THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The prophet speaks not merely for our benefit, but so that we might recognize how we too can be heard when we call upon God. We may receive our requests even before we finish our prayers. The prophet states, “When I called, He heard me,” emphasizing that it is the earnestness of our faith that truly matters. God reassures those who seek Him, as evidenced in His promise: “Then you shall call, and the Lord shall hear; you shall cry, and He shall say, ‘Here I am’” (Isaiah 58:9). It is not the number of words we use that impresses God, but a heart that is pure and actions that demonstrate goodwill. For those who live wickedly yet rely on their eloquence in prayer, God warns, “When you multiply your prayers... I will not hear” (Isaiah 1:15).
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Thus, those who wish to pray must first possess steadfast faith, ensuring they receive what they petition for. The prophet did not simply say “Hear me,” but added, “O God of my righteousness,” reflecting his unwavering faith in God. This is not a boast but a crucial lesson for all. No one should think they are disregarded because they feel insignificant; God takes notice of our deeds and responds accordingly. If you have works that advocate for you, you will be heard; conversely, if you lack them, even great figures like David could find their pleas unanswered. Just as one who is avaricious overlooks the dignity of others, so too will those who approach God without the truth be unheard, regardless of their pleas, as God seeks honesty above all. Therefore, seek to come before Him genuinely. By righteousness, I mean the totality of virtue, exemplified in Job, who embodied righteousness fully without succumbing to any vice. True scales maintain consistency and truthful measurements can be relied upon in all circumstances; Job was righteous in all matters, never deviating in his treatment of others. He guarded against pride and haughtiness, as shown when he said, “If I neglected the rights of my servant... did not He who made me in the womb also make him?” (Job 31:13, 15). Pride is the utter falsehood.
A covetous person seeks to claim what isn’t theirs, while a haughty individual expects more than is due, looking to elevate themselves at the expense of another. This stems solely from unrighteousness, which is clear because God created both you and your neighbor, providing equally for all. Thus, why deprive them of their share and reduce them to lack? This was not the case with the blessed prophet who boldly claimed, “Hear me, O God of my righteousness.” St. Paul also sets himself as an example not to boast but to guide, saying, “I wish that all men were as I am” in self-control (1 Corinthians 7:7). Likewise, David demonstrated his courage gained through God when he recounted how he killed bears and lions, not to exalt himself but to instill confidence. Yet some may question the need for prayer if truth alone suffices. Prayer is necessary for it is an act of love towards God, sharpening our ability to communicate with Him and leading us towards wisdom. If one benefits from engaging with a distinguished person, how much more should our relationship with God be enriched through communion with Him. Unfortunately, we often overlook the significance of prayer due to our negligence or lack of focus. We prepare ourselves meticulously to converse with notable individuals, yet when in God’s presence, we can be careless and distracted. Proper reverence in engaging with God could reveal the benefits of prayer, which if understood, would show that prayer elevates us spiritually. One who learns to converse with God rightly moves beyond earthly bounds to heavenly contemplation, transcending worldly desires to stand before the divine throne, regardless of earthly status. God does not seek a polished tongue or eloquent speech; rather, He desires a beautiful soul. If such a soul cries out in a way that pleases God, it shall receive all that is asked.
It is astonishing that unlike human interactions, where we must employ charm and soft words to approach authority, with God, mere sincerity of heart suffices to draw near. “Am I God only near,” says the Lord, “and not also afar off?” (Jeremiah 23:23). Thus, it is our distance from Him that hinders us, while He remains ever close. Often, words may not even be needed; a heartfelt plea can reach Him, as He heard Moses and Hannah (Exodus 14:15; 1 Samuel 1:18). There are no soldiers to deter your approach nor barriers to delay you; at any hour, whether in the public square or in solitude, He listens attentively to those who petition Him with sincerity. Fears of adversaries cannot keep us from prayer because God neither acknowledges our foes nor denies our appeals. We communicate directly with Him, unencumbered by gatekeepers or intermediaries; He is especially attentive when approached with a pure heart.
We beseech God not through others but rather through our own humility. He desires our earnestness, acting favorably toward those who genuinely seek Him; this is exemplified in the Canaanite woman's persistent requests, which were answered when her own cries reached Jesus (Matthew 15:22). Should there be any perceived delays, they are meant for our growth, urging us toward deeper devotion and recognition of our needs. The art of prayer does not require special training or financial sacrifice, but merely the desire to engage with God. This practice enhances not only personal petitions but can intercede for others as well. The essence of prayer requires an attentive spirit, a contrite heart, and a focus on spiritual matters, steering clear of worldly desires and malice. Approach with a humble spirit, eschewing enmity and all that opposes God’s will, for no one who harbors resentment may speak rightly to God.
Therefore, if you desire to communicate with God on behalf of yourself and others, strive to be free from evil. To be righteous will ensure that your prayers are heard, as God will heed the truth you present. “In tightness Thou hast given me spaciousness,” the prophet exclaims. He doesn’t merely speak of relief from tribulation but expresses that God grants peace amidst struggles, revealing the divine wisdom and might at work. Such power is demonstrated not only through the cessation of suffering but by bestowing inner peace that uplifts the soul, prompting spiritual vigilance. The same God who preserved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace and Daniel in the lion’s den remains constant in providing safety amid turmoil. Though the flames were not quenched, nor the beasts silenced, the faithful found tranquility and freedom.
Furthermore, distress can lead to greater peace, particularly when external challenges liberate the soul from various passions. When suffering through trials, many are drawn away from destructive indulgences into peace. Just like those with fevers find calm not through excess but through moderation, so too does sorrow strip away life’s distractions, leading us closer to God. Reflect on the behavior of the Israelites during affliction and prosperity; it was during their trials that they beseeched the Lord, achieving His favor through sincere prayer.
The apostolic witness affirms that suffering cultivates patience, leading to experience and hope, as highlighted by Paul: “From tribulation comes patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope” (Romans 5:3-5). The ‘space’ granted to David was not for material gain or victory over foes but for nourishment in times of hardship. He articulated, “In affliction Thou hast given me spaciousness,” recognizing that God not only heard him quickly but also transformed distress into abundance. David’s experiences, such as during Absalom’s rebellion, reflect that even in need, God’s provision is sure.
In times of affliction, remember that God sustains the righteous, ensuring that they will not suffer hunger (Proverbs 10:3). Venturing into the depths of pain can yield vast rewards, just as the persecuted often emerge victorious spiritually. Suffering is not without purpose; it purifies, strengthens, and ultimately aligns us with divine grace.
David’s psalm reveals that it was in his despair that he received God’s favor, highlighting that blessings often come through adversity. As demonstrated through the story of the penitent thief on the cross, the path to salvation was secured through suffering. That same cross which bore sin also bore hope, transforming lives from condemnation to redemption. The narrative illustrates that God’s mercy is accessible to those who, like the robber, wish to partake of His grace by repenting, pleading for His forgiveness, and acknowledging His sovereignty.
In this way, our prayers mirror the humility of the thief, reminding us to approach God earnestly, surrendering our sins and seeking His mercy, just as he cried out, “Remember me, O Lord, when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42).