Prayer Guide: Psalm 4

By

Psalm 4 (ESV)

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of David.

 Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

2 O men,[a] how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
    How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah
3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Be angry,[b] and do not sin;
    ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah
5 Offer right sacrifices,
    and put your trust in the Lord.

6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
    Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
7 You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and wine abound.

8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
    for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

 

REVERENCE

God’s praiseworthy attributes displayed in this text:

  • Answers when we call – v. 1
  • Righteous and the source of our righteousness – v. 1
  • Provides relief in our distress – v. 1
  • Gracious – v. 1
  • Hears our prayers – v. 1
  • Sets us apart to himself – 3
  • Hears us when we call – v. 3
  • Worthy of our sacrifices – v. 5
  • Trustworthy –v.6
  • Good – v. 6
  • Looks upon us/shines his face – v. 6
  • Light – v. 6
  • Surpassing joy – v. 7
  • Peace – v. 8
  • Source of safety – v. 8

Possible prayer prompters:

I praise you that your heard my prayer when ________________________ (v. 1)

I praise you that you are righteous, and make me righteous, even though _________________________ (v. 1)

I praise you that you provided relief in my distress when __________________________ (v. 1)

RESPONSE:

When the world seeks to  __________________________ (see v. 2) – set my heart apart to You alone. (v. 3)

When I struggle with anger over   _______________________________, let me trust You in a spirit of quiet surrender (vv. 4-5)

REQUESTS:

Lord, I give myself to You and trust You today for ________________________________________ (v. 5)

Even though the world doubts Your goodness, let me seek and seek Your face, when I ______________________________ (v. 6)

I trust You for Your surpassing joy today, even though ___________________________________ (v. 7)

 

READINESS:

Even though I continue to encounter ______________________________ (areas of spiritual battle), give me Your peace that provides surpassing rest and safety. (v. 8)