THE POET’S PRAYER • PSALM 13
How Long, O Lord?
By Minister Denise N. Fyffe
Psalm 13 is for the believer who has prayed for a long time and still sees no visible change. David repeats the question, “How long?” because waiting can become its own kind of trial.
Read Psalm 13
King James Version (KJV) — full chapter
1. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
2. How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
3. Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
4. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
5. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
6. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
“But I have trusted in Your mercy.” — Psalm 13:5 (NKJV)
Faith Can Be Honest About Delay
David does not hide his sorrow from God. He speaks it. Biblical faith is not pretending that delay does not hurt. It is bringing that hurt into the presence of God instead of allowing despair to have the final word.
The psalm begins with anguish but ends with trust. That movement is important. Prayer may not immediately change the circumstance, but it can restore our perspective while we wait.
A Prayer from Psalm 13
Lord, You know how long I have waited and how tired my heart can become. Meet me in this place of unanswered questions. Give light to my eyes and keep discouragement from overtaking me.
I choose again to trust Your mercy. Remind me of the ways You have already dealt bountifully with me, and give me grace to continue until the answer comes.
Be encouraged.
The Poet’s Prayer
Christian prayers, praises and poetic reflections for your walk with God.