Union Presbyterian Church

7 Psalms to Pray

 

This is a prayer walk, that allows you to use Psalms as prayers as you walk through the woods. There are 7 benches along Union’s outdoor trail (part of the trail is in the woods behind the cemetery the other part connects the church grounds to Forrestview High School)  At each bench you could stop and pray through one of these Psalms or simply begin a new one as you walk. As you read each Psalm, you may wish to focus on a part of the Psalm that God is using to speak to you that morning.   These Psalms were compiled by Tamela Turberville in her online article “10 Powerful Psalms You Should Pray Regularly,” https://www.ibelieve.com.

 

1. To Give Praise - Psalm 30:1-5 ESV

"I will extol you, O LORD, for you have drawn me up and have not let my foes rejoice over me. O LORD my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me. O LORD, you have brought up my soul from Sheol; you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit. Sing praises to the LORD, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning."

 

The descriptor for this Psalms writes that David wrote this psalm as part of the dedication of his palace, and yet no where in the Psalm is there a reference to the structure; only praise for all God had done. David invites the congregation to join him in this praise, and he invites us as well. You might use this psalm in prayer to give thanks for God’s patience and His faithfulness. 

 

2. To Pray for Deliverance - Psalm 40:1-4 ESV

"I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!"

 

This psalm reminds us of God’s faithfulness to be our help and our Deliverer. When we are in despair and see no way for the future, praying this psalm encourages us to trust in the Lord and be assured that He hears our prayers and requests.  

 

3. To Pray For Protection - Psalm 46:7-11 ESV

“The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 'Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!' The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." 

 

The first words of this psalm declare God’s protection. He is a refuge and fortress. No matter what happens God is in control. Praying this psalm for the times when we fear gives us hope to endure because we know in the end He will be exalted. All we have to do is be still and expect Him to move. 

 

4. To Worship God For all He Has Done - Psalm 103:1-2 ESV

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

 

The descriptor of this Psalm says that David is the author of this psalm but the circumstances for him writing it are unclear. But isn’t there always a reason to praise? David is not saying here that he could somehow bless God, but rather that it honors God when we praise Him with everything we have. Just like David, we have so many reasons to glorify God.

 

5. To Give Thanks For His Mercy - Psalm 106:1-5 ESV

"Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Who can utter the mighty deeds of the LORD, or declare all his praise? Blessed are they who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times! Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people; help me when you save them, that I may look upon the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance."

 

This psalm refers to God’s loyal covenantal love, or mercy. The verses that follow in this psalm retell the details of God’s disobedient people and how He had mercy on them anyway. They wandered and often forgot whose they were. They worshiped idols and turned against God’s will. We can probably say the same. Nevertheless, God heard their cries. He hears ours too. To pray this psalm reminds us of God’s unfailing love and mercy even though we stray from His will and protection. 

 

6. To Give Thanks For Answered Prayers - Psalm 116:1-2 ESV

"I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live." 

 

We often ask God for help. But how often do we reflect on and thank God for answered prayer? Near death, according to the psalmist, he cried out, and God heard and he was saved. Lifting up this psalm in prayer gives thanks to God for answered prayers and reminds us of His faithfulness. Our there specific answered prayers that you can thank God for today?

 

7. To Offer Gratitude for God’s Word - Psalm 119:1-10 ESV

"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules. I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me! How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 

 

This psalm is the longest chapter in the Bible and focuses almost entirely on God’s word, referred to as a “lamp unto my feet.” Scripture is a central part of every Christian’s life and praying this psalm, even in part, gives us an opportunity to give thanks for God’s word.