Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

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Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

negative outcome would be devastating to my career. I was desperate for God to intervene. Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, ‘He won’t call me to account’?

But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you . . . Break the arm of the wicked man; call the evildoer to account for his wickedness that would not otherwise be found out.

~ Ps 10:12–15

The Psalms invited me to pour out my heart to God during those dark days. They gave me language for prayer when I was struck speechless. I discovered I was not alone—others had been falsely accused, back-stabbed by friends, pursued by enemies. These prayers assured me that God saw my grief. No one could stop me from appealing to him for justice. In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress,

for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.

Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.

~ Ps 31:1–5