How Do I Pray for Others When I Feel Helpless? (Psalm 79) | Daily Devotional & Bible Study

Today we look at Psalm 79, a powerful example of praying on behalf of others. When it seems like there is nothing we can do, we can still pray and remind God of His promises for the people we love. Israel was in a desperate place spiritually, politically, and economically, and this psalm shows us how to pray in times like that.

"Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name's sake." (Psalm 79:9)

Questions this episode answers

What is intercessory prayer?

Intercessory prayer is praying on behalf of someone else. In Psalm 79, Asaph pleads with God for his whole nation. Christians are called to pray for others, and Jesus Himself intercedes for us.

Why does Psalm 79 appeal to God's name?

The psalmist asks God to act for the glory of His name. That means asking God to show who He is by keeping His promises. We can pray the same way, asking God to be true to His character in the lives of people we love.

What can I do when a situation feels hopeless?

Pray. It may feel small, but Scripture shows that prayer matters to God. Like Psalm 79, bring the need to Him plainly and remind Him of His promises.

Links

Praying the Psalms for the people we love is something we practice together on our contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui.

Bible Study Live is a small-group Bible study trip with Rachael Groll. Study Scripture where it happened in Rome, or slow down for a contemplative Bible study retreat in Maui. Dates and details at BibleStudyLive.org

Listen ad-free, plus the full library of past series, on Patreon: patreon.com/HearingJesus

Questions or prayer requests? Leave me a voicemail: SpeakPipe

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices