Listening to a Powerful Song

March 2, 2020

Scripture

Why, O Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? In arrogance the wicked persecute the poor—let them be caught in the schemes they have devised. For the wicked boast of the desires of their heart, those greedy for gain curse and renounce the Lord. In the pride of their countenance the wicked say, “God will not seek it out”; all their thoughts are, “There is no God.”  (Psalm 10:1-4 NRSV)

Listening to A Powerful Song

At a recent lunch with one of my younger friends, he told me about a powerful experience sitting with a group listening to Psalm 10 read by a notable Canadian playwrite. It expresses the injustice of the power imbalances in our world and wonders why God isn’t doing anything.

The Psalms are often an expression of a gathered community, sometimes joyful and hopeful but just as often, dark and depressed. We carry both these streams as individuals, but it is good to be reminded that we are part of a human cry that crosses race and creed.

I’m going to use the closing paragraph of the Psalm for our prayer today but if you want to read it or listen to it yourself here is a link to an online bible. https://www.bible.com/bible/2016/PSA.10.NRSV

If you don’t happen to feel the way the Psalmist does today, it will connect you to those who do and who grind under the injustice of life. It is a good place to pray – these are words that Jesus used in his ongoing conversations with his Father.

A Prayer for Today

O Lord, you will hear the desire of the meek; you will strengthen their heart, you will incline your ear to do justice for the orphan and the oppressed, so that those from earth may strike terror no more .…. For Jesus’ sake.  (Psalm 10:17-18 NRSV)