Old Testament
Psalms 88:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry.
Compare translations
Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry;
What Psalms 88:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is earnestly asking God to listen to his prayers and pleas for help. The phrase 'let my prayer come before you' expresses a desire for direct communication with God, emphasizing the importance of prayer in seeking divine assistance. The request to 'incline your ear to my cry' suggests a deep sense of urgency and desperation, as the psalmist feels the weight of his troubles. This verse highlights the relationship between the believer and God, where the believer seeks God's attention and intervention in times of distress. It reflects a heartfelt longing for God’s presence and support, especially during difficult moments. The psalmist's words convey a sense of vulnerability and reliance on God, illustrating the human need for divine help and reassurance. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of reaching out to God in times of need, trusting that He hears and responds to our cries for help.
How to apply Psalms 88:2 to your life
When facing challenges, remember to bring your concerns to God in prayer. Trust that He hears you and is attentive to your needs. Make prayer a regular part of your life, especially during tough times, to strengthen your relationship with God.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 88:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 88:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 88:2 mean?
Psalms 88:2 expresses the psalmist's urgent plea for God to listen to his prayers and cries for help. It highlights the importance of prayer and the deep desire for God's attention during times of distress.
What is the meaning of 'incline your ear' in Psalms 88:2?
The phrase 'incline your ear' in Psalms 88:2 means to ask God to pay close attention to the psalmist's cries for help. It conveys a sense of urgency and the need for divine intervention.
How can I apply Psalms 88:2 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 88:2 by bringing your concerns and prayers to God, especially during challenging times. Trust that He listens and make prayer a regular part of your life.
What themes are present in Psalms 88:2?
Key themes in Psalms 88:2 include prayer, divine attention, desperation, and the need for communication with God. It reflects the human experience of seeking help and reassurance from God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.