Have you ever prayed in a cave? David did. Probably Jesus did. I have.
A cave is a powerful experience and symbol that the Lord is our refuge — not only in the silence and solitude of the desert or in church, but wherever we go. Meditating on this, I remind myself that Jesus is beside me with his arms and his heart open to receive me.
And in Jesus’ open arms I meet God as my Abba who loves me!
I invite you to pray my Psalm 71 prayer and appreciate that the Lord is your refuge — now and always. The refrain (in italics) is very special to me. It’s a prayer of longing for God. I prayed it over and over for myself and many people for nearly four hours as I ran the 26.2 mile “Surf City Marathon” last year. May the Lord use this Psalm 71 prayer to help us be more devoted to loving and serving our Lord Jesus Christ and Father God.
Be My Rock of Refuge
Though enemies accuse me,
Though people are against me,
I declare your splendor –
O Holy One,
O Sovereign Lord –
I sing to you alone.
Be my rock of refuge, O God;
Be the One I always go to.
Open your arms to me –
O my Savior,
O my Lord –
I come to you alone.
Though I get old and grey,
Though my strength leaves me,
I put my hope in you –
O Holy One,
O Sovereign Lord –
I trust you alone.
[Refrain]
Though my troubles are many,
Though I’ve fallen so low,
I know you will lift me up –
O Holy One,
O Sovereign Lord –
I rely on you alone.
[Refrain]
You will increase my honor;
You will comfort me once again;
You will give me confidence –
O my Savior,
O my Lord –
I praise you alone.
Be my rock of refuge, O God;
Be the One I always go to.
Open your arms to me –
O my Jesus,
O my Abba –
I come to you alone.
I will praise you all day long;
I will praise you to the next generation;
I will praise you to everyone I meet –
O my Jesus,
O my Abba –
I come to you alone.
(Inspired by Psalm 71)
