As a basis for his prayer, the writer expresses his faithful confidence that God hears his pleas. Although his past experiences of salvation by God may be considered, here he confesses his trust in God. The intention of the writer’s prayer is to point out what is the rule with God, which he always does.1 With his faith in God, he knows that God answers his faithful children who call upon his name when they are in distress (see also Isaiah 58:9; Isaiah 65:24). God does not close his ear when the faithful cry for help. He did not do it in the past and would not do it now. Although there might be a veiling cloud (see Lamentations 3:50), God will look through it and respond (see also Lamentations 3:43–44). This characteristic of God is also true when unfaithful people return to him (Deuteronomy 30:1–10; Jonah 2:1–10). How much more would it be the case when the faithful call upon his name?2
The writer expresses this faithful confidence in the answer to prayer in the next verse: You came near when I called on you.
The fundamental principle is that God is near in the day when he is called upon (see also Psalm 145:18). He is ready to help when his help is called upon. The remembrance of God’s promises does not only instil confidence for him, but also for God’s people.3
The basis then for the writer’s prayer is his confidence in the faithfulness of God who hears and acts when his people are praying.
56 Tu as entendu ma voix: Ne ferme pas l'oreille à mes soupirs, à mes cris!