Commonplace –
“Let my prayer be set before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).
In this psalm, David begins with a plea, begging the Lord to hear his voice. First, David asks that his prayers permeate the air with a sweet aroma and his hands be seen as a living sacrifice for the Lord’s work. Then, he entreats God to guard his mouth and his heart from wickedness. He welcomes the reproach of the righteous as a kindness, an excellent oil. Even though David is in the midst of struggle, he pledges his allegiance and devotion to God. He asks for protection from evil and prays for justice to be served to the wicked, while he escapes their traps.
Psalm 141 is a good example of what to do in times of struggle. Keep focused on God and seek his protection from temptation. It’s a reaffirming of the good, which is right at all times, but it becomes most important during times of temptation and struggle. It is both our best shield and weapon, our protection and defense.
In regard to this, Matthew Henry comments,
“Is any distressed? Let him pray; David did so, and had the comfort of it” (624).
Likewise, let prayer be our comfort in times of hardship.
Works Cited
Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 141.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.
Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.
© 2025 Angela Hormberg
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