Psalm 1118:5-6 I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
The one thing I take away from this verse more than anything else is, it is all about me. I called, my stress, answered me, I will, unto me, this is all about me. My concerns at the moment are not about me nearly as much as it is about global events, national dangers, that dark cloud rising in the east.
Daniel and his three friends were swept off to Babylon because of what others did, not through sins of their own. They were faithful. I do not know but can imagine they prayed for Israel. Knowing God as well as they did, surely they must have suspect what would happen to Israel considering what the leadership did.
We pray for our nation. We prayer for others in harm’s way. We stress out because we do not see any results according to our prayers, according to our fears, our hopes, and our desires. Still it is about me, even though I am not in this alone.
James 5:16b The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
What I want is the prayers of the righteous man. I need the Lord to pray. I need the Lord’s prayer.
Father, who art in heaven ….
Just a suggestion….You said, “I need the Lord to pray”….May I suggest you read John 17, dear brother, because He has and is praying! I share your anxiety, especially the concerns for my family, children, grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. My greatest help is based in Isaiah 26:3…..”Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.”
This results in “looking off unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down on th right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2.
You and I have a great High Priest who has experienced it all, won the victory, and He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. Keep looking UP, dear brother!!!!
Ron, the Lord is the model of prayer. Looking up to Him to finish and perfect my thoughts, to take all my failed humanity out and intercede with the Father is my greatest comfort. Being one who is responsible for corporate prayer, my desire is that it get cleaned up before it leaves my lips for the sake of the congregation. His example serves me well.