Psalms 141:1

Psalms 141:1

This verse begins a plea for urgent divine attention: “Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me.” The psalmist’s urgency reflects impending danger or distress. The request for God to “give ear unto my voice” emphasizes earnest prayer that God would listen attentively and promptly. The repeated sense of seeking God’s response characterizes biblical petitioning—honest, bold, and dependent. The context includes a life of peril where quick divine intervention can mean safety and vindication.

The verse foregrounds the relational posture of prayer: God is approachable, attentive, and capable of swift action. It affirms a God who hears and responds to the cries of the afflicted, reinforcing the personal nature of faith. It also sets the tone for the rest of the psalm’s prayers, blending urgency with trust in God’s sovereignty.

In modern life, this verse validates turning to God first in moments of crisis—health scares, job loss, or family danger. Practical steps: pause, call out to God with honesty, and then wait for God’s response while remaining engaged in practical measures (seek help, make a plan). It also encourages persevering prayer: even when answers take time, persist in lifting your voice to God, perhaps in corporate prayer with others. For students or workers facing deadlines or hostile environments, this verse encourages approaching God before panic, inviting divine guidance and composure.

Cross-References: Psalm 3:4; Psalm 55:1; Psalm 61:2; Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 34:17