Psalm 66 has become, nearly so, a “manual” on prayer! At least much of the Poem addresses that critical issue.

Including its last verse, today’s focus. “Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.” Psalm 66:20

The participle “blessed” is “barak” in Hebrew. It means “to kneel” as well as “to bless.” Also “to congratulate, to praise” and “to salute.” It is translated all these ways in the King James Bible.

This Psalmist is determined to “uplift” His God! To adore and worship Him!

Two reasons for such exultation are mentioned. Both are “negative,” things which God DID NOT DO! Things He has NOT turned away! “To turn” (in Hebrew “sur”) actually means “to eschew, to avoid, to reject.”

First, is the Poet’s Prayer, which clearly has been heard of God!  “Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer.”

The noun “prayer” is “tephillah,” 77 times translated “prayer” in the Old Testament. It means “to intervene, to interpose,” implying our idea of “intercession.” Asking God, most often for someone else, certain things, needs to be met. Breaking into God’s eternal routine … pleading for His Power or Wisdom or Guidance … in some area of life!

Wow!

Here is Almighty God, in Isaiah 45:11, commanding us to pray like that! “Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.”

Wow again!

“Ask Me!”

“Command Me!”

Thus says the Lord.

But back to today’s verse. The second matter that has triggered the writer’s worship of God. “Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, NOR HIS MERCY From me.”

God’s Mercy!

Such a necessity has NOT been diverted from the Psalmist!

This little noun (mercy) is spelled “hesed” in Hebrew, a fundamental Old Testament word. (First cousin to “Grace” in the New Testament, I often say.) “Hesed” means “kindness, pity, concern for the suffering.” It suggests God “coming down” to meet the needs (especially salvation) of staggering humanity!

Praise the Lord!

See … I am reacting just as the writer did! “Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.”

Has God hear your prayer, as of late?

Has His mercy still been extended toward you?

If so, break into song!

Let flow from your lips praise!

“BLESSED BE THE LORD!”

“BLESSED BE THE LORD!”

“BLESSED BE THE LORD!”

Amen.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell