Psalm 46 - 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 God, you are the one safe place- the only abiding shelter in this windswept world; North Star in ink-black night. Constant in variable. Just and rightful ruler in a land of cardboard kingdoms… You will build a city: radiant, like a bride; citadel of all things new. You will be its light and laughter; the joyful Lord of new creation! Your river- bright as crystal, wending through its streets. Your tree- seed of Eden, promising healing to all who come from far-flung corners of creation to your ever-open city…’ (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 46).

Part 2

Slowly read from Psalm 46 (ESV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shields with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 46 back to God:

Begin by personalizing the pronouns in the psalm, turning the words about God into a prayer directly to God. For example, v. 1 (‘God is our refuge and strength…’) becomes ‘God, YOU are MY refuge and strength...’ Pray your way through the psalm in this way.

Then gather these thoughts into 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 46 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

From the album Hope Where There Was None (2017) by Loud Harp. loudharp.com