Lectio
“Free Israel, O God, from all his tribulations.” (Psalm 24:22)
Meditatio
Meditate on the deep sense of collective suffering in this prayer. Israel’s tribulations can be seen as symbolic of any nation’s or community’s struggles—political, social, or spiritual.
Meditate on the current state of the world, your nation, or your own community. Where do you see tribulation, hardship, or unrest? Meditate on how the Lord’s intervention is needed, not just on an individual level but for entire peoples and nations.
Meditate on what it means to ask God to “free” us from tribulations. This freedom is not only the absence of struggle but a deeper sense of liberation—freedom from fear, from oppression, from despair. When we cry out to the Lord for this kind of freedom, we are acknowledging that only He can provide the true peace and relief we seek. How can you turn your personal or collective struggles over to God, trusting in His power to free you from tribulation?
Oratio
O Lord, I ask You to free Israel and all peoples from their tribulations. We face many struggles, both seen and unseen, and only You can bring true freedom. Rescue us from oppression, fear, and despair. Protect Your people, and guide us through every trial. May we find peace and liberation in Your mighty power, trusting that You are always with us in our difficulties. Deliver us, O Lord.
Contemplatio
In contemplation, picture the nation of Israel enduring great hardship. See God’s hand reaching out to lift them from their tribulations, bringing freedom, peace, and healing. As you contemplate this, let the vision of God’s deliverance fill you with hope for the struggles you face in your life, whether personal or communal. Strengthen your faith that Yahweh is a God of liberation, who hears the cries of His people and answers with compassion and power. Let your heart be filled with trust in His ability to free not just individuals but whole nations from tribulation.
Actio
Take this prayer for freedom into your daily life by actively seeking ways to trust God in times of difficulty. If there are specific areas in your life or in your community where you see tribulation, offer them to the Lord, asking for His deliverance. Whether through prayer, acts of kindness, or standing up against injustice, let your life reflect the hope and trust in God’s ability to free us from all tribulations.
