He Will Regard the Prayer of the Destitute
Psalms 102:17
Psalm 102 is titled “A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord.” It is a psalm of lament, but not of despair. Verse 17 serves as a divine assurance in the midst of affliction. The word “regard” indicates more than passive acknowledgment. It means to turn toward with attentiveness and compassion.
The term “destitute” (Hebrew: ʿārār, meaning stripped, bare, or afflicted) denotes one who has been emptied—materially, emotionally, or spiritually. This is not merely economic poverty but existential abandonment. And yet, God does not despise such a person’s prayer. He does not treat their cry as unworthy or shameful.
This stands in contrast to human tendencies. Often, society avoids the broken, the grieving, the socially powerless. But the Holy One of Israel bends to listen. He hears what others ignore.
There is a theology of divine proximity embedded here: God is near to the brokenhearted (cf. Psalm 34:18). The entire biblical witness affirms that lament is not only allowed—it is heard. Christ Himself, in the days of His flesh, offered up prayers with strong crying and tears (Hebrews 5:7). His identification with the destitute is not symbolic. It is literal, redemptive, and present.
In times of overwhelming sorrow, this verse assures the believer that prayer is not wasted breath. God does not measure the worth of a prayer by eloquence but by truth. The raw, unfiltered cry of the soul moves the throne of grace. And when He regards, He also responds—in time, in mercy, in power.
• God hears the prayer of the truly broken. There is no shame in spiritual emptiness when it is brought honestly before Him.
• Destitution does not disqualify prayer. It often refines it.
• The divine ear is tuned to affliction. Silence from man is not silence from God.
• Jesus Christ models this truth. He identifies with the destitute and intercedes on their behalf.
• Prayer is not measured by strength but by sincerity. Even the weakest voice, if lifted in faith, reaches heaven.
Let this verse shape your theology of suffering. God is not indifferent. He will regard. He will not despise. And He will answer.
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