How can we ensure our "cry comes before" the Lord daily? Opening the Text “May my cry come before You, O LORD; give me understanding according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:169) The psalmist longs for two things every day: 1. His voice—his “cry”—to reach God. 2. Insight that lines up with God’s Word. Both desires remain essential for us. Below are practical, Scripture-anchored ways to make sure our cry rises before the Lord daily. Why Our Cry Matters • God invites it: “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). • Christ opened the way: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). • The Spirit helps: “The Spirit Himself intercedes for us” (Romans 8:26). Daily Practices That Bring Our Cry Before the Lord 1. Schedule unhurried prayer times • Morning example: “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice” (Psalm 5:3). • Evening reflection: “On my bed I remember You” (Psalm 63:6). Pick slots you guard as firmly as any other appointment. 2. Pray Scripture back to God • Read a short passage, then turn its truths into petitions. • E.g., Psalm 23 → “Shepherd me today, keep me from want.” • This keeps requests aligned “according to Your word.” 3. Keep a running dialogue • “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Whisper thanks, ask for help, confess sin the moment it surfaces. • Short, honest phrases count as genuine cries. 4. Cultivate a listening heart • Pause after speaking; wait in silence (Psalm 46:10). • Note impressions that square with Scripture; discard what doesn’t. 5. Write a daily “cry list” • Top three burdens or praises. • Review and update each evening, watching for answered prayer. 6. Guard holiness for clear communion • “If I had cherished iniquity… the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). • Confess immediately (1 John 1:9) so nothing clogs the line. 7. Embrace corporate prayer • Join a faithful prayer group (Acts 1:14). • Others’ faith often ignites our own and lifts cries we overlook. Navigating Common Hindrances • Busyness → Set alarms, treat prayer like oxygen, not an add-on. • Distraction → Pray aloud, walk while praying, switch off devices. • Dry seasons → Read psalms aloud; let their words jump-start yours. • Doubt → Recall God’s past answers; journal them (Psalm 77:11-12). Living Psalm 119:169 Today • Begin each day: “Lord, let my cry come before You.” • Close each day: “Thank You for hearing; deepen my understanding.” • Trust that every sincere cry, no matter how simple, reaches the throne because His Word promises it (1 Peter 3:12). By weaving these patterns into daily life, we follow the psalmist’s example, ensuring our cry consistently rises before the Lord and He, in turn, grants understanding shaped by His unerring Word. |
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