Words of Hope: Psalm 20
One of the first passages we all memorized as a staff was Psalm 20. It’s my go-to passage for those in distress. I think of my dear friend Bonnie who was the office manager at NBC Camps for many years. Bonnie lost her beloved son recently in a plane crash, and to compound her heartache, her home was threatened by the blazing wildfires north of Spokane. I think of all the days and weeks we prayed together in my office. She is a woman of tremendous faith. I think of her suffering watching her husband die of cancer and now the work she faces to overcome the unbearable.
I pray Psalm 20 for her. Dad and I would do this aloud together. May the Lord help Bonnie in her distress, may the name of the God of Jacob protect her. I believe these words and I trust fully for God to bring help in distress. We prayed this specific prayer together for many people. I also think about my hand on Dad’s forehead as he labored dying, praying this aloud for him.
Prayer changes us. It does the work that we cannot do. It does the healing that cannot happen any other way. We can send cards and notes, and flowers to those who are suffering but the greatest gift is to kneel and claim the promises that God makes.
Psalm 20 for our beloved Bonnie and for those you know who are suffering.
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
Now this I know:
The Lord gives
victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power
of his right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name
of the Lord our God.
They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand
firm.
Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!
