Psalms the Ultimate Guide to Prayer

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.” Psalm 40:1-2 ESV

This psalm reminds us of God’s faithfulness to be our help and our Deliverer. When we are in despair and see no way for the future, praying this psalm encourages us to trust in the Lord and be assured that He hears our prayers and requests. 

God has done so much in my life, and I am sure in yours as well. Sometimes I have difficulty finding the words to express my worship and adoration, especially in prayer. How do I fully express gratitude to the One True God for His abundant blessings? In times of distress, what do I say to convey my pain? When I am down to my last ounce of strength, how do I communicate my need to my Father?

One of the most significant sources of words for praise, worship, thanksgiving, and need comes from the book of Psalms. The book of Psalms is one of only two books in the Bible constructed as a compilation. The second is Proverbs.

Musical instruments often accompanied the psalms, making them the hymns of God’s people. Jesus sang psalms with His disciples on the night before His death. Psalms were sung regularly by the congregation and lifted up by individuals in adoration and intercession. Just as the Israelites prayed the psalms, we can also use them regularly to worship God and to bolster our prayers.

There are several ways to use psalms in our prayers. Start by reading a psalm through and meditating on its purpose. Consider whether the psalm is meant as worship, thanksgiving, or is a lament of sorrow, or a cry for deliverance. Then, make the words your words. Try inserting your name to create a personal psalm. No matter your situation, there is a psalm for every need.

Whether or not you struggle to find the words to pray, here are 10 powerful psalms to pray regularly: