Readings from the Old Testament / Hebrew Scriptures

We can safely approach God and cry out in anguish for a response.

But as for me, I will pray to you, LORD;
answer me, God, at a time you choose.
Answer me because of your great love,
because you keep your promise to save.
Save me from sinking in the mud;
keep me safe from my enemies,
safe from the deep water.
Don’t let the flood come over me;
don’t let me drown in the depths
or sink into the grave.

Answer me, LORD, in the goodness
of your constant love;
in your great compassion turn to me!
Don’t hide yourself from your servant;
I am in great trouble – answer me now!
Psalm 69.13-17

We can be certain like the psalmist that God will answer our heartfelt cries for help.

Listen to me, LORD, and answer me,
for I am helpless and weak.

Save me from death, because I am
loyal to you;
save me, for I am your servant
and I trust in you.
You are my God, so be merciful to me;
I pray to you all day long.
Make your servant glad, O LORD,
because my prayers go up to you.
You are good to us and forgiving,
full of constant love for all who
pray to you.

Listen, LORD, to my prayer;
hear my cries for help.
I call to you in times of trouble,
because you answer my prayers.
Psalm 86.1-7

Even when we feel lonely, God will listen to our cries for help.

I love the LORD, because he hears me;
he listens to my prayers.
He listens to me every time I call to him.
The danger of death was all around me;
the horrors of the grave closed in on me;
I was filled with fear and anxiety.
Then I called to the LORD,
“I beg you, LORD, save me!”
The LORD is merciful and good;
our God is compassionate.
The LORD protects the helpless;
when I was in danger, he saved me.
Be confident, my heart,
because the LORD has been good to me.
The LORD saved me from death;
he stopped my tears and kept me from defeat.
And so I walk in the presence of the LORD
in the world of the living.
I kept on believing, even when
I said, “I am completely crushed,”
even when I was afraid and said,
“No one can be trusted.”
What can I offer the LORD
for all his goodness to me?
Psalm 116.1-12