A Primer on Prayer (Psalm 5)
To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
1Give ear to my words, O Lord;
consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.
4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love,
will enter your house.
I will bow down toward your holy temple
in the fear of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness
because of my enemies;
make your way straight before me.
9 For there is no truth in their mouth;
their inmost self is destruction;
their throat is an open grave;
they flatter with their tongue.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God;
let them fall by their own counsels;
because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out,
for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.—Psalm 5 (ESV)
Though we often think of the psalms as songs, the psalms are also prayers. Psalm 5 not only is a prayer, but it teaches us how to pray—particularly when life is difficult.
These psalms, which make up about 1/3 of the psalter, are often referred to as lament psalms. The interesting thing about lament psalms is that they generally follow a trajectory:
The address:
Each lament starts with an address to God. This is actually key and what differentiates laments from general complaints. Laments are conversations with God about the problems of life, not grumbling (as in Psalm 2:1), which is addressed to no one in particular.
The complaint:
These are honest expressions of frustration, sadness, and anger to God. We learn that in lament, there is no need to “clean up” before approaching God.
These are not accusations of God, however. They are the honest words of God’s children to their Father.
The petition for help:
Another key feature of a lament. Instead of grumbling and then taking things into our own hands, godly lament brings the hard things of life to God and asks Him for specific help. It pleases God when we turn to Him in dependence for assistance in our hardships.
The expression of trust:
When we lament, we are humbly bringing ourselves before our King when things go wrong. After turning to God, laying out his problems before Him, and asking for help, the lamenter then affirms his faith in the Lord. This is where the change happens. In some psalms, there is a particular aspect of God that the psalmist leans on in faith.
He doesn’t know what’s going to happen. He doesn’t see the future. But what he does affirm is that he is confident that in the hands of his Father, right will come to pass.
The expression of trust is the turning point in the psalm. In just about every lament psalm (Psalm 88 is a notable exception), this is what changes the tone of the psalm: placing confidence in God.
The vow of praise:
This is usually a 180-degree turn from the beginning of the psalm. But did you notice the process that the psalmist took to get here?
This is not a “positive thinking” technique or mindfulness mantra. The change becomes of personal interaction with God Himself.
The situation has not changed. But the psalmist has. And that is just as amazing as any miraculous intervention God can do.
Learning to lament in prayer usually doesn’t change our circumstances—at least not at the outset. But God can still use them to change us—and therefore change the trajectory of our sufferings.
With this structure in mind, let’s take a look at Psalm 5.
Studying Psalm 5
Read the psalm (included in its entirety above) several times. As you do, take note of several things:
Observations
The first thing we note—though it is often easy to skip over—are the opening notes: “To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.” Though the instrumentation may not be critical for us, knowing this is a psalm of David is important.
Before you read this psalm, take some time to reflect on the life of David. What do you remember about his life?
What can you piece together about David’s situation in this particular psalm? Jot down the verses and phrases that describe his enemies and his experience with them.
The theme of the wicked vs. the righteous is a key theme in the psalms (e.g. Psalm 1). As you do, take note of the characteristics of the righteous person highlighted in this one.
Look for descriptions of God. What are some key traits David focuses on in this psalm? What do we discover about His stance towards the righteous and the ungodly?
What words does David use to describe his conversation with God? (vv. 1-3)
Describe the Lord’s response to evil, line by line in vv. 4-6.
What is David’s posture in vv. 7-8? What are his requests?
What are David’s requests in regards to his enemies? (vv. 9-10)
How does David end his prayer in vv. 11-12? How does it compare to how he starts it? What does he ask for?
Interpretation
Understanding the (con)text
One possible time in his life can be found in 2 Samuel 15-17, the situation that is explicitly stated as the context for Psalm 3 and possibly even Psalm 4. How might this context provide a fuller understanding of this psalm?
Understanding its place in Scripture
Based on these observations, how might this psalm be important to the nation of Israel as God’s people?
How might this psalm point to Christ? (Luke 24:27)
How might Jesus have understood this psalm? In what ways might this psalm reflect His experience as the descendant of David? How might David’s experience be His? How do we see Him responding to trouble as David does?
A little commentary
Psalm 5 is what commentators refer to as an “imprecatory” psalm. These psalms call on a God of wrath to destroy sinners. They shock our modern sensibilities with their requests for revenge and violence.
However, a key to understanding these “uncomfortable” psalms is to pay attention to the posture of the pray-er. Unlike a kid with a temper tantrum who wants his own way, their motivations are usually different. How might David’s posture help you to understand his requests in verses 9-10?
Here are a few other insights I’ve gleaned from commentaries. How might they help you in your understanding of this psalm?
“Prepare” (v. 3b): Literally, this could mean preparing a sacrifice before the Lord. Figuratively, it could suggest setting out your case, lining up in battle, or giving an ordered account.
“Dwell” (v. 4, 7): God’s earthly dwelling place, the house where He dwells among His people. Before the temple was built in Solomon’s day, the portable tabernacle was the equivalent.
“Way” (v. 7-8): metaphor for wisdom, journey of life.
“Cover” (v. 12): Three possibilities: 1) Cover—as with a shield; 2) Encircle—as with a crown with a circlet, for a king—shows favor, 3) Ordaining people as heirs of his inheritance
“Shield” (v. 12): This may refer to a long, broad, large rectangular body-shield like a movable gate/door, defends whole body, movable to catch any part as needed. Covers entire body, not just one part.
Application
While David has some rather harsh petitions, verses 7-8 are a key turning point in the psalm. What is David asking for here and how might it inform our own hearts before we follow suit? What prerequisite attitudes or motivations are required if we are to pray with David (and Christ) today? How might these verses change how you pray for your enemies?
Even if you are not hounded by a literal enemy, we all have a spiritual foe who opposes us. How might this psalm help us pray in our suffering—a prime occasion for the enemy of our souls to attack us in spiritual battle?
Reflection: A Primer on Prayer
When I was in the pit of my struggles with my adopted daughter, I quit praying. I wondered: What’s the point if my situation doesn’t change?
Big mistake.
If only I had learned the lessons in Psalm 5 back then, I might have been spared much of the heartache. Hopefully, your reflections on this prayer today may save you from the same heartache I experienced.
Here are several things this psalm has taught me about prayer.
God Understands the Language of Groaning (vv. 1-2)
Unlike parents who may only guess at the babbling of their infants, God as our heavenly Father perfectly understands what we are saying. Whether it is a groan (inaudible sounds), a cry (nonverbal but audible sound that moves a parent to action), or prayer (an audible and verbal response), God understands it all. This suggests prayer is not limited to the words we utter.
Even our attempts at prayer are heard.
We have it even better than David. If you are in Christ, remember: we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to translate our groans with His own, so that the Father can understand perfectly (Rom. 8:26). He helps us pray.
Bring yourself to God in your pain even if all you can do is groan.
Start Praying Early
There is something about praying in the morning, however, that bears considering. First, we notice that David repeats the phrase “in the morning” twice in verse 3.
We consider the morning as a metaphor of renewed hope. With the light comes the banishment of darkness. Every time we live to see the sun break out once again is a reason for rejoicing in the grace of God towards us.
So what are some of the benefits of consistently meeting God each morning? For me, it offers me an opportunity to hit reset: before I enter the day, I
Thank him for safety through the night
Help for the day ahead
Request his will to be done
Ask Him to shepherd me
Though this can seem rote, there is something about being faithful to meet with God. A consistent, daily, disciplined regular meeting with God builds a strong and steady core of relationship with Him. This is the basis of our hope, especially in our times of trouble.
My Part, His Part
Prayer is a joint effort. The problem is when we try to reverse the responsibilities.
In the second half of verse 3, David says “I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” For David’s part, he is to prepare the sacrifice. The word “prepare” can literally mean preparing showbread and arranging pieces of the sacrifice.
This suggests that as we enter into the sanctuary to meet with God, we do not do so empty handed. David entered not with his own blood but the sacrifice of an animal on his behalf.
Likewise, we enter into the presence of a holy God not with our own blood but because of the blood of Christ shed for us. This is a humble posture. It implies that we come admitting our sin, but it also demonstrates faith and trust in the righteousness of Christ given to us through our union with Him.
That’s David’s part. After doing his part, he then lets God do His. David watches.
He is not telling God what to do. He is simply laying out the issue and then leaving it in his hands.
This is the critical posture of prayer. Lay out your requests, but don’t forget to also listen expectantly for an answer. Like a watchman scanning the horizon for activity, be on the lookout for His answer, not yours—which may not always be what you expect.
Centered Around the Character of God (vv. 4-6, 9-10)
Another thing we learn from David about prayer is that it is centered around God. This is especially important when we are lamenting wrongs. It is so easy to turn lament into something that is all about us: our hardships, our problems, our pain.
But David is careful to focus his attention on God—and that makes all the difference. He focuses on two things about God:
His response to evil (vv. 4-6).
David describes his remembrance of God’s escalating response to evil. He knows that though nothing seems to be happening, every day that passes seals the fate of his oppressors. These realities then form the foundation of his requests in verse 10.
His response to the righteous (vv. 9-10).
Not only that, David focuses on God’s gracious character towards the righteous. Not only is God holy, he is also steadfast love towards his own. At the end of the psalm, David pairs his justice (vv. 9-10) with his kindness and protection.
In all the psalms, the character of God is the focus of the psalm—and all our requests flow out of His nature. When you are struggling, which of the many comforting truths about God’s nature orient you? Let that be your focus as you pray and lay out your requests before Him.
Submit to Stand
In the center of the psalm (v. 7), we find the turning point of the lament. Up till that point, David is telling God all about the things that frustrate and anger him. “But I” sets up a contrast.
Unlike the ungodly men who torment him, David bows his heart to God who lifts him up. He is fully aware that he is not a better person than they are. What makes him different is that he recognizes that God has lavished his love on him. In response, he humbly bows before the Lord in fear.
This heart posture is critical prior to reading the rest of the psalms. David aligns himself with the Lord. Out of the righteousness granted him by God, he then makes his requests.
This is what makes David’s rather violent petitions different than simply calling down curses on others. It is first directed to God and it flows out of a heart that is submitted to His ways. It is a cry for God’s justice to be done, that His name might not be glorified.
Prayer requires that we humbly acknowledge that we only stand before God by the goodness of His love. But that love is also what gives us the confidence to ask boldly for His glory.
Make Requests He Will Answer
When David’s heart is submitted to the Lord (v. 7b) he then makes two requests in verse 8.
First, he asks God to lead him and guide him and second, he asks him to “make your way straight.” These are not just for directions. They are requests for moral guidance.
When life is hard, it is so tempting to resort to self-protection or revenge. We take matters in our own hands to ensure justice and fairness.
But neither of those express faith and trust. David, in his submission and humility, is asking God to guide the way to the best end, even in a hard situation. Even if it is not what he would do.
This is critical to prayer. We are not giving God the directions. We are asking Him for His.
And then we watch and wait, letting Him lead us on His way.
Anticipate the Joy
In the beginning of the psalm, David is alone and in tears. At the end, he is rejoicing in community.
Most likely, in the span of that time, God has not changed his situation. But what has changed is David. He has lifted his eyes to God, submitted his heart to him, and sought his direction. He has made God his focus and that has transformed his perspective.
As he does so, he realizes he is not alone. In verse 11, he issues a call to all others who likewise take refuge in the Lord in their troubles. Here, he invites them all to rejoice in the community of the suffering.
As we suffer, it is good to band together with others who suffer (which is pretty much all of us). Together, we can remind each other of his joy, favor and protection in the midst of our trials. Together, we can watch for His answers. Together, we can remind each other that the day is coming and one day, there will be relief.
We all suffer—or will. In those days, let us join together to remind each other of the goodness of God and rejoice in Him.
Counseling the Word
Use this as a lament song to help walk through the pattern of lament with another person.
Help others identify what is your part and where you need to trust the Lord or to make requests that seek His will and way, not just our own.
This psalm also gives a warning of judgment to those who are hardened to the Lord.
Band together to remind each other of the goodness and protection of God in our trials, that we may encourage one another to hope in Him
Praying the Word
Praise: Praise God for His character—his unfailing love, refuge, etc. He is our King and our God. Praise Him for both his holiness (vv. 4-6) and his love (vv. 7-8), his justice (vv. 9-10) and kindness (vv. 11-12).
Thanksgiving: Thank Him for listening to us, even if we cannot utter the words.
Confession: Be honest to Him about your heart. Confess any desire you may have to take things into your own hands or seek your own vengeance. Echo David’s prayer of submission and bow down before Him (v. 7). Where do you need to submit? Ask God to help develop a heart for Him and His kingdom first and foremost, that you might champion what is right. Pray that you will align yourself with the Lord’s will and ways above your own.
Petitions: Lay out your complaints and requests to the Lord honestly and humbly. What do you need protection from? Pray that you might hide in the righteousness of Christ. Ask God to make righteous judgments and that His plans will prevail over man’s agenda.
Intercession: Pray for your enemies, that they might repent before God’s judgment falls on them.
Close with rejoicing in God’s deliverance and blessing: end of lament on a high note.
