Psalm 12 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try entering into prayer with this three-part rhythm:

Part 1

Become present to the presence of God:

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend. (Psalm 5:3 The Message).

Pause in silence before God. Practice breathing slowly and deeply. As you inhale, invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your being- your body, mind, imagination, affections and emotions. As you exhale, release any burdens you are carrying into this time of prayer. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self -‘as is’ -before the presence of God.

Part 2

Slowly read Psalm 12 (CEB) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1 Help, Lord, because the godly are all gone;
    the faithful have completely disappeared
    from the human race!
2 Everyone tells lies to everyone else;
    they talk with slick speech and divided hearts.
3 Let the Lord cut off all slick-talking lips
    and every tongue that brags and brags,
4     that says, “We’re unbeatable with our tongues!
    Who could get the best of us with lips like ours?”

5 But the Lord says,
    “Because the poor are oppressed,
    because of the groans of the needy,
    I’m now standing up.
    I will provide the help they are gasping for.”
6 The Lord’s promises are pure,
    like silver that’s been refined in an oven,
    purified seven times over!

7 You, Lord, will keep us,
    protecting us from this generation forever.
8 The wicked roam all over the place,
    while depravity is praised by human beings.

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 12 back to God:

Try praying about these questions:

  • Can you identify with the psalmist’s lament about the condition of the world? Tell the Father about this.

  • How does the psalmist avoid cynicism and despair? How does he help you see the world with new eyes?

Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

  • Describe the trouble in detail to God.

  • Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid…

  • Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

  • Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, as prayers set to music. Throughout the history of Israel and the church, the people of God have sung the psalms. Song invites us to internalize the Word of God with the whole self- body, mind, imagination, emotions and affections. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 12 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

from the album ‘Psalm Songs, Vol 3’ (2021) by Corner Room. cornerroommusic.com