Psalm 141 — A Psalm for Daily Prayer

A Psalm of David.

1 LORD, I have called upon thee; make haste unto me:
Give ear unto my voice, when I call unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee;
The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth;
Keep the door of my lips.
4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing,
To be occupied in deeds of wickedness
With men that work iniquity:
And let me not eat of their dainties.
5 Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness;
And let him reprove me, it shall be as oil upon the head;
Let not my head refuse it:
For even in their wickedness shall my prayer continue.
6 Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock;
And they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
7 As when one ploweth and cleaveth the earth,
Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth.
8 For mine eyes are unto thee, O GODthe Lord:
In thee do I put my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
9 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me,
And from the gins of the workers of iniquity.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets,
Whilst that I withal escape.

This seems to be a great daily prayer. I'm trying to build up a better morning prayer habit, and this prayer will be a big part. Our prayer to God is a work of faith & Praise. Faith, because we trust it's worth speaking to God. Praise, because it is to him that we bring our needs; we know he is big enough to help.

Some family and friends of mine have had a large share of difficulties, lately. The opening words of the psalm reminded me of my prayers on their behalf: "give ear to my voice". I need God to help them, because there is so little that I can do myself. I want my prayer to God, on their behalf, to be "incense before" him.

But I also need God's help. Not just for sickness or anxiety, but for better self control. I don't want anger to pour out of my lips - and I need God's help to control it. I don't want to participate in the world's degradation - and I need God's strength during times of temptation.

Take the time to reflect on the many ideas in this psalm. There is more than I've mentioned just now. Try to find where your life and needs are in the psalm, and use its words in your prayer.