17Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; 18 they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 20He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. 21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! 22And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!    Psalm 107:17-22

Psalm 107 describes what its like to be intercepted by the grace of God when we come to end of ourselves and finally cry out to Him. I love this description: “he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.”

Some wandered in desert wastes, looking for a city…
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death… prisoners…
Some were fools through their sinful ways…
Some went down to sea in ships doing business on the great waters…

When we quit mistaking our deepest desires for God as some kind of drive to be fulfilled by our own achievements, collections, or meditations, God is ready for our call. When we are at the end of ourselves, God is available. When we attain our dreams and discover a prevailing emptiness, God is listening.

He rescues. His word heals. His love lasts. When the world offers no reason for celebration, God provides hope and help. Jesus presented Himself to those who had come to end of themselves… and would admit it. To some Matthew’s party was full of losers. But not to Jesus! He said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”  (Luke 5:31)
Rock-bottom prayers may not sound pretty, but they are the sound of grace.