Praying the Psalms

The Psalms as a Prayer Book

• The Book of Psalms has long been the prayer and hymn book of God’s people.  

Praise and Adoration (Psalm 145)

• There are 41 Psalms of praise in the Psalter.  (8, 67, 84, 104, 147) Explanation: Prayers of praise (adoration) focus on who God is.  

Practical Application for Prayer:

• Begin with Adoration:
• Use God’s Attributes:
• Pray the Psalms Verbally:  

Lament and Sorrow (Psalm 13)

• There are 59 Psalms of Lament (3, 22, 80, 94, 139)
• Explanation: Lament is a prayer in pain, crying out to God in the midst of grief, fear, or trouble.

Practical Application for Prayer:  

• Be Honest with God:  
• Ask Boldly for Help: Affirm Trust:  

Trust and Confidence (Psalm 23)

• There are 6 Psalms of Trust (11, 16, 62, 63, 91)
• Explanation: Prayers of trust declare our confidence in God – in His character, His promises, and His care for us – even when we face uncertainty or trials.  

Practical Application for Prayer:

• Affirm God’s Promises Aloud:
• Personalize a Trust Psalm:  
• Surrender Fears to God:  

Repentance and Confession (Psalm 51)

• There are 7 Psalms of repentance (lament) (6, 32, 51, 102, 130, 143)
• Explanation: In our prayer life, repentance is the practice of confessing our sins to God, turning away from them, and seeking His forgiveness.  

Practical Application for Prayer:

• Practice Regular Confession:
• Be Specific and Sincere:
• Ask for Cleansing and Change:
• Embrace Forgiveness by Faith:  

Thanksgiving and Gratitude (Psalm 100)

• There are 8 Psalms of Thanksgiving (34, 40, 75, 107, 116, 118)
• Explanation: Thanksgiving in prayer is thanking God for what He has done and for His blessings and goodness in our lives.  

Practical Application for Prayer:

• Count Your Blessings in Prayer:
• Use the Psalms of Thanksgiving:
• Thank God in All Circumstances:  
• Incorporate Thanksgiving into Every Prayer Time:  
• Express Thanks Publicly and Privately

‍