PrayerBits for Friday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Friday

Scripture Lesson: Psalm 22:1-15 I am in desperate straits

Time to reflect: The opening of this Psalm should sound familiar: Christ's words on the cross. Quite likely Jesus quoted the whole Psalm, but it is New Testament shorthand to reference the first line of a Psalm rather than copying in the whole Psalm.

Moving Throughout the day:

As you read this passage read it first from Jesus' point of view. Then read it again from you point of view referencing some really dark time in your life. You may want to note this Psalm (the whole Psalm) for the future when things are closing in on you.

Scripture

Psalm 22

Plea for Deliverance from Suffering and Hostility

To the leader: according to The Deer of the Dawn. A Psalm of David.
1My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
   Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
2O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
   and by night, but find no rest.

3Yet you are holy,
   enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4In you our ancestors trusted;
   they trusted, and you delivered them.
5To you they cried, and were saved;
   in you they trusted, and were not put to shame.

6But I am a worm, and not human;
   scorned by others, and despised by the people.
7All who see me mock at me;
   they make mouths at me, they shake their heads;
8‘Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver—
   let him rescue the one in whom he delights!’

9Yet it was you who took me from the womb;
   you kept me safe on my mother’s breast.
10On you I was cast from my birth,
   and since my mother bore me you have been my God.
11Do not be far from me,
   for trouble is near
   and there is no one to help.

12Many bulls encircle me,
   strong bulls of Bashan surround me;
13they open wide their mouths at me,
   like a ravening and roaring lion.

14I am poured out like water,
   and all my bones are out of joint;
my heart is like wax;
   it is melted within my breast;
15my mouth* is dried up like a potsherd,
   and my tongue sticks to my jaws;
   you lay me in the dust of death.