Praying With the PsalmsSample

Yearning for God

“Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise Him for the saving help of His presence” (Psalm 42:5,8).

The Psalms had an important place in the temple services back then. Even today, the Psalms are being sung in various languages and translations. What power there has been in these songs for centuries! The second part of the Book of Psalms includes Psalms 42-72. In Psalm 42, the poet expresses his intense longing for God. He cries out that he cannot go on without God. Enemies ask: "Where is this God of yours?" (verse 11). Every believer faces distress, worries, loneliness, and hostility. The worst thing in these periods can be the feeling that God doesn't notice or seems far away. The writer of this Psalm speaks to himself in a powerful way: “No matter how troubled you are, keep trusting God!” (verses 5 and 8).

Prayer exercise:

Read Psalm 42 as a prayer, slowly and carefully. As you read, add your own questions, needs, or words (of thanksgiving). Put aside what you do not immediately understand. If you notice that certain words or phrases touch you in a special way, repeat them. Pray through this Psalm this way, and at the end, thank God for His presence.