Paula @ Gracefilled Moments Psalm 71 is a powerful prayer that offers comfort and hope to those who are growing older. It is a prayer of a senior citizen who’s seeking God’s help and protection during difficult times. This psalm can be a source of strength and encouragement for anyone who’s facing challenges in their later years.
The psalmist starts by crying out to God for help and protection. He acknowledges his dependence on God and his need for His intervention. He expresses his confidence in God’s ability to save him and his trust in His unfailing love.
“In you, O Lord, I have put my trust and confidently taken refuge; Let me never be put to shame. In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of refuge and a sheltering stronghold to which I may continually come; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress. Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked (godless), From the grasp of the unrighteous and ruthless man.”
Psalm 71:1-4— AMP
The psalmist then looks back on his life and recounts God’s faithfulness throughout the years. He praises God for His constant presence and protection, even in times of trouble and adversity. He declares his intention to continue to trust in God and to proclaim His goodness to others.
“For You are my hope; O Lord God, You are my trust and the source of my confidence from my youth. Upon You have I relied and been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You.”
Psalm 71:5-6— AMP
As the psalm continues, the psalmist asks God to continue to be his refuge and strength in the face of his enemies. He acknowledges the reality of his weakness and vulnerability but trusts in God’s power and faithfulness to deliver him.
“O God, do not be far from me; O my God, come quickly to help me! Let those who attack my life be ashamed and consumed; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek to injure me. But as for me, I will wait and hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:12-14— AMP
Psalm 71:12-14— AMP
The psalm ends with a powerful declaration of God’s greatness and sovereignty. The psalmist acknowledges that God alone is worthy of praise and worship and that His righteousness and faithfulness endure forever.
“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You, And my soul, which You have redeemed. My tongue also will speak of Your righteousness all day long; For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my injury.” AMP
Psalm 71:23-24— AMP
All In All
Psalm 71 is a beautiful prayer of a senior citizen who’s seeking God’s help and protection during difficult times. It’s a reminder that God is faithful and trustworthy, even as we grow older and face new challenges. May this psalm be a source of strength and encouragement to all who read it, and may we continue to trust in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness throughout our lives.
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Those are beautiful choices of scripture/prayers for the senior citizen. TFS!
What a beautiful prayer. I am an advocate of praying God’s Word, especially many of the Psalms but I had never thought of this one being so appropriate for senior citizens like me. Thanks for sharing.
You’re so welcome Donna.
I enjoyed your thoughts on this Psalm. It is a good prayer for seniors. When our son was dedicated to the Lord as an infant I chose Psalm 71:3 as a life verse for him. I didn’t know that one day he would face cancer treatment for leukemia and death as a child. But God honored that verse. Steven found refuge in God’s word including Revelation 21.
Verse 9 is one of my favorites: “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.” Also 15-21 about wanting to “proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.” You’re right, this whole psalm is a great one especially for us who are “older”
I was just commenting to my husband last night how a LIFETIME of faith is what makes the gospel more and more beautiful all the time. I see the wisdom in God’s plan and His love for us (and so many of these things the Psalmist mentioned) more and more the older I get. Thanks for sharing this post at the Will Blog for Comments #10 linkup. Hope to see you again next week.
What a beautiful prayer.
There is so much comfort in reading the words of the psalms and I love the way this one – Psalm 71 – provides added encouragement as I age. Thank you, Paula!
You’re welcome Laura. xo
Congratulations, Paula! This post was the most-visited at the Will Blog for Comments #10 linkup! It will be spotlighted all next week, starting on Monday. Hope to see you then with more posts to share. 🙂