Book of Psalms - Chapter 88 - Verse 13
Meaning
When looking at the verse "But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee," we see a powerful expression of the speaker's devotion and commitment to seeking God's presence through prayer. The phrase "I have cried" conveys a sense of urgency and sincerity in the speaker's plea to the Lord, indicating that their prayers are heartfelt and genuine. The mention of "in the morning" suggests a deliberate and intentional act of seeking God's guidance and protection at the start of each day. The word "prevent" here does not mean to stop or hinder, but rather to come before or precede. This highlights the speaker's desire for their prayers to reach God before anything else, emphasizing the priority and importance of seeking divine intervention in their life. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the believer's continuous reliance on God for strength, guidance, and protection.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the psalmist expresses his intimate relationship with God through prayer. The word "cried" in the Hebrew text carries a sense of urgency and desperation, indicating that the psalmist is pleading earnestly to the Lord. The phrase "in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee" highlights the psalmist's commitment to seeking God early in the day, before any other tasks or distractions. The word "prevent" in this context means to go before or anticipate, suggesting that the psalmist's prayer will reach God before anything else does. This verse emphasizes the psalmist's reliance on God's presence and power in his life, as he starts each day with prayerful communication. It serves as a reminder for us to prioritize seeking God first in all our endeavors, knowing that our prayers are heard and received by Him.