Out of the Depths I Have Cried to You, O Lord
Main Idea
Pope Shenouda III reflects on the Psalm verse, “Out of the depths I have cried to You, O Lord,” explaining that true prayer is not merely words spoken by the lips, but a cry that comes from the depths of the heart, feelings, and need.
A person may reach the depths of weakness, helplessness, and sin, and then realize that he cannot save himself, so he cries out to God asking for help and salvation.
He explains that crying out to God expresses the depth of need, like a person deep inside a pit or a drowning person calling with all his strength for rescue.
He also emphasizes that God is the true refuge, and when a person finds no one who can save him, he raises his voice to the Lord because He alone is able to save.
Spiritual Message
The reflection focuses on the repeated words “O Lord,” explaining that the name of the Lord carries meanings of strength and power, the eye that sees everything, and the deep love with which God deals with humanity.
He emphasizes that prayer should be according to God’s will, rather than simply asking for personal things, and that the most important thing a person should ask for is the forgiveness of his sins and reconciliation with God.
A person cannot justify himself before God; therefore, he comes to Him confessing his sin, asking for His mercy and forgiveness, and holding firmly to the truth that forgiveness comes from Him.
Educational Lesson
The reflection teaches us not to lose hope when the answer is delayed, but to wait for the Lord with faith and patience.
God is able to accomplish salvation through many or through few, and He can use the weak and helpless to accomplish His purposes, as the reflection illustrates through the examples of David, Samson, Moses, Joshua, and Peter.
It also encourages a person not to allow despair or the enemy’s thoughts to convince him that there is no point in praying or that his salvation is impossible.
Practical Application
A person should raise his prayer from the depths of his heart, confessing his weakness and sins, and asking God for forgiveness and help.
He should hold firmly to God’s promises and wait for the Lord “from the morning watch until night” with faith, hope, and confidence in His love and salvation.
The central message is that falling should not lead to despair, but rather to crying out to God, holding firmly to Him, and trusting that He is able to raise the person up and accomplish salvation for him.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
