“For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” What a promise to claim today! Just two verse later psalmist says, “In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” (vv.5,7).

The psalmist gives a number of encouragements to pray.

1. Remember who God is. Never forget His attributes. The better we know Him, the better we are able to pray,. What kind of God are we praying to? One who is good, merciful and ready to forgive. You may say, “I can’t pray to God. My hands are dirty. My heart is dirty. I’m not what I ought to be.” Then come to Him and say, “I know Thou art ready to forgive; Thou art abundant in mercy.” And God will forgive you. He hears all who cry out to Him.

2. Remember what God does. “For Thou art great, and doest wonders things: Thou art God alone” (v.10). “Call onto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not” (Jer.33:3).

3. Remember what God promises. He promises to answer us. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matt.7:7). “You do not have because you do not ask” (James.4:2).

Remember who God is, the kind of God to whom you are praying. Remember the great and wonderful things. He does. He can do the impossible for you today. And remember, He promises to answer.

These are wonderful encouragement to pray. When you pray, keep them before you. Contemplate God’s character. Remember what He has done in your life. Recount His faithfulness to you. And be sure to claim the promises of the Bible.