Psalm 3 - 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 day. What are you thankful for? Where did you see God at work? What do you lament? What do you need to confess?

Optional prayer of approach: ‘Father, why is it that the closer I get to you, the more my enemies multiply? I am surrounded by a crowd of wicked witnesses- scorners of wisdom; heralds of un-grace. But your presence enfolds me, shielding me from their poison tongues… My words do not fall on deaf ears. From broken whisper to deafening wail, you hear me, and from infinite realms of glory, you stoop to reply…’ (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 3).

Part 2

Slowly read Psalm 3 (NIV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1  Lord, how many are my foes!

    How many rise up against me!
2 Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.”

3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
    my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
4 I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

5 I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
6 I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

7 Arise, Lord!
    Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth of the wicked.

8 From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people.

Part 3

Reflecting on Psalm 3, 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 3 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

From the album, I Will Not Be Shaken, by Steve Bell (2015), stevebell.com