God’s Saving Word: Prayer
Introduction
Psalm 3: For the entire month of March, we will be reading selected passages from the book of Psalms, an ancient book of prayers and songs that contains prayers for God’s help and poems that express trust in God. The psalms express every possible human feeling, including sorrow and joy, doubt and trust, pain and comfort, despair and hope, anger and contentment, the desire for revenge, and the willingness to forgive. As models of prayer and praise, they invite people to share every aspect of their lives with God. Today’s reading is a psalm attributed to King David of Israel. It is believed to have been written while David was running from his son Absalom. Absalom led a rebellion against David, but was killed in battle by David’s troops (2 Samuel 15:1—18:18). Even though the psalm writer feels threatened by enemies, he is able to sleep, knowing that God will protect him.
Scripture Reading
Morning Prayer for Help
3 I have so many enemies, Lord,
so many who turn against me!
2 They talk about me and say,
“God will not help him.”
3 But you, O Lord, are always my shield from danger;
you give me victory
and restore my courage.
4 I call to the Lord for help,
and from his sacred hill[b] he answers me.
5 I lie down and sleep,
and all night long the Lord protects me.
6 I am not afraid of the thousands of enemies
who surround me on every side.
7 Come, Lord! Save me, my God!
You punish all my enemies
and leave them powerless to harm me.
8 Victory comes from the Lord—
may he bless his people.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 3:4
I call to the LORD for help, and from his sacred hill he answers me.
Reflect
In verse 2, what do the psalm writer’s enemies say about God? What verses express the psalm writer’s trust in God? In what ways do you express your trust in God?
Pray
Lord God, you hear me whenever I call out to you for help. You are God in whom I trust, and I rest safely in your protecting love. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 4: An evening prayer for help.