A Psalm from Judea

O LORD, I cry out to You, hearken to me. I spread my hands toward Your holy dwelling, give ear and grant my request; do not withhold my boon (11QPsa 24:3-5, trans. Wise, Abegg, Cook)

Though not regarded as Scripture by most (1), this writing does have a striking image of prayer. The one asking for God’s favor is opening their hands before God. He is the one who gives, and takes away. What other posture can you have when you come to him?

1. This Psalm did survive in Syriac tradition (Ps 155:3-5). It was found in one of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, from which this excerpt comes.