I call upon God, and the Lord will save me. Psalm 55:16
 
On him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, as you also join in helping us by your prayers. 2 Corinthians 1:10-11
 
Both the Psalter, David, and St. Paul in today's verses are suffering greatly and are laying their burdens on God. Even today, hundreds of years later, these words give us hope in knowing that God listens and carries our burdens just as he did for David and Paul.
 
Sometimes we lose focus and do not turn to God as we know we should. We may also feel that life is dealing more than we can bear. These are the times when we need to remember that God knows all that is in each of our hearts. He is there with open arms when we again turn to him.   
 
If we think of all that David, the Psalter, and St. Paul suffered in their ministries, we can be amazed that they remained stalwart in their faith and their abilities to call upon the Lord. Yet, their examples of faith in God's being with them every step of the way, has given us examples of how to pray and have faith in God's intercessions for each of us, his beloved children. May the words of today's verses give you hope and bring you closer to God in prayer.
 
Dear Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Thank you for always hearing our prayers. Forgive us when we lose focus and either rush through our prayers or do not pray. Give each of us a passion to pray for ourselves and for others, the church, and our nation. Thank you for the promises given to us in your everlasting word. Amen.
 
Florence Smallfield
Ministries
Teaching Mission Party