Praying Psalm 27

"Hope"

What is the title of Psalm 27? of David.

Read Psalm 27:1-3

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

² When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall

³ Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

What is the psalmist’s attitude?

The LORD is strong – nothing can scare me. I'm confident in the face of WAR against me.

Read Psalm 27:4-6

⁴ One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple.

⁵ For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent ;he will lift me high upon a rock.

⁶ And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord.

What does the “house of YHWH” mean to the psalmist?

Refuge, safety, hiding, beauty

answers, vindication, be lifted up

Read 27:7-10

⁷ Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!
⁸ You have said, “Seek (y’all)  my face.” My heart says to you, “Your face, Lord, do I seek.”
⁹ Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!
¹⁰ For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.

How does this relationship look?

YHWH says – I do.

These are stronger bonds than earthly relationships (father and mother.) SEE Is.49:15, Mat 12:46-50

Read Psalm 27:11-12

¹¹ Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.
¹² Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.

What is the psalmist’s prayer?

1 – Teach me 

2 – lead me 

3 – don’t give me up

Read Psalm 27:13-14

^{13 (Unless)}I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
¹⁴ Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

What does the psalmist hope for?

Goodness – He EAGERLY waits for YHWH

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

What is the purpose of this Psalm/prayer?

Proclaim confidence

Teach others to wait confidently

How does Christ fulfill this psalm?

He came – people were waiting – goodness of YHWH incarnate!

But wait, there are still enemies – it’s not quite over...

We continue to wait confidently for Christ to return.

How can we pray this? Wait for the Lord, be strong & courageous.

 

WE PRAY:  

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done indeed without our prayer; but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is this done? When God breaks and hinders every evil counsel and will which would not let us hallow the name of God nor let His kingdom come, such as the will of the devil, the world, and our flesh; but strengthens and keeps us steadfast in His Word and in faith unto our end. This is His gracious and good will.

Amen.

What does this mean? That I should be certain that these petitions are acceptable to our Father in heaven and heard; for He Himself has commanded us so to pray, and has promised that He will hear us. Amen, Amen; that is, Yea, yea, it shall be so.