Songs from the Heart Day 38 Psalm 130

Pray the Psalm

Psalm 130

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

1 From the depths of despair, O Lord,

    I call for your help.

2 Hear my cry, O Lord.

    Pay attention to my prayer.

3 Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,

    who, O Lord, could ever survive?

4 But you offer forgiveness,

    that we might learn to fear you.

5 I am counting on the Lord;

    yes, I am counting on him.

    I have put my hope in his word.

6 I long for the Lord

    more than sentries long for the dawn,

    yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

7 O Israel, hope in the Lord;

    for with the Lord there is unfailing love.

    His redemption overflows.

8 He himself will redeem Israel

    from every kind of sin.

—New Living Translation

As you pray today, kneel or lower yourself to a posture of reverence or submission. Honor God by repeating the words of Psalm 130 back to him. As you pray each pair of verses, pause. After verses 1-2, pour out the worries and concerns from the depths of your despair. Following verses 3-4, thank God for specific ways he has shown you mercy. After verses 5-6, seek to place the worries and concerns that seem so overwhelming in God’s hands, counting him to act in situations that seem impossible to overcome. Finally, after the final two verses, praise God as your Father, who is characterized by unfailing love. He is the Redeemer who has acted in time and space to save us from our sin. He who has already paid the price of redemption is worthy of your love, devotion, praise, and, most of all, trust.