. Almost sounds like our present day.
In the midst of this the cry goes out for the Lord to “help.” For the Lord to intervene and to bring a change. For the Lord to judge the arrogant and deeds of the oppressors.
We see that the Lord hears the prayers of the righteous and responds to their plight. “Because of the oppression of the afflicted and the groaning of the poor, I will now rise up,” says the Lord. “I will put the one who longs for it in a safe place.” (Psalm 12:5 HCSB)
The Lord “rises up” and then reassures with His word, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6 HCSB) The words of man can be shallow and empty, but God’s Word provides hope and confidence.
We can have assurance of the Lord’s actions, have confidence in His Word and comfort in His protection. “You, Lord, will guard us; You will protect us from this generation forever.” (Psalm 12:7 HCSB)
This Psalm ends with this important reminder, “…what is worthless is exalted by the human race.” (Psalm 12:8 HCSB) That is why God’s Word and our focus on Him is so important. You can count on it, what people prize is detested by the Lord and what the Lord values, is viewed with contempt by people. Don’t be surprised or discouraged in the face of evil and rebellion against the ways of the Lord; just keep the simple prayer on your lips, “Help, Lord…”
Prayer for Today… “Lord, thank You that when we cry out to You, You hear, You rise up, You guide with Your Word and You provide protection.”