An Exemplary Prayer
W. Jones. Psalm 109:21 But do you for me, O GOD the Lord, for your name's sake: because your mercy is good, deliver you me. I. IT IS TRUE IN ITS DIRECTION. It is addressed to "God the Lord." There is but One all-suffering Being to whom we can address our prayers. Think what is requisite to be able to answer prayer at all times — infinite intelligence, unlimited goodness, universal sovereignty, etc. The petition of the psalmist indicates his belief that he was approaching such a Being. If he could but secure the help of God he would leave everything else to Him. II. IT IS PERSONAL IN ITS AIM. "Do Thou for me." Man's first business is to secure the blessing of God for himself. We should not keep the vineyard of another and neglect our own. We should not attempt to lead ethers unto Jesus Christ until we know Him as our own Saviour. This is not selfish, but benevolent. III. IT IS SUBMISSIVE IN ITS SPIRIT. The wise and good man leaves the means and the manner of blessing to God. He leaves the time also to God. This submission is both wise and pious. IV. IT IS POWERFUL IN ITS PLEA. "For Thy name's sake." The name represents the character of God. The honour of the Divine name is bound up with His treatment of His people. If any one trusting in God were to perish, the glory of His name would be sullied. Such a plea — 1. Implies great faith in God on the part of Him who urges it. 2. Honours God by the exalted conception of His character which it implies. 3. Prevails with God. The man who honours God by believing greatly in Him is mighty with God in prayer. (W. Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: But do thou for me, O GOD the Lord, for thy name's sake: because thy mercy is good, deliver thou me. WEB: But deal with me, Yahweh the Lord, for your name's sake, because your loving kindness is good, deliver me;