The Voices of Prayer

“Give ear to my words, O Lord;
    consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to you do I pray.
O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
    in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch…

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
    will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
    in the fear of you.
Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies;
    make your way straight before me.

For there is no truth in their mouth;
    their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
    they flatter with their tongue.
Make them bear their guilt, O God;
    let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
    for they have rebelled against you.

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
    let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.” Psalm 5:1-3,7-12

David pleads, groans, cries, asks, offers early sacrifice, and watches. He approaches his holy Lord humbly, in reverent fear, seeking guidance and direction. He confesses inner thoughts, unburdens his hurts and desires, and claims refuge and his need for protection. He prays, exultant in the name he loves, claiming joy. His moods and words portray a rich prayer life known to all who call God Lord.

The cacophony of noise around us would drown out many a prayer. Busyness eats our quiet, shared and strange loves steal holy devotion. Vitriol and stress unsettle our concentration, a myriad of split-second images confuse our focus. In spite of all these, and above their distractions, the Psalms are ours for the holding, voicing, and offering when we are speechless. Jesus has opened the way for us to approach Him and commune at any time, with any concern or need or praise. (Psalm 7:10,17; 139:23-24; Hebrews 4:15–16)

How would we describe our prayer life? As an occasional wish directed heavenward? A rote recitation of another’s orchestrated words? A regular concentrated wrestling to commune and convey with God?

When do we pray to Him? Only in emotional desperation or dire need, at a relegated time and that’s all, or as an ongoing conversation? What voices do we avoid, and employ? The more we relate to Jesus, pouring out both praise and honest need, the stronger will be our relationship and the sharper our spiritual sensitivities. Taking advantage of His welcome and listening ensures encouragement and blessing.

“What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge–
take it to the Lord in prayer!” ~ Joseph Medlicott Scriven (1855)

Lord, keep me praising and praying always.