Old Testament

Psalms 102:1

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the psalmist is earnestly calling out to God, seeking His attention and help.

Author: David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written: Around 1000-500 BC
Genre: Poetry and worship
Original Audience: Worshipers of Israel

CBTClear Bible Translation

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come to you.

KJVKing James Version

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist is earnestly calling out to God, seeking His attention and help. The repetition of 'hear my prayer' emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the plea. The psalmist acknowledges God as 'LORD,' indicating a personal relationship and trust in His power to respond. The phrase 'let my cry come to you' suggests a deep emotional state, possibly of distress or sorrow, where the psalmist feels the need for divine intervention. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, which reflects themes of suffering, longing for God’s presence, and the hope for restoration. It highlights the importance of prayer as a means of communication with God, especially in times of trouble. The psalmist's heartfelt cry serves as a reminder that God is always listening and that we can bring our deepest concerns to Him, trusting that He will respond in His perfect timing and way.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Psalms 102:1 to your life

When facing challenges or feeling overwhelmed, we can follow the psalmist's example by bringing our concerns to God in prayer. This verse encourages us to be honest about our feelings and to seek God's help, knowing He hears us and cares for our struggles.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 102:1 teach about prayer?

Psalms 102:1 emphasizes the importance of earnest prayer and seeking God's attention during times of distress. The psalmist's plea highlights that prayer is a vital means of communication with God, especially when we feel overwhelmed or in need of help. It encourages believers to approach God with honesty and urgency, trusting that He hears and responds to our cries.

How can I apply Psalms 102:1 in my life?

You can apply Psalms 102:1 by making prayer a priority in your life, especially during challenging times. When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to express your feelings to God, just as the psalmist did. Be honest about your struggles and trust that God is listening. This verse serves as a reminder that you are not alone and that God cares deeply about your concerns.

Why does the psalmist repeat 'hear my prayer'?

The repetition of 'hear my prayer' in Psalms 102:1 underscores the urgency and desperation of the psalmist's plea. It highlights the deep longing for God's attention and intervention in a time of suffering. This repetition serves to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and the psalmist's faith that God is capable of responding to his cries.

What themes are present in Psalms 102:1?

Psalms 102:1 encompasses several key themes, including prayer, desperation, and the need for divine attention. It reflects trust in God amidst emotional distress and highlights the importance of seeking God's help. The verse sets the stage for the psalm's broader themes of suffering, longing for God's presence, and the hope for restoration.

Book Summary

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 1: Two Paths

This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.

That person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water that produces fruit in season and keeps its leaf from withering, and their way prospers. The ungodly are not like that; they are like chaff driven by the wind. The psalm ends by saying the ungodly do not stand in the judgment or remain among the righteous, because the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly perishes. Psalm 2: The Anointed King This psalm speaks about nations and rulers stirring up unrest and setting themselves against the LORD and against his Anointed. They speak as if they can break free from God's rule, as though his bonds can be thrown off. The LORD who sits in the heavens responds with scorn and speaks in his wrath. He declares his king set upon Zion, and the Anointed speaks of the decree: he is called the Son and is given the nations for an inheritance. The psalm warns kings and judges to be wise, to serve the LORD with fear, and to rejoice with trembling, ending with a call to honor the Son and a statement that blessed are all who trust in him. Psalm 3: A Psalm of David (Fleeing from Absalom) A Psalm of David, when he flees from Absalom his son. David speaks of many enemies rising up against him and many voices saying there is no help for him in God. He describes pressure on every side and the shame those words bring. David then speaks directly of the LORD as his shield, his glory, and the one who lifts up his head. He says he cries to the LORD and receives an answer from God's holy hill, and he lies down and sleeps because the LORD sustains him. He says he is not afraid though tens of thousands set themselves against him, and he calls on the LORD to arise, asking for deliverance and blessing for God's people.

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