Psalms 102:1
A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
Psalms 102:1 · King James Version
Meaning
Psalm 102:1 is a verse that reflects the heartfelt plea of a distressed individual seeking solace and comfort in His presence. The psalmist acknowledges their affliction and overwhelming circumstances, turning to God with a poured out heart full of complaints and distress. The verse serves as a reminder that in times of trouble and distress, it is essential to seek refuge and seek help from the Almighty. By coming before the Lord with complete honesty and openness, we can experience His mercy and compassion. The act of prayer is an essential means of communication between the believer and God, allowing them to express their deepest emotions and concerns. The verse emphasizes the importance of crying out to the Lord in times of trouble, trusting that He hears and cares for us. It serves as a model for believers to approach God with their burdens and seek His comfort and intervention in times of need.
Theological Overview
Within this verse, the psalmist expresses a deep sense of affliction and overwhelmment, turning to God in prayer and pouring out his complaints before the Lord. The term "afflicted" indicates a state of suffering or distress, highlighting the psalmist's desperation for divine intervention. The act of pouring out his complaint before the Lord signifies not just a simple prayer, but an outpouring of raw emotion and honesty before God. This demonstrates the psalmist's trust in the Lord's ability to hear and respond to his cries. The word "cry" in this context refers to a deep and heartfelt plea, emphasizing the intensity of the psalmist's prayer. By invoking God's name and beseeching Him to hear his prayer, the psalmist acknowledges his dependence on God's grace and mercy in times of trouble. This verse serves as a poignant reminder that in moments of distress, we can always turn to God in prayer, knowing that He hears and answers the cries of His faithful followers.
Psalms 102:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
[A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before Jehovah]. Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, And let my cry come unto thee.
World English Bible
Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you.
Douay-Rheims
For David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless his holy name.
Geneva Bible (1599)
A prayer of the afflicted, when he shall be in distresse, and pour forth his meditation before the Lord. O Lord, heare my prayer, and let my crye come vnto thee.