Psalm 57:2

Psalm 57 begins with a cry to God for mercy: "God help me!" Human nature being what it is, there is no prayer more basic to our experience. It may not be the ideal prayer. But, it's the most common one. There isn't a person living who hasn't at some time in their life cried out: "God help me" — even if they weren't certain whether there was Anyone or anything to whom to cry.

But, the prayer in verse 1 is not just general, it is also very personal and intimate: "...for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge...."

This is followed by a statement of intent. In a sense, this statement implies a rationale for prayer

אֶקְרָא לֵאלֹהִים עֶלְיוֹן לָאֵל גֹּמֵר עָלָי

"I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me." (NASB).

Why will we pray? Why is it even possible or appropriate to bring our personal requests and needs to God? Because God accomplishes things for us, in answer to our requests.

It seems strange at first glance that the initial cry of mercy is followed by a declaration of intent: "I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me." But, the idea here is that at all times — and especially in times of need and stress — the psalmist intends to call upon God.

And, that's worth thinking about. Prayer is often a last resort for us. When all other sources of help have been exhausted, then we seek out the place of prayer — and request the prayers of others. This verse suggests that it should be more of a first resort.

The church I am serving is engaged right now in a process of visioning and looking to the future. Our leader, Naomi García, who works for the West Michigan Conference, has been leading us in the process. She prods us on how/whether we have made prayer a part of our process of reflection. And, we need to be prodded. Our impulse is to do, to go get ideas from somewhere, to make a plan, etc. — sadly, our first impulse is not the impulse to pray.

But, someone who says "I will cry to God Most High, To God who accomplishes all things for me" is someone who resorts to God in all circumstances. This is someone who has the intent to pray.

If I have the intent to pray I will rise in the morning and seek God. If I have the intent to pray I will find times during the day to seek God. I will be bold enough to ask — for myself and for others. I will look expectantly for answers.

— Craig L. Adams