Psalm 88:13

But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You.

Study Bible

But to You
This phrase signifies a direct and personal appeal to God, emphasizing the psalmist's focus and reliance on the divine. The Hebrew word used here is "אֵלֶיךָ" (eleikha), which conveys a sense of direction and purpose in the prayer. It underscores the exclusivity of the psalmist's plea, indicating that despite the surrounding darkness, the psalmist turns solely to God, acknowledging Him as the ultimate source of hope and deliverance.

O LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name is deeply significant in the Hebrew tradition, representing God's eternal presence and covenantal faithfulness. By invoking this name, the psalmist is not only calling upon God's power but also His promises and steadfast love, which have been a foundation for Israel throughout history.

I cry for help
The Hebrew root for "cry" is "שָׁוַע" (shava), which implies a loud, desperate call for assistance. This is not a mere request but an urgent plea born out of deep distress. The psalmist's cry is a raw expression of human vulnerability and need, reflecting a heart that is overwhelmed yet still reaching out in faith to the One who can save.

in the morning
The phrase "in the morning" suggests a renewal of hope and persistence in prayer. In the Hebrew context, morning is often associated with new beginnings and God's mercies, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23. The psalmist's decision to pray in the morning indicates a disciplined faith, choosing to seek God at the start of the day, symbolizing trust in God's provision and presence.

my prayer
The word "prayer" here is "תְּפִלָּה" (tefillah) in Hebrew, which encompasses not just requests but also worship, confession, and communion with God. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the psalmist's communication with God, suggesting that even in despair, there is an element of worship and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

comes before You
The phrase "comes before You" indicates the psalmist's confidence that his prayer reaches God. The Hebrew concept here is one of presentation, as if the prayer is being laid before a king. This reflects a belief in God's accessibility and attentiveness, assuring the psalmist that his cries are not in vain but are heard by a compassionate and responsive God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 88, traditionally attributed to Heman the Ezrahite, who is expressing deep distress and seeking God's intervention.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, to whom the psalmist directs his cries and prayers.

3. The Morning
A time of day symbolizing new beginnings and hope, when the psalmist brings his prayers before God.

Teaching Points

Persistent Prayer
The psalmist's continual crying out to God teaches us the importance of persistence in prayer, even when we feel overwhelmed by life's challenges.

Morning Devotion
Starting the day with prayer sets a foundation for a God-centered life, aligning our hearts and minds with His will.

Trust in God's Timing
Although the psalmist is in distress, he demonstrates trust in God's timing and faithfulness by bringing his requests before Him each morning.

Honest Communication with God
The raw emotion in the psalm encourages believers to be honest with God about their struggles, knowing that He hears and cares.

Hope in Despair
Even in the darkest times, turning to God in prayer can bring hope and reassurance of His presence and love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the psalmist's approach to prayer in Psalm 88:13 inspire you to prioritize your own prayer life?

2. In what ways can starting your day with prayer impact your daily walk with God?

3. How do the themes of persistence and trust in God's timing in Psalm 88:13 relate to other biblical examples of prayer?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed. How did turning to God in prayer change your perspective or situation?

5. How can you incorporate the practice of morning prayer into your routine, and what steps can you take to ensure it becomes a consistent habit?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 5:3
This verse also speaks of directing prayers to God in the morning, emphasizing the importance of starting the day with communication with the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-23
These verses highlight God's mercies being new every morning, providing hope and encouragement to those who seek Him.

Mark 1:35
Jesus Himself prayed early in the morning, setting an example for believers to follow in prioritizing time with God.