Toni’s Title
A Prayer from a Failing Heart
ESV Title
Lead Me to the Rock
Literary Type
This is an individual lament.
Laments
More than 1/3 of the Psalms fall into the category of complaints to God in situations of limitation or threat. These laments were a form of prayer and praise based on the conviction that God is concerned about people and answers the human cry in ways surpassing human expectation or understanding. Israel’s laments out of distress were a way of praising God even when he seemed absent. The faith of the psalmists is founded on the good news that God intervenes in desperate situations to help those who are distressed. The psalmists share a deep confidence that God is compassionate, concerned, hearing his people and involved with them; God is faithful and trustworthy. A lament is an outcry to God from a responsive heart. Laments came from individuals or from the community.
Examples: Psalms 3-5, 22, 27:7-14, 42, 51, 69, 90, 130, 137 and many others
NT Prayer Guide
Gal. 6:1-10
Superscription
To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. Of David.
61
Exaudi, Deus
1 Hear my cry, O God; *
give ear unto my prayer.
2 From the ends of the earth I will call upon you *
when my heart is in heaviness.
3 O set me upon the rock that is higher than I, *
for you have been my refuge and a strong tower for me against the enemy.
4 Let me dwell in your tabernacle for ever, *
and my refuge shall be under the covering of your wings.
5 For you, O God, have heard my vows, *
and have given a heritage to those who fear your Name.
6 You shall grant the king a long life, *
that his years may endure throughout all generations.
7 His throne shall abide before God for ever; *
O prepare your loving mercy and faithfulness, that they may preserve him.
8 So will I always sing praise unto your Name, *
that I may daily perform my vows.