Psalm 66:19
But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer.
But God
This phrase begins with a contrastive conjunction "But," indicating a shift from previous thoughts or circumstances. The Hebrew word for God here is "Elohim," a plural form that denotes majesty and power. It emphasizes God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in human affairs. In the context of the psalm, this phrase underscores the psalmist's confidence in God's active presence and responsiveness, contrasting human limitations with divine omnipotence.

has surely heard
The Hebrew root for "heard" is "shama," which means to listen with attention or interest. This is not a passive hearing but an active, engaged listening. The adverb "surely" adds emphasis, indicating certainty and assurance. The psalmist is expressing a deep conviction that God is not only capable of hearing but has indeed listened attentively to his cries. This reflects a personal relationship with God, where the psalmist trusts in God's faithfulness to respond.

He has attended
The word "attended" comes from the Hebrew "qashab," meaning to pay close attention or to heed. This suggests more than just hearing; it implies a readiness to act. The psalmist is confident that God is not indifferent but is actively considering his prayer. This reflects the biblical theme of God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people, where He is portrayed as a caring and responsive Father.

to the sound of my prayer
The "sound" here refers to the audible expression of the psalmist's plea. The Hebrew word "qol" can mean voice, sound, or noise, indicating that God is attentive to the very essence of the psalmist's communication. "My prayer" personalizes the interaction, highlighting the individual relationship between the psalmist and God. This phrase reassures believers that their prayers are not lost in the void but are heard by a loving and attentive God. It encourages a life of prayer, knowing that God values and responds to the heartfelt cries of His children.

Persons / Places / Events
1. God
The central figure in this verse, God is depicted as a listener and responder to prayer. His role as a divine being who hears and attends to human petitions is emphasized.

2. Psalmist
The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to David, who expresses gratitude and assurance that God has heard his prayer.

3. Prayer
The act of communication with God, which is central to the verse. It highlights the relationship between the psalmist and God.

4. Israel
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the psalm often reflects the collective experiences and worship practices of the nation of Israel.

5. Temple Worship
The broader context of Psalm 66 includes themes of worship and praise, likely reflecting the communal worship practices centered around the temple.
Teaching Points
God's Attentiveness
God is not distant or indifferent; He is actively listening to our prayers. This should encourage us to approach Him with confidence and sincerity.

The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a powerful tool for believers. It is not just a ritual but a means of communication with God that can lead to real change and divine intervention.

Faith and Assurance
The psalmist's assurance that God has heard his prayer is a model for us. We should cultivate a faith that trusts in God's responsiveness.

Thanksgiving in Prayer
Just as the psalmist expresses gratitude, our prayers should also include thanksgiving, acknowledging God's past faithfulness and present attentiveness.

Community Worship
While personal prayer is vital, the context of communal worship in the psalm reminds us of the importance of gathering with others to praise and seek God together.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the assurance that God hears our prayers impact your personal prayer life?

2. In what ways can you incorporate thanksgiving into your daily prayers, following the example of the psalmist?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt God attended to your prayer. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can the practice of communal worship enhance your understanding and experience of prayer?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your prayers align with God's will, as suggested by the connection to 1 John 5:14-15?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 John 5:14-15
This passage speaks about the confidence we have in approaching God, knowing that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. It parallels the assurance found in Psalm 66:19.

Philippians 4:6-7
These verses encourage believers to present their requests to God through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, promising peace as a result. This connects with the psalmist's experience of being heard by God.

James 5:16
This verse emphasizes the power of a righteous person's prayer, aligning with the psalmist's confidence that God has attended to his prayer.
God in HistoryW. Forsyth Psalm 66:1-20
ProvidenceJ. Stalker, D. D.Psalm 66:1-20
WorshipHomilistPsalm 66:1-20
Vows Fulfilled and Experiences RelatedC. Short Psalm 66:13-20
Christian ExperienceE. Payson, D. D.Psalm 66:16-20
Christian ExperienceDenis Browne, M. A.Psalm 66:16-20
GodlinessHomilistPsalm 66:16-20
Gratitude and GenerosityDean Howson.Psalm 66:16-20
Tell Others of JesusPsalm 66:16-20
The Communization of Christian ExperienceA. Thompson, D. D.Psalm 66:16-20
The Experience of a Godly ManHomiletic MagazinePsalm 66:16-20
The Good Man Grateful for DeliverancesSketches of Four Hundred SermonsPsalm 66:16-20
The Psalmist's InvitationJ. Stewart.Psalm 66:16-20
What Christ has Done for MeArchibald O. Brown.Psalm 66:16-20
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Attended, Attention, Certainly, Ear, God's, Heed, Listened, Open, Prayer, Truly, Verily, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 66:16-20

     8352   thankfulness

Psalm 66:18-19

     6606   access to God

Psalm 66:19-20

     8135   knowing God, nature of
     8614   prayer, answers
     8665   praise, reasons

Library
Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
A BRIEF AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE EXCEEDING MERCY OF GOD IN CHRIST TO HIS POOR SERVANT, JOHN BUNYAN; WHEREIN IS PARTICULARLY SHOWED THE MANNER OF HIS CONVERSION, HIS SIGHT AND TROUBLE FOR SIN, HIS DREADFUL TEMPTATIONS, ALSO HOW HE DESPAIRED OF GOD'S MERCY, AND HOW THE LORD AT LENGTH THROUGH CHRIST DID DELIVER HIM FROM ALL THE GUILT AND TERROR THAT LAY UPON HIM. Whereunto is added a brief relation of his call to the work of the ministry, of his temptations therein, as also what he hath met with
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

But, after that He had Made Mention of These Evils...
30. But, after that he had made mention of these evils, he added and said, "On account of which cometh the wrath of God on the sons of unbelief." [1923] Surely it was a wholesome alarm that believers might not think that they could be saved on account of their faith alone, even although they should live in these evils: the Apostle James with most clear speech crying out against that notion, and saying, "If any say that he have faith, and have not works, shall his faith be able to save him?" [1924]
St. Augustine—On Continence

The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Heart's Desire Given to Help Mission Work in China.
"Sept. 30 [1869].--From Yorkshire L50.--Received also One Thousand Pounds to-day for the Lord's work in China. About this donation it is especially to be noticed, that for months it had been my earnest desire to do more than ever for Mission Work in China, and I had already taken steps to carry out this desire, when this donation of One Thousand Pounds came to hand. This precious answer to prayer for means should be a particular encouragement to all who are engaged in the Lord's work, and who may
George Müller—Answers to Prayer

In Death and after Death
A sadder picture could scarcely be drawn than that of the dying Rabbi Jochanan ben Saccai, that "light of Israel" immediately before and after the destruction of the Temple, and for two years the president of the Sanhedrim. We read in the Talmud (Ber. 28 b) that, when his disciples came to see him on his death-bed, he burst into tears. To their astonished inquiry why he, "the light of Israel, the right pillar of the Temple, and its mighty hammer," betrayed such signs of fear, he replied: "If I were
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
The next thing that arises for consideration is, What is the nature of this Divine principle in the soul that is so entirely diverse from all that is naturally in the soul? Here I would observe,-- 1. That that saving grace that is in the hearts if the saints, that within them [which is] above nature, and entirely distinguishes 'em from all unconverted men, is radically but one -- i.e., however various its exercises are, yet it is but one in its root; 'tis one individual principle in the heart. 'Tis
Jonathan Edwards—Treatise on Grace

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
(at Feast-Time at Jerusalem, Probably the Passover.) ^D John V. 1-47. ^d 1 After these things there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. [Though every feast in the Jewish calendar has found some one to advocate its claim to be this unnamed feast, yet the vast majority of commentators choose either the feast of Purim, which came in March, or the Passover, which came in April. Older commentators pretty unanimously regarded it as the Passover, while the later school favor the feast
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V.
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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