Psalm 31 Prayer Guide

Try entering into lament with this three-part rhythm: Part 1 Become present to the presence of God: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46:10-11) Pause in silence before God. Practice breathing slowly and deeply. As you inhale, invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your being- your body, mind, imagination, affections and emotions. As you exhale, release any burdens you are carrying into this time of prayer. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self -‘as is’ -before the presence of God. Optional prayer of approach: “Lord, I come to you in need, desperate for deliverance. I wear sadness like a heavy robe. Where once your goodness and mercy followed me, now I am chased by fear and worry, a brooding cloud- expanding, deepening, as friends withdraw and vision faces, and I am lost in the mist, left to chattering voices and my own self-loathing. May I remember your mercy, Lord. Your grace is a wide-open space…” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 31). Part 2 Slowly read Psalm 31 (NIV) out loud: (for an audio version click here) 1 O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Save me, for you do what is right. 2 Turn your ear to listen to me; rescue me quickly. Be my rock of protection, a fortress where I will be safe. 3 You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. 4 Pull me from the trap my enemies set for me, for I find protection in you alone. 5 I entrust my spirit into your hand. Rescue me, Lord, for you are a faithful God. 6 I hate those who worship worthless idols. I trust in the Lord. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. 8 You have not handed me over to my enemies but have set me in a safe place. 9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. 10 I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. 11 I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors— even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. 12 I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. 13 I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life. 14 But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” 15 My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. 16 Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me. 17 Don’t let me be disgraced, O Lord, for I call out to you for help. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them lie silent in the grave. 18 Silence their lying lips— those proud and arrogant lips that accuse the godly. 19 How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection, blessing them before the watching world. 20 You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues. Part 3 Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world. Describe the trouble in detail to God. Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid… Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…? Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!” The psalms were originally written as lyrics, as prayers set to music. Throughout the history of Israel and the church, the people of God have sung the psalms. Song invites us to internalize the Word of God with the whole self- body, mind, imagination, emotions and affections. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 31 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.