Psalm 16 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try entering into prayer with this three-part rhythm:

Part 1

Become present to the presence of God:

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:1-2 ESV).

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.

Reflect on the joys and challenges of the past day. What are you thankful for? Where did you see God at work? What do you lament? What do you need to confess?

Part 2

Slowly read from Psalm 16 (NIV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1  Keep me safe, my God,

    for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    apart from you I have no good thing.”
3 I say of the holy people who are in the land,
    “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.”
4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more.
    I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods
    or take up their names on my lips.

5 Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.
6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
    surely I have a delightful inheritance.
7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.
8 I keep my eyes always on the Lord.
    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
11 You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Part 3

Reflecting on Psalm 16, pray your own psalm of trust:

  • “Lord, you are my…

  • “I depend on you to…

  • “Without you, I am…

  • “Even when…, I trust you.

  • “I am confident that you will… 

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 16 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

‘Resurrection Day’ from The Psalm Library, 2022. By Kip Fox and Reed Lessing. Center for Christian Worship, Concordia University Irvine.

from the album ‘Psalm Songs Vol 2’ (2018) by Corner Room. cornerroommusic.com