Praying through the Bible with Lindsey - Psalm 4

Read the Bible passage, then see the following prayer to take inspiration on how you might pray through this psalm.

 

Psalm 4

(English Standard Version)

Answer Me When I Call

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

² O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
³ But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

⁴ Be angry, and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
⁵ Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

⁶ There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
⁷ You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Prayer for Psalm 4

1) Lord, I’m coming to You boldly. You’ve answered my cries over trouble before, and I need You to do it again. Please!

2) How long will my friends and family make me feel like an idiot for following You? How long are they going to ignore Your ways and seek empty truth?

3) I know you know the ways of the righteous. I know You hear me every time. Thanks for reminding me.

4-5) it’s just hard. I want to tell them “Be quiet!” Don’t they know they need to reflect on what they are doing before they take action? If only they would sacrifice their time for You. If only they could see what giving up the world for You looks like. I’m saying all of this but also acknowledging my own flaws, Lord. I need to be still and ponder. I need to sacrifice my time and worldly desires to You. Help my people and I trust in You.

6) if we trusted in You the way we know we should, we shouldn’t have to question all the time about why things are the way they are. Help us to look at You and just know we are fine.

7) And I know we are fine. I often find myself full of joy even when my bank or my pantry says otherwise. Help me to not be jealous of those who have more than me. I want the joy from trusting in You more than I want what they have.

8) When I’m capable of realizing that, and when I realize safety comes from You, I’m able to sleep without worry. So, thanks. And thanks for listening. Again.

 

 

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