Psalm 17:1-7 “A Prayer by David. Hear, LORD, my righteous plea. Give ear to my prayer that doesn’t go out of deceitful lips. Let my sentence come out of your presence. Let your eyes look on equity. You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey. As for the deeds of men, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent. My steps have held fast to your paths. My feet have not slipped. I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech. Show your marvelous loving kindness, you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.”

Here David cries out to God for vindication based on his own righteousness. We may be tempted to do the same. “God, help me because I’m righteous. Look at me and reward me!” However, we understand that it’s not our own righteousness that we should plead, but Christ’s righteousness. All our righteousness is as filthy rags. We receive mercy because of Jesus Christ:

Romans 8:33-34 “Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”

And maybe this gives us some additional insight into praying in Jesus’ name. Perhaps the reminder is that God owes us nothing, but Jesus died so that God could give us everything! We pray in His name, remembering His sacrifice, and asking for God’s mercy.

For additional worship: “The Lovingkindness of the Lord” (Samuel Medley)

Awake, my soul, in joyful lays,
And sing the great Redeemer’s praise;
He justly claims a song from me-
His lovingkindness, O how free!
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness, O how free!

He saw me ruined in the fall,
Yet loved me, notwithstanding all;
He saved me from my lost estate-
His lovingkindness, O how great!
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness, O how great!

When trouble, like a gloomy cloud,
Has gathered thick and thundered loud,
He near my soul has always stood-
His lovingkindness, O how good!
Lovingkindness, lovingkindness,
His lovingkindness, O how good!