Folded into the midst of the sixty-ninth psalm is a simple prayer that ought to capture the attention of every pastor, parent, coach, and shepherd.
Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
O Lord GOD of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
O God of Israel.
Other Centeredness
I love the other-centeredness of the prayer–the burden for the hearts of those served and led. I appreciate the desire embedded within the prayer to shepherd well, not wanting any shame or dishonor to fall upon those being guided.
Weight of Responsibility
I am thankful for the bold and poignant “through me” mentioned twice by the one praying. With those simple words an awareness is revealed about the weight of responsibility, and one can almost feel the resolve of the one praying, as if this one might say, “Not on my watch will there be shame or dishonor.”
Master of the Ages
I treasure the attention given to the Master of the Ages, the God of Hosts, the God of Israel. This focus, coupled to the twice-mentioned petition “let not,” sharpens the psalmist’s plea. Clearly the only real help for the shepherd or leader is the Almighty. From whom else might this one find help? And the accountability sown into the fabric of the lyric is unfathomable. People are counting on the one praying to lead them well, and God is watching, and not just watching but resourcing–every step of the way.
Invitation to Selflessness & Servanthood
For every missionary or pastor or parent or boss, there is in this prayer an invitation to a selflessness and servanthood that ought to define how we move forward. People need to be led well.
Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me,
O Lord GOD of hosts;
let not those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me,
O God of Israel.