Praying the Psalms: Finding Strength & Hope in Your PrayersSample

With great power comes great responsibility. Prominent leaders like Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt used this sentiment in many of their influential speeches at critical times in history. Even though He does not use the word power , Jesus provides a similar statement in Luke 12:48: "But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" (NKJV). Sadly, throughout time we have seen leaders not heed this warning. Whether it be emperors, elected officials, or CEOs and boardroom members, the power leaders wield can eventually hurt those whom they serve. Basically, the ones with a voice can oppress those who don't have a voice—even though many times leaders are in positions due to those without a voice. Ironic, isn't it? Psalm 10 reveals the psalmist's heart for those without a voice. The majority of this psalm focuses on what powerful oppressors do to the weak and powerless. The author said they are boastful, greedy, and liars. Due to their wealth, they believe themselves to be above the law (vv. 5-6). Yet every person is accountable to God (vv. 12-14). This is good news for the oppressed. God will provide justice to them (v. 14) and strengthen their hearts (v. 17). Use this Psalm to pray for those oppressed in your community. Perhaps they include neglected children or abused women, those enslaved in sex trafficking, the homeless, or racial or religious minorities. Learn about the needs of a ministry or organization that is serving one of these groups and pray specifically for their requests. While praying is a great start, go further. Find tangible ways in which you can help mitigate oppression —even in small, seemingly insignificant acts. If you are a leader in your own community, whether that's in your neighborhood, school system, workplace, or church, continue to pray for God's justice toward the oppressed as well as showing kindness and mercy to those without a voice. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility.