Psalm 71:1-6

Prayer for Lifelong Protection and Help

1 In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. 2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me. 3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress,[a] to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel. 5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. 6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; it was you who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you.

I appreciate the title of this psalm – a prayer for LIFELONG protection and help. It sounds like a vaccination that lasts forever – no need for a booster or another dose along the way.

In the waters of baptism, we are clothed in Christ, and wrapped in God’s eternal embrace. But that doesn’t stop the hand of the wicked, the grasp of the unjust and cruel attempting to snatch us away.

What is it that tugs at you that causes a tug-of-war in your life, your heart, your home?

Here is the same psalm from Eugene Peterson’s “The Message:”

71 1-3 I run for dear life to God, I’ll never live to regret it. Do what you do so well: get me out of this mess and up on my feet. Put your ear to the ground and listen, give me space for salvation. Be a guest room where I can retreat; you said your door was always open! You’re my salvation—my vast, granite fortress.

4-6 My God, free me from the grip of Wicked, from the clutch of Bad and Bully. You keep me going when times are tough— my bedrock, God, since my childhood. I’ve hung on you from the day of my birth, the day you took me from the cradle; I’ll never run out of praise.

Remember that even when our grip may slip, God will never let go.

Let us pray: Almighty God, Surround me with your warm and assuring embrace. May I face this day in the sure and certain hope of your love. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.