Psalm 143:6 I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.
Context: Psalm 143:1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! 2Enter not into judgment with your servant, Psalm 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. Psalm 143:7 Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit.
From the lexicon: Stretch=spread out. Soul=inner being. Thirsts=longs for as does a dry land.
Pulling it together: Psalm 143:6 is the expression of the Psalmist as he calls out to God. It is an intense prayer articulating our need for God to intervene on our behalf. The writer of the Psalm stretches out his hands like a beggar and compares himself to a dry land thirsting for water. He meditates on what God has done (v.5) and repeats his plea for God to deliver him from his enemies (v.7). This is one man’s prayer but a reminder how we out to pray.
First, we need to pray in desperation, as if it all depends on God for it does. Second, we are to pray remembering what God has done in our lives, recalling His goodness and how He has provided in the past. Third, we are to remember that no enemy is too great for Him.
We are not like those without hope. Our hope is in God Who loves us and brings us His mercy, lovingkindness, and forgiveness. What a loving God we have. He answers our prayers.
Lord, I pray for grace to pray as I ought to pray, remembering Your love for me.