Do you have a favorite?

Praying the Psalms

Pic credit

---

When I was young, I did not have the depth or understanding to appreciate the Psalms, so I did not run to them for comfort. Oh, I ran to Jesus, never doubt that. But as I matured, I discovered the Psalms could supply words for my unorganized longing.

David, my favorite Psalmist, graciously shared his musings and groaning. There are prayers for warfare and betrayal, grief and mourning, loneliness and longing, joy and celebration, and pure worship and adoration of the King of all kings.

As I pray through the Psalms, I find I can add strength to my foundation in Jehovah (YHWH). I feel the ancient discourse between God and man as a river that began in the Garden of Eden (Gan Eden), has been disrupted for millennia in the natural world but untroubled for those who choose to experience Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ) and the promised Rivers of Living Water that would flow through us.

If you have never prayed the Psalms, a good one for these times is Psalm 91: to pray along with David as he remembers the promises of God when trouble is near and enemies are approaching. It is like planting the Lord’s banner where I stand—His banner over me is love—and watching the scenes roll over me, knowing they can’t truly touch me.

Psalm 139 is excellent for reminding ourselves that our Creator fearfully and wonderfully made us; we are made in His image, created for His glory, and we are most satisfied when we are in His presence.

I encourage you to take on this challenge—to research the Psalms to discover the background of each one to understand the circumstances of their writing. You may find that you, too, have much in common with David’s heart.

For instance, what Psalms did David write when he was the future king hiding in the caves to escape the murderous King Saul, the king whom God would depose for disobedience?

What Psalms do you most enjoy? Do you pray the Psalms? I’d love to hear from you.

Shalom shalom,

Pastora Cate Covert