Five Prayers from the Book of Psalms
Each morning I wake up before my kids get up for school and stumble downstairs. I fix my coffee and pour myself a cup. After settling into my favorite chair, I close my eyes to spend some time praying. Discover here how I found these five prayers from the book of Psalms to help me.
So many times I’ve sat there for several minutes, unable to conjure up a prayer up to God. I can’t find the words and my heart gets discouraged. I take a sip of coffee, but my mind begins to wander. How do I find the words to pray?
Why We Can’t Pray
Many times I have a hard time praying because my mind is distracted. Other times I find that I don’t have the words I need to say because there is too much going on in my life. The other day I just held my coffee in my hands and couldn’t think of one thing to pray about because there were too many. I was thinking about a missionary friend, a new baby that had been born, my own children and their struggles.
We often can’t pray because our minds are filled too full of worry, stress, or heartache. Maybe you are in the middle of a very dark season and praying to God doesn’t seem to be helping and your prayers seem to fall flat or hit a ceiling.
That is when I go to the book of Psalms. After reading the psalms for years, I’ve most recently discovered how the psalms can lead us in our prayer life. Take a moment to read through these five prayers from the book of Psalms. If you scroll to the bottom you will find a link to download a PDF version of them.
Five Prayers from the Book of Psalms
Psalm 20
“Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May Yahweh fulfill all your requests.” Psalm 20:5
Today, O God, I am choosing to trust you. My heart and emotions are all over the place. My mind whirls into a million directions! Help me breathe in the truth that you are on your throne and breathe out that you are good to me. I will trust, not because you are trustworthy. You will hold me and I can make the choice to trust you today. Amen.
Psalm 45
“Your throne, God, is forever and ever; the scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of justice.” Psalm 45:6
Dear Father, who loves me so, you have given us Christ. Jesus is the most Beloved, the Most High, the One True King who is everything we could ever hope for – He is our Savior, Lord, and Friend. O Father, who deals out justice fairly, helps me trust that the King always does what is right. You will fight for me. Today I fall at your feet in worship to you. I might not understand how it will all work out, but I trust you. Amen.
Psalm 55
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:2
Dear Father, you hear my prayer and listen to my complaints. I come to you because you alone are trustworthy. Others have betrayed me – but you are my defender. O King and refuge, I cast my burdens on you. There are many things weighing me down today. I feel the pull of each one. The words don’t come easy for me today. Sustain me, O Lord, and keep me. Keep my feet planted safe. I will trust that because I am turning to you, you will keep me from falling. Amen.
Psalm 60-61
“With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes.” Psalm 60:12
“I will live in Your tent forever and take refuge under the shelter of Your wings.Selah” Psalm 61:4
Dear Lord, I feel abandoned by you. You are on your throne but life feels hurtful, destructive, and out of control. Have you rejected me? Do not forsake me! Remind me that with you I can be brave. Listen! God I cry out to you because you are my rock, refuge, and strong tower. I call out to you because you only make me safe. Like wings of a mother bird, you cover and comfort me. You sent the Messiah Jesus to reveal your steadfast love and faithfulness to me. Let me look to Jesus today. Amen.
Psalm 65
“How happy is the one You choose and bring near to live in Your courts! We will be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, the holiness of Your temple.” Psalm 65:4
O God, who lives in heaven, you have brought me near to you. The shadows of the night keep me awake. Help me to remember that it is you who have brought me near. Because of your goodness and holiness, I am able to dwell in your courts. You will not cast me off forever. I will not be struggling to find the words to pray for you forever. Even during this difficult time I can find joy. For you alone are the hope I cling to today. Amen.
Take these prayers and pray them today! For a downloadable copy enter your name and email below!
