Psalm 51 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: “Gracious Lord, I come before you today, burdened with sin, desperate for the mercy only you can show- not as a result of anything I have done, but because you are infinitely good: the Restorer of Broken Things. Only by your grace can the death grip of my sin be unraveled, unyoked, undone. Shower me in your mercy, Lord; cleanse me of all that is unholy, unhealthy, unworthy…” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 51). Part 2 Slowly read Psalm 51:1-12 (ESV) out loud: (for an audio version click here) 1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 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 51 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day. from the album ‘Heaven and Earth’ (2023) by Aaron Shust. aaronshust.com From the album Psalms II (2015) by Shane and Shane. shaneandshane.com from the album ‘Behold the Story’ (2019) by Shane and Shane. theworshipinitiative.com