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Psalm 5 is a morning prayer.
In the Psalms, and with saints throughout history, drawing closer to God means valuing prayer early in the day.
In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch (v. 3, NASB1995).
I like the phrase “order my prayer” – confronting your day, it’s best to get organized and it begins with prayer. Personally…
In the evening, I confess, review my thoughts and words of the day, and ask for God’s miraculous peace as I sleep.
In the morning, I rejoice in the day that the Lord has given to me, consider the day ahead, and ask for wisdom. Then I request joy. I want the joy of the Lord to be my strength.
Psalm 5 is helpful because David was having a series of bad days. His enemies were abundant and encircling. So, David begins his day by singing or praying…
But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You (v. 11).
Your enemies are both natural and supernatural. You have the gossiping co-worker, the sniping boss, or the bully at school. Psalm 5 gives some strategic advice, as peacemakers and heralds of the gospel, we don’t take vengeance, but we can pray…
Hold them guilty, O God; by their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out (v. 10).
Evil ensnares. Our strategic prayers when enemies assail: That their actions reveal their motives, and they stumble in defeat by their own actions. Evil is subtle; often the diabolical reveals itself in time.
Hard to be patient! But remember…
For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; no evil dwells with You. The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all who do iniquity. You destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit (vv. 4-6).
In morning prayer, do not dwell on your enemies, but claim…
For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as with a shield (v. 12).
I am tempted at the beginning of a busy or difficult day to begin with work. Thinking so much to do, can I take 15 minutes for prayer? As we grow in Jesus, we become like David, realizing that the most important part of a tough or even dreadful day is…
Morning prayer!