Psalm 6
February 9, 2025 Lord, we thank You that You are a God who hears us. That You invite us to come to You with our real emotions, fears, and burdens, whatever they are. In this Psalm David brings weakness, terror, grief, and weariness. At some point or another, all of us can relate—and perhaps some of us bring those feelings even this morning. With David, then, we ask You, Father, to hear our prayers. To be gracious. To forgive. And to protect us from our enemies, whether our enemies are other people, chronic health problems, overwhelming responsibilities, sins that weigh us down, or the terrors of our own minds.
Thank You, Lord, that You listen. You accept our prayers, however imperfect and inconsistent. You are gracious toward our sin and weakness. And You are powerful over our enemies. We are grateful to rest in the confidence that any enemies we still fight in this life have ultimately already been defeated by the cross and will not have the final word. You are the King who will reign forever, in peace, righteousness, and justice. And You rule over us in love.
News headlines regularly remind us that we live in an anxious time. Fear, weariness, and sadness are human experiences—and we alone, as Your people, know where to find real, lasting peace. We pray that You open doors for us to share Your good news with our neighbors, friends, and family, and that You draw many more into Your Kingdom. Give us compassion for the struggling and boldness to share the gospel.
We lift up the refugees around the world—those fleeing the terror of physical enemies and threats to their lives. We pray for their protection and provision. We lift up the ministries and individuals who are devoted to welcoming them in and helping them figure out life in a new country. And we pray that You give wisdom to national and state leaders, that they might create laws and process that protect their citizens but also welcome the stranger, as You call us to.
We confess, Father, that our default is to focus on our own needs and comfort and slow to sacrifice those things to help others—especially strangers, the needy, and those unlike us. Forgive us our pride and selfishness. And grow our hearts to love sacrificially just as You have loved us.
We pray this in Jesus’ name, and all God’s people said, Amen.