Psalm Four: Hear my prayer O God
Prayer is a conversation between Creator and created. Many times in private, but often shared with others, prayer is just a man, a woman, or a child talking to God.
There’s nothing mystical or mysterious about it. The Lord made us. He talks to us through His Word, and more personally, in the deep thoughts of our inner minds. Since he talks to us, it’s very natural for us to talk to him. The conversation goes both ways.
There are no fancy words required. We don’t have to kneel, bow, sit on a rug or face any position at all. We can do those things if we want but God does not require it. It’s just talking; a conversation between you and God.
You can cry, beg, plead, complain, or just say, “Good night Father, looking forward to talking to you in the morning.”
We can give thanks, praise, ask for things, or just talk about the weather. It is natural to talk to the Creator of nature about the things he does every day.
“Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”
Below is a simple prayer many parents have taught their children over the years. The opening line is familiar to many. (Note: the prayer is known in several different forms.)
It warms the heart to think of a young child speaking to God and asking for a good night’s sleep. When they close their eyes, those children trust God to watch over them. Those kids also know their loving parents will do the same.
Prayer is as simple as making a short request, closing one’s eyes to pass the night in a pleasant sleep, and trusting God to handle everything.
In Psalm four the writer isn’t a young child, but a king. King David knew what it was like to be sought out by others. He knew he could listen to or refuse the requests of those who wished to gain his favor.
King David, a man after God’s heart, knew that God listened to the prayers of His children.
So he prayed. A grown man, a king who ruled a mighty army that was feared by its neighbors, prayed and trusted God for the answers.
Sometimes the answers were not what he had hoped for.
But still, he prayed.
As Jesus once said; “Go thou and do likewise.”
Let us pray.
https://thewritelife.tech/2019/08/18/a-video-overview-of-the-book-of-psalms/
A Child’s Bedtime Prayer
– Henry Johnstone
Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray to God my soul to take.
If I should live for other days,
I pray the Lord to guide my ways.Father, unto thee I pray,
Thou hast guarded me all day;
Safe I am while in thy sight,
Safely let me sleep tonight.
Bless my friends, the whole world bless;
Help me to learn helpfulness;
Keep me every in thy sight;
So to all I say good night.
https://thewritelife.tech/2018/09/04/psalm-sixteen-death-and-resurrection-of-messiah/
Psalm Four: King James Version
1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm Four: New International Version
1 Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods
3 Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.
4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the LORD.
6 Many, LORD, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.
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