1 Lord, my petition heed,
now help me in my need,
my Savior be.
I am your servant, Lord;
my trust is in your word,
mercy to me accord;
Lord, hear my plea.
2 Comfort your servant now,
while at your throne I bow,
for you are love.
Your pard'ning grace is free;
sinners who call in need
your tender mercy see,
O God above.
3 Lord, hear me while I pray,
while now in troubled day
I seek your face.
No god of man's design
is like our God, divine;
most bright your glories shine,
O God of grace.
4 By all whom you have made
be praise and worship paid
through earth abroad.
Your name be glorified,
there is none great beside,
matchless your works abide,
for you are God.
5 Help me your will to do,
your truth I will pursue,
teach me to fear;
my heart now purify,
your name to glorify,
O Lord, my God Most High,
with heart sincere.
6 How great your love appears
that made death’s gloomy fears
no more dismay;
O God, to anger slow,
save me from ev'ry foe,
your lovingkindness show,
your truth display.
7 Show me your mercy true,
your servant’s strength renew,
deliv'rance send.
To me your goodness show,
your comfort, Lord, bestow;
let those who hate me know
you are my friend.
Source: Trinity Psalter Hymnal #86B
First Line: | Lord, my petition heed |
Title: | Lord, My Petition Heed |
Meter: | 6.6.4.6.6.6.4 |
Language: | English |
Copyright: | Public Domain |
A prayer for God's forgiving mercy and for deliverance from the threat of ruthless enemies–to the praise of God’s greatness and goodness.
Scripture References:
st. 1 = vv. 1-3
st. 2 = vv. 4-5
st. 3 = vv. 6-8
st. 4 = vv. 9-10
st. 5 = vv. 11-12
st. 6 = vv. 13-16
st. 7 = vv. 16-17
This psalm is fitting for any of God's people threatened by those who would rob them of their security as children of God. The psalmist's hope and plea is that God will graciously forgive his children and deliver them as well. "Poor and needy" in a time of great peril, the psalmist pleads for God's help as a servant who trusts confidently in the LORD (st. 1). With the psalmist, we pray for God's mercy on us and for the comfort of forgiveness in a time of need (st. 1-2). 0 LORD, you far outshine all other gods, says the psalmist (st. 3); you command the praise of all people (st. 4). The psalmist asks for guidance in the way of truth and vows to praise and glorify the LORD forever (st. 5; v. 12). Then he praises God for abundant love and grace and returns to a plea for help (st. 6), mercy, renewed strength, deliverance, and comfort–so that enemies may be put to shame in the knowledge that the LORD is our friend (st. 7). Bert Polman (PHH 37) versified this psalm in 1983 for the Psalter Hymnal, retaining several lines from the 1912 Psalter.
Liturgical Use:
When the church suffers threats to its security and well-being, and many other occasions. Stanzas 4 and 5 make a fine doxology for the conclusion of worship.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988