Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 28 – A Prayerful Plea From the Heart

Psalm 28 – A prayerful plea from the heart

(Written by Phillips Koh)

King David begins his prayer by declaring God as his Rock. As a result, David could transcend the vicissitudes of life because he rested on this solid foundation. Can we likewise affirm these moving lyrics: “On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand…”?

David cried out for help from his heart (v.2) because he fully trusted God in his heart (v.7). Also David confessed his heinous sin of adultery from a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). Likewise, does our prayer spring from the heart as well?

Next, David describes the heart of the wicked: “who speak peace with their neighbours, while evil is in their heart (Psalm 28:3 ESV).” Such a heart will never gain a hearing from God. So do our words exactly match the intention of our hearts?

Thus David confidently declares: “Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy (Psalm 28:6).” God always listens to the plea of a repentant and desperate heart. What a wonderful assurance for us here!

Finally, David’s heart-felt prayer is not just for himself, but also for others in need. He ends his prayer by fervently imploring God to bless and to shepherd his people (v.9). Does our prayer also include others?

Let’s read Psalm 28

Of David.

1 To you, Lord, I call;
    you are my Rock,
    do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
    I will be like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
    as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
    toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
    with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
    but harbor malice in their hearts.
4 Repay them for their deeds
    and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
    and bring back on them what they deserve.

5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord
    and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
    and never build them up again.

6 Praise be to the Lord,
    for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

8 The Lord is the strength of his people,
    a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
    be their shepherd and carry them forever.

Let’s pray

Heavenly Father, we learn that You always listen to our heart cry. So help each one of us to walk closely with You each day. In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen.