Psalms 66:20
Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
Psalms 66:20
This verse completes the arc from complaint to confidence. The psalmist blesses God for not turning away prayer nor withholding mercy. It is a doxology in response to God’s steadfast faithfulness. The cultural setting includes ritual praise forms—blessing, mercy, steadfast love (chesed). The sentiment affirms God’s reliability and compassionate posture toward those who seek Him. To “not turn away” prayer signals God’s patient willingness to hear in the midst of human frailty. The mercy referenced is the ongoing covenantal mercy that sustains, forgives, and restores. Theologically, it anchors gratitude in the experiential reality of God’s mercy in daily life.
This verse highlights God’s steadfastness and merciful disposition. It reinforces God’s relational posture toward believers: He hears, heeds, and remains merciful. The word “mercy” (chesed) captivates the depth of God’s covenant faithfulness. The verse invites believers to trust in God’s continued mercy as the ground of prayer and praise. It also forms a foundation for perseverance: even when prayers seem unreciprocated, the assurance that God has not turned away sustains faith.
Practical steps:
- Develop a rhythm of blessing God after prayer, naming specific mercies you’ve received.
- Create a mercy log: track moments of God’s mercy in your life or in your community.
- Use discouraging moments to practice endurance, trusting that God’s mercy remains active.
- Encourage others with testimonies of how God did not turn away your prayers.
The verse invites steady trust in God’s mercy as a daily experience, not just a doctrinal belief.
Cross-References: Psalm 23:6; Psalm 86:15; Lamentations 3:22-23; Hebrews 4:16; James 4:6