What do you pray lately in these times of trouble–bombs, gunshots, riots and terror?
If the news leaves you speechless, try looking to the Psalms. You’ll find the ancient prayers of God’s people can be a helpful guide to your prayers today.
Oppression and affliction, suffering and wickedness—these are nothing new, unfortunately, in the story of mankind. It’s nothing new, either, for mankind to cry out to God in these times.
Thankfully, God listens. He hears the cries. He cares and has compassion.
We can join God’s people who have cried out to him throughout the ages when we pray the same words from the Psalms in our times of trouble.
Below you’ll find a prayer that I’ve adapted primarily from Psalms 9 and 10. The words are ancient, but they are still relevant truths of today. I hope it will be a helpful prayer resource during these times of trouble. May you find comfort and peace from our God who cares.
A PRAYER FOR TIMES OF TROUBLE
Why, O Lord, do you stand far off?
Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
……………………………………
In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
who are caught in the schemes he devises.
He lies in wait in hiding;
From ambush he murders the innocent,
Watching in secret for his victims.
……………………………………
The wicked man lies in wait like a lion in cover;
He lies in wait to catch the helpless;
He catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.
……………………………………
His victims are crushed. They collapse.
They fall under his strength.
The wicked man says to himself, “God has forgotten;
He covers his face and never sees.”
……………………………………
Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.
Do not forget the helpless.
Why does the wicked man revile God?
Why does he say to himself,
“He won’t call me to account?”
……………………………………
But you, O God, do see trouble and grief.
You consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you;
you are the helper of the fatherless.
……………………………………
You, O Lord, are a refuge for the oppressed.
You are a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name will trust in you,
For you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
……………………………………
Break the arm of the wicked and evil man;
Call him to account for his wickedness.
……………………………………
You, O Lord, are King for ever and ever.
You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted;
you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.
You defend the fatherless, O Lord, and the oppressed,
in order that man, who is of the earth,
may terrify no more.
……………………………………
You, O Lord, keep my light burning.
You, O God, turn my darkness into light.
……………………………………
You are my rock, my fortress and my deliverer.
I find refuge in you alone, O God,
I will not be afraid.
I will trust in you, O Lord and King.
Amen
(Here are more chapters in Psalms about affliction and the oppressed if you’d like to look them up to read on your own – chapters 27, 31, 69, 74, 77, 79)
