Psalms 142:1

Psalms 142:1

Psalm 142 commences, “I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication.” This psalm is a prayer of lament and trust from a place of isolation. The speaker voices distress and the act of bringing urgent cries to God, emphasizing personal petition and a relationship with God characterized by honest, unfiltered prayer. The context likely reflects a time of personal danger or persecution, where human support is unavailable, making divine listening essential. The repetition of “voice” underscores earnest, heartfelt pleading and the communal discipline of praying aloud as a form of lament and plea for refuge.

The verse highlights prayer as authentic and relational. It demonstrates the expectation that God attends to cries from the afflicted, affirming the personal God who hears. It also shows the legitimacy of lament—the practice of naming pain and asking for relief within a hopeful trust in God. The psalm invites readers to approach God with vulnerability, knowing that God listens.

In today’s world, this verse validates your right to voice pain, fear, or confusion to God—not just in private but in audible prayer if needed. Practical steps: set aside a specific time for lament and petition, write down your concerns to articulate them clearly, and invite a trusted friend or faith community to lift you in prayer. If you’re overwhelmed by circumstances, begin with a simple prayer like, “Help, Lord.” Allow your prayers to include both honest complaint and trust in God’s sovereignty, recognizing that lament can be a bridge to renewal and resilience.

Cross-References: Psalm 3:4; Psalm 34:17; Psalm 46:1-3; Habakkuk 1:2-4; Romans 8:26-27