I waited patiently for the LORD;
     he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
     out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
     and gave me a firm place to stand.

Psalm 40:1-2

Prayer

Gracious God, the psalm writer waited patiently for you. In your time, you lifted him out of the pit and set his feet on a rock. You delivered him and filled him with praise.

I confess, Lord, that I find it hard to be patient, with others, with myself, and even with you. Sometimes you overwhelm me with your grace. Sometimes it seems as if you are asleep. I know you’re really not, but that’s how it feels. In such times it’s hard for me to wait patiently. I can become anxious or agitated. I can feel angry with you for not doing what seems so obvious to me. Or I can even wonder if you’re there at all. Forgive me, Lord, for my lack of patience.

Teach me how to wait on you with patience. Teach me to trust you even when I don’t understand what you’re doing. Help me to know deep in my heart that you want the very best for me.

As I wait upon you and put my hope in you, please renew my strength. Help me to soar on wings like eagles. May I run and not be weary. May I walk and not be faint. Amen.

Ponder Throughout the Day

It can be hard to wait patiently on the Lord, but when we do, God draws us near to his heart. (Inspired by Psalm 40:1-2)

For Further Reflection

Read all of Psalm 40, paying attention to what the Spirit of God is stirring up in your heart, especially in relationship to your work. Talk with God about what you are thinking and feeling.

You might also reflect on the following passage from the Isaiah:

Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The LORD is the everlasting God,
     the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
     his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
     and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
     and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength,
     they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
     they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:28-31

This prayer is part of a collection: 52 Workday Prayers: Learn from the Psalms How to Pray through Your Work. To purchase this devotional and small group guide, visit the De Pree Center store.