Prayer for the Vulnerable: Psalm 82-Supplication through the Scriptures
Prayer for the Vulnerable
Psalm 82
Since there is such a failure in the administration of justice by those to whom it pertains, and who are appointed to do it in thy stead, do thou, O God, come forth thyself, and see that justice is executed among people. Do thou take the matter into thine own hands, and see that impartial justice is done everywhere among people. It pertains to thee as the great Proprietor of the earth to exercise justice; and we have nowhere else to look when men fail to do their duty.
Barnes
“When the wicked man rules, people groan” (Proverbs 29:2). Psalm 82 is God’s reminder to rulers and authorities that they are His representatives on earth and will be held accountable for their actions. As the psalmist begins, we see God Himself calling to account those He has placed in authority. We know there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist have been appointed by God (Romans 13:1). For those under authority, their responsibility is to submit to that authority, unless they must choose to obey God rather than men. But for those in authority their responsibility is to be a minister for good, an avenger on those practicing evil, to be servants of God rendering His righteous ways (Romans 13:4-6).
However, because of sin, there are wicked men who rule. Justice does get perverted. The law does get ignored. Partiality to the wicked is practiced. But the wonderful reminder of Psalm 82 is that God will hold them responsible who judge unjustly. They will give an account to Him who is the Righteous Judge. No injustice will escape God’s notice. For those in any type of authority, this should cause them to tremble and to act in reverence in the position God has given him. For those who are or have been a recipient of injustice, the Lord Himself is their protector, lifting up the ones bowed down. We can call on Him who is “the great Proprietor of the earth” to exercise justice. We can cry out to God to rise up in defense of the vulnerable. He will be their help. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob” (Psalm 146:5).
Let’s pray today through Psalm 82 for those we know who are in vulnerable positions because those in authority over them are not acting justly.
Give Justice
82:1-4 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Let’s pray:
▫️The Lord would humble those in authority so that they understand they are God’s representative to promote what is good.
▫️The vulnerable would find rest knowing God rules supreme, even over those who seem to have so much power over them.
▫️The Lord would call to account those who are judging unjustly or showing partiality.
▫️Those in authority would be just and kind to the weak, afflicted, destitute, or needy under their care.
▫️Authorities would understand that though they may feel independent of people, they are not independent of God.
▫️The vulnerable would cast all their cares on the One who cares for them (1 Peter 5:7).
▫️As the needy and vulnerable ones groan, the Lord Himself would arise and set them in the place of safety for which they long (Psalm 12:5).
Arise, O God!
82:5-8 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations!
Let’s pray:
▫️Because unjust authorities act without knowledge or understanding, we pray the Lord would open their eyes and give them true knowledge and understanding of His ways.
▫️The vulnerable would draw near to the Lord, take refuge in Him, seeking to know Him more, because “The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:9-10).
▫️The Lord would rise up on behalf of the vulnerable and orchestrate circumstances, influence minds, and change desires in order to protect the vulnerable from those who would actively seek their hurt or neglect to protect them.
▫️The Lord would strengthen the hearts and minds of the vulnerable. In their weakness, His strength would be on display. His grace would be sufficient for them as they suffer, and His power would be made perfect in their weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
May the Lord do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, for His glory and our good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Scripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All right reserved.
Comments