The Psalms were the prayerbook of Jesus and the Jewish people. We see them quoted by Jesus throughout his ministry, even on the cross, where he cried out from Psalm 22—a psalm of lament. In fact, there are more lament psalms than any other kind of psalm in the Bible.
Biblical lament reminds us that when we pray, we do not have to pretend everything is okay or hide our eyes from the sin and brokenness in ourselves and in the world. Psalms of lament teach us to bring our grief, confusion, and need honestly before the Lord, while also trusting that he will meet us and those in need with his saving deliverance. We will not always understand God’s timing or ways, but we can trust who he is and what he has done for us. Psalm 22 speaks of Christ’s suffering on the cross but also declares that the Father “has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help” (Psalm 22:24). After the cross comes the resurrection.
As we pray this week, let’s lament the brokenness in the world and the great needs of the vulnerable, but let’s also praise God and trust in his deliverance. And let’s end our prayer this week with these words from Psalm 22:26–28: “The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him. . . . All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.”
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“We continue our work in Prey Veng Province, Cambodia, to preach the gospel and help the poor in the slums. Many Vietnamese and Cambodian communities here are unemployed, sick, and impoverished, with no future. The best gift for them is Jesus Christ. We have provided 2,000 kg of rice to 200 poor families, as well as cakes and candies for underprivileged children (below). Thank you for joining us in preaching the gospel and helping them.” —Pastor M, Feed the Hunger partner
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- Today we have a Packathon with Westford UMC in Concord, NC! This week we’ll also be packing with DeSmet Jesuit High School (Saint Louis, MO), Mt. Zion Wesleyan Church (Thomasville, NC), and Haiti Health Promise (Saddle River, NJ).
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- Bible funds are going to Togo for a Bible distribution in a local prison. Pray for our partner and his team during this outreach.
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You enabled us to send funds so a pastor in Nepal could buy a motorcycle (above). “With immense joy, I take this opportunity to share with you the purchase of a brand-new, sturdy Indian motorcycle for Pastor P. My joy knows no bounds as I see this tenacious church planter now owning a motorcycle for his ministry among grassroots communities. On behalf of his family, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your prayers and partnership in providing this ministry tool.” —Feed the Hunger partner in Nepal
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Our partner in Mali updated us on conditions there: “The situation in our country is very concerning. On Saturday, April 25, our nation was the target of large-scale terrorist attacks. These attacks have had serious consequences, and even now, many cities remain under heavy pressure, with some surrounded by armed groups. In this very difficult context, we urgently ask for your support in prayer. We believe that God is our refuge and our help, and that He is able to intervene even in the most critical situations.”
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We’re praising God that Feed the Hunger boxes are being unloaded (above) for distribution in Cuba!
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The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. |
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Thank you for praying that God would meet those in need and deliver as only he can. May you have a blessed week in the Lord!
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