A Prayer about the Lord Who Hears and Responds

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. Psalm 34:7

Rescuing Lord, 

As we continue praying through Psalm 34, 

we see even more reasons to bless your name “at all times” 

as we prayed about yesterday: 

We were sprawled out on the sofa, 

choking on sobs 

of grief, of regret, 

of disappointment, of frustration, 

and you heard us. 

You heard us. 

And when you hear, you respond: 

you “saved [us] out of all of [our] troubles” (Psalm 34:6). 

Not some of our troubles. 

All of our troubles. 

You send your angel to “encamp” around us. 

We shouldn’t picture a chubby blond cherub 

or a pale-faced long-haired lady  

when we think angel. 

We should picture warrior of light, 

powerful, fearsome, 

mighty, messenger. 

And though Psalm 34 just mentions one angel, 

we should probably picture a whole army of angels 

setting up this camp around us 

to protect us, to deliver us. 

Yes, indeed, we do “taste and see that you are good!” 

And we do proclaim with David, 

“Blessed is the man [or woman] who takes refuge in you” (Psalm 34:8).

In Jesus’ delivering name we pray. Amen.

Read Psalm 34:6-7; Matthew 28:2; Hebrews 13: 2; Daniel 10.