READ Psalm 109:1–5. 1 My God, whom I praise, do not remain silent, 2 for people who are wicked and deceitful have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues. 3 With words of hatred they surround me; they attack me without cause. 4 In return for my friendship they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. 5 They repay me evil for good, and hatred for my friendship.
BUT I AM A MAN OF PRAYER. David has given his attackers his friendship (verses 4 and 5), but in return they denounce him with words of hatred and lies (verses 2 and 3). How does David respond? Very simply he says, “But I am a man of prayer” (verse 4). It means he continues to pray for them even while they attack him (cf. Matthew 5:44). It also means that in times of terrible stress, he runs into the refuge of prayer. Is that how you respond to stress? And do you deal with attacks by praying fervently for your attackers (even as you may be seeking to right their wrongs or confront them)? It will make all the difference.
Prayer: Lord, my prayer is for my prayer. Help me change my heart toward those who trouble me. Through prayer drain away my ill will and desire to see them unhappy. I know those feelings harden and dehumanize me. Save me from them, please, Lord. Amen.