Ps 142 is written by David when he was in the cave probably fleeing from King Saul. Unlike the previous two Psalms 140 and 141 which are also written by David, he does not pray for the downfall or the retribution of his enemies in Ps 142. What we can observe and learn from David here is his honesty and vulnerability before His God. He begins this Psalm by stating that his voice is being raised to God (twice in verse 1).

His cries and pleas before God for mercy reflects the desperate situation that he was in. This sort of clause containing negative emotions is being used throughout this Psalm. Other similar expressions are “pour out my complaint” and “tell my trouble” (both verse 2); “my spirit faints” (verse 3); “cry to you” (verse 5); “my cry,” “brought very low” and “deliver me” (all verse 6) and finally “out of prison” (verse 7). All these tell us that the Psalter is in an unfavorable and despairing circumstance. Besides these last three Psalms, there are other Psalms that depict the extreme situations with enemies that come upon him from everywhere.

As David constantly uses himself as the subject in the Psalm, he also refers to God as the object whom he directs all his cries to. The occurrences of “Lord” (twice in verse 1 and once in verse 5). Then he refers to God in second and third person pronouns depending on where they appear.

Putting the subject referring to David, the object referring to God and the verbal clauses of negative expressions together in this Psalm makes this Psalm to become personal and intimate prayers of David before God. Then the Psalm ends with a glimpse of hope in verse 7 stating that the righteous will surround the writer and the promise that God will deal bountifully with him.

Dear brothers and sisters. Let us cultivate our spiritual discipline so that we can have intimate prayers to God. Let us also be open and vulnerable to him with whatever that are facing us – whether they are joys or sorrows. Begin today with the following suggested prayer.

Prayer

You are the God of my life and I love you, dear Lord.

(Pray and tell God what is bothering and hurting you in your innermost self.)

Dear Lord, help me to choose to walk in your paths so that I may continue to please you in all that I do.

I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.