121 Days of Prayer

O God, Why Do You Cast Us Off Forever?

The purposes of this prayer are: Mercy, Forgiveness, Reconciliation and Protection.

Heavenly Father, the psalmist was experiencing intense anguish and deep despair when he prayed for your mercy and your protection in Psalm 74: “O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture? Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage! Remember Mt. Zion, where you have dwelt. Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins; the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!” and also, “They said to themselves, ‘We will utterly subdue them;’ they burned all the meeting places of God in the land. We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is none among us who knows how long. How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!” Psalm 74:1–3, 8–11 (ESV). Loving Father, we understand the sadness and sense of abandonment the psalmist expressed, for many of us have also felt deep sadness at times, and even complete separation from your love and care. It is during such times that we must keep in mind that “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose,” and further, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:28, 31–32 (ESV). Our faith in your Son, Jesus, is our salvation. Amen.