Psalms 138:3

In the day when I cried Thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me.

Successful prayer

I. The cry.

1. A deep sense of need.

2. A feeling sense of inability.

3. Earnestness of supplication.

4. Confidence in God.

II. Its successful issue.

1. God heard his cry.

2. He answered it.

3. Immediately.

4. Imparting strength to his soul.

(1) To work.

(2) To resist enemies.

(3) To suffer.

(4) To be firm and persevering.

III. Application.

1. Learn the saint’s remedy in trouble--to cry unto the Lord, etc.

2. The importance of soul-strength. When obtained, exercise it, etc.

3. The efficacy of fervent prayer. God will hear and bless, etc.

4. The duty of recounting God’s gracious answers to our supplications. (J. Burns, D. D.)