Psalm 142: A Prayer of Desperation
"IT'S CANCER." THE words shattered the tension in the room. I had been waiting with my friend to find out the results of her biopsy. My friend was calm. She was probably too stunned to feel. I, however, felt desperate. I wanted to scream "No!" I felt frightened, powerless, outraged. Desperation is an experience of extreme need and helplessness. We feel desperate when life's circumstances overpower us. We feel desperate when our well-being is threatened and we feel unable to affect the outcome. This psalm gives voice to our experiences of desperation.
Warming Up to God
Think of a time when you felt desperate. What phrases or images would you use to describe the situation you faced?
Read Psalm 142. »
Discovering the Word
- This psalm was written by David when he was in a cave, perhaps when he was hiding from Saul. How would you describe David's emotional state?
- What phrases and images does David use to describe the situation he faces (vv. 3, 6 and 7)?
- What contrast do you see between David's experiences with people and his experience with God?
- How would you compare his view of his personal power with his view of God's power?
Applying the Word
- What is the significance of the contrast between our power and God's power when we feel desperate?
- Are you able to pray with this kind of directness and urgency in times of personal need? Why or why not?
Responding in Prayer
Write a psalm of your own, allowing yourself to cry out to God on your own behalf or on behalf of someone else who faces a desperate situation.
For Further Study
Learning to Pray Through the Psalms by James W. Sire