The Daily Office for September 28, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Psalm 88 is unique because it is the only psalm where the outpouring of the burdened heart of the psalmist to God fails to bring relief or consolation. The superscription indicates that it is A song or psalm for the sons of Korah to the chief musician. Thus, it is catalogued among the Korahite Psalms. However, the author appears to be one Heman the Ezrahite. Who this man was is not fully known. There was a Heman who was one of the trio of the chief musicians, “Heman, Asaph, Ethan” and is mentioned as a singer in I Chronicles 6:33. Whoever was the author of the psalm, however, it was intended that it be sung to a particular musical instrument that was plaintive in tone. Many Jewish scholars believe that this was a wind instrument similar to the flute and was played on occasions of great sorrow or lamentation.
As terrible as the sadness of the psalm is, we are not faced with utter despair. No one who really has lost all confidence will pray, for prayer is the proof of lingering hope. Even in the midst of despair the psalmist recognizes that should there be any hope, it will only be found in God. Regardless of his circumstances, the psalmist entertained the thought that God would provide salvation.
Collect for the Day
O Lord, we beseech you mercifully to hear the prayers of your people who call upon you; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfil them; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.