How to Pray When God Hides His Face

July 27, 2025

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Pastor Colin Smith - Arlington Heights

Psalm 30 ESV

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.

O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you have healed me.

O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.


Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.

For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.


As for me, I said in my prosperity,
    “I shall never be moved."

By your favor, O Lord,
    you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
    I was dismayed.


To you, O Lord, I cry,
    and to the Lord I plead for mercy:

“What profit is there in my death,
    if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it tell of your faithfulness?

Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
    O Lord, be my helper!”


You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
    you have loosed my sackcloth
    and clothed me with gladness,

that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

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