Psalms 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Original Language Analysis
וָבֹ֣קֶר
and morning
H1242
וָבֹ֣קֶר
and morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וְ֭צָהֳרַיִם
and at noon
H6672
וְ֭צָהֳרַיִם
and at noon
Strong's:
H6672
Word #:
3 of 7
a light (i.e., window); dual double light, i.e., noon
אָשִׂ֣יחָה
will I pray
H7878
אָשִׂ֣יחָה
will I pray
Strong's:
H7878
Word #:
4 of 7
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
וְאֶהֱמֶ֑ה
and cry aloud
H1993
וְאֶהֱמֶ֑ה
and cry aloud
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
5 of 7
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
Cross References
Ephesians 6:18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;1 Thessalonians 5:17Pray without ceasing.Psalms 141:2Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.Acts 3:1Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.Hebrews 5:7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;Acts 10:9On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:Mark 1:35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.Psalms 92:2To shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night,Psalms 119:62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
Historical Context
The three daily prayer times became standard in Jewish practice, corresponding to morning sacrifice, evening sacrifice, and midday. This discipline maintained covenant fellowship throughout the day regardless of circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regular prayer rhythm shape your awareness of God's presence throughout daily life?
- In what ways does persistent prayer in suffering differ from vain repetition?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The threefold daily prayer pattern ('evening, morning, and at noon') anticipates Daniel's practice (Daniel 6:10) and reflects Jewish devotional tradition. The Hebrew 'siach' (meditate/complain) shows that prayer encompasses both pouring out grief and meditative worship. God's hearing is certain ('he shall hear my voice'), demonstrating that frequency in prayer flows from relationship, not ritual.