What is the meaning of Psalm 88:2?

May my prayer come before You

- The psalmist believes his words truly reach the living God, not symbolically but in fact (Psalm 65:2).

- “Come before” pictures prayer entering God’s throne room, just as incense rises in Psalm 141:2 and Revelation 8:3-4.

- The confidence echoes Hebrews 4:16, where believers are urged to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” and Ephesians 2:18, which states that “through Him we both have access to the Father.”

- This line teaches:

• God is personally accessible.

• Prayer is welcomed because of His covenant love (Psalm 89:3-4).

• We are invited to speak honestly, even from the depths of distress (Psalm 88:3-7).

---

incline Your ear to my cry

- “Incline” pictures the Almighty bending down to listen—an act of tender condescension seen in Psalm 17:6 and Psalm 40:1.

- The word “cry” shows raw urgency; the psalmist is not reciting liturgy but pleading for rescue (Psalm 18:6).

- Other passages reinforce God’s attentive ear: Isaiah 59:1 (“His ear is not too dull to hear”), 1 Peter 3:12 (“the ears of the Lord are toward the righteous”), and 1 Peter 5:7 (“He cares for you”).

- This line teaches:

• God responds to heartfelt desperation, not merely polished phrases.

• Even when circumstances remain dark—as they do throughout Psalm 88—He is still the nearest helper (Psalm 34:18).

• Persistent, faith-filled crying out is a mark of trust, not doubt (Luke 18:7-8).

---

summary

Psalm 88:2 models a believer who knows his petitions truly reach God and that God willingly bends down to hear. One half stresses confident access; the other, God’s compassionate attention. Together they invite us to pray frankly and expectantly, convinced that the Lord both hears and cares.