Day 32: October 16, 2013
Psalm 72 is all about praying for a just, righteous, generous, and peaceful king. At first glance it seems foreign to us. We do not have one person who will “defend the poor, rescue the homeless, and crush everyone who hurts them...[and who] has pity on the weak and the helpless and protects those in need." (Ps. 72: 4, 13 CEV).
But we do have a government and we have leaders. We are called to pray daily that they will be honest and fair, righteous, and ready to defend the needy. This psalm does not celebrate the wealthy; it is all about how the government –the king – is there to help those who are oppressed.
There is a revealing final phrase, however, in this prayer for the king: “Lord God of Israel, we praise you. Only you can work miracles.” (Ps. 72:13 CEV)
Divine Presence, We pray for your guidance for our “king” – our leaders. We need your miracles to help them turn toward each other and work together to bring peace to our nation and our world. May they become a model of a nonviolent solution to conflict and injustice. Amen.
Rev. Carol L. Cook
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Baltimore, MD
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