A Prayer for Healing [Psalm 6]
As in almost all the psalms, the specific trouble the psalmist faces is only vaguely described. In this way, Psalm 6 can speak to many difficulties and troubles. That being said, however, this psalm has often been seen as a prayer for healing. The psalmist says:
2 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing;
heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled.
3 My soul also is greatly troubled.
But you, O Lord—how long?4 Turn, O Lord, deliver my life;
save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
which seems to suggest he has some kind of illness.
Note that “Sheol” [v 5] is what the ancient Israelites called the place of the dead, a shadowy place without hope. The psalmist tells the Lord that if he dies, he will be unable to praise him from there.
The psalm ends with a note of hope, the psalmist feeling better with having made his requests known to God.
9 The Lord has heard my plea;
the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.