# 29 2022 Dev. Psalm 143:6. Desiring God’s Grace! Read all of Psalm 143 first. We invite you into God’s space, to read His Word, to think on and interact with. This is God’s story. How will it affect yours? All passages are taken from the NIV.
Psalm 143:6 “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land”
Intro. Ps.138-145 are eight Davidic Psalms of Prayer/ Praise leading close to the end of the Psalter. The series is framed by two praise Psalms, Ps.138 praising God for answered prayer and Ps.145 praising God for His care of all of creation.
Psalm 143 is a prayer for mercy. This is the last of the penitential Psalms. It is divided into two sections, vs.1-6, vs. 7-10 and a two verse, vs.11-12, is a summary of the prayer.
Vs. 1-2 “Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy;” This is the overriding request from the psalmist, the psalmist puts his trust in God’s “faithfulness and righteousness.” God, no one is righteous before you. We identify, don’t judge us Lord. Amen!
Vs. 3-4 The Psalmist lays out his problem; “the enemy pursues me”, probably, King Saul pursuing David. I am crushed, I am like one dead, living in darkness.
“My spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. We identify, how often are we not overwhelmed with life today?
Vs.5-6 “I remember… I meditate… I consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands… I thirst for you…” This is what we are going through today, we long for relief, we long for peace and harmony again. Lord Jesus, bring us peace, security and prosperity. Amen!
Vs.7-10 “answer me quickly, Lord, my spirit fails.” This is the heart of the prayer as it should be for all of our prayers. Lord stay close, we are lost without you, show us your unfailing love, we trust you, show us the way, we put our lives in your hands, rescue us from the evil one, teach us your will. “You are our God; may your good Spirit lead us (me) on level ground.” Amen!
Vs. 11-12 “For your name’s sake, preserve my life;” The Psalmist summarizes his prayer. He highlights God’s righteousness v.1, God’s unfailing love v.8, “for I am your servant.” v10. Amen and Amen!
© cgvanwyk, all rights reserved
Heavenhigh 