In Times of Difficulties

Psalm 141

Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj

Introduction

This is a psalm of David. It was used in A.D. 349–407 as part of the evening liturgy in the Greek Church, owing to the reference in Psalm 141:2 to the evening sacrifice.

David’s Prayer Set — Psalm 141:1–10

1. Prayer is set as incense of the evening sacrifice (Psalm 141:1–2).

David offered his prayer as an urgent cry to the Lord for help. He called out as a child to a parent, appealing for God to move quickly on his behalf. His posture of lifting up his hands mirrored the evening sacrifice — a gift offered to God. Scripture often portrays prayer as incense rising before the Lord (Rev. 5:8; Heb.13:15).

2. Prayer is set to be kept from evil (Psalm 141:3–4).

David prayed as one offering an evening sacrifice, yet at the same time he asked God to keep watch over the door of his lips so that he would not speak evil. He was deeply conscious that the same mouth which offered prayer to God could not also speak wickedness or pursue the ways of men who do evil.

3. Prayer is set to be corrected by the righteous (Psalm 141:5a).

David rejected the delicacies of the wicked and, at the same time, embraced correction from the righteous. Such correction, he recognized, could be as healing and beneficial as fine oil poured upon his head. He came before God in prayer with an attitude of rejecting evil and welcoming the righteous rebuke as a blessing.

4. Prayer is set for preservation against the wicked and their works (Psalm 141:5b–7).

David’s words regarding the wicked judges being overthrown at the sides of the cliff are difficult to interpret from the Hebrew. Nevertheless, as his enemies sought to make his life more miserable, he expressed confidence in God’s judgment upon them. He offered his prayers as something sweet before God, even in the midst of his anguish. The phrase “our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave” is likewise challenging in Hebrew, yet it powerfully conveys the depth of suffering he endured under the oppression of his enemies.

5. Prayer is set to find safety in the Lord (Psalm 141:8–10).

In the midst of terrible circumstances, David fixed his eyes upon the Lord. God was his refuge. He sought safety in the Lord so that he might be delivered from the snares his enemies had laid to destroy him.

Conclusion

David brought his many needs before the Lord in prayer. We, too, need God’s help in times of difficulty and oppression. When we face challenges, let us turn to the Lord for help and safety. To whom do you go when problems arise — God or people? If we go to God, we will find deliverance and security. Let us come to the God who helps us through prayer.