Praying with the Psalms

Today, we’re going to pray with a Psalm. I love this Psalm for so many reasons. As we swelter in these dog days of summer, I long for the shelter of God’s wings. As I wrestle with vacation plans or summer events gone awry, I remember to watch for God’s care even then.

Read this Psalm slowly, and pay attention to any phrases, words or verses that stand out to you. Go back to those places and read them again. What is God saying to you? Take a moment. Rest in it.

Psalm 91

You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,

Who abide in the shade of the Almighty,

Say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,

My God in whom I trust.”

He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare,

From the destroying plague,

He will shelter you with his pinions,

And under his wings you may take refuge;

His faithfulness a protecting shield.

You shall not fear the terror of the night

Nor the arrow that flies by day,

Nor the pestilence that ravages at noon.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

Ten thousand at your right hand, near you it shall not come.

You need simply watch;

The punishment of the wicked you will see.

Because you have the Lord for your refuge

And have made the Most High your stronghold.

No evil shall befall you,

No affliction come near your tent.

For he commands his angels with regard to you,

To guard you wherever you go.

With their hands they shall support you,

Lest you strike your foot against a stone.

You can tread upon the asp and the viper,

Trample the lion and the dragon.

Because he clings to me I will deliver him;

Because he knows my name I will set him on high.

He will call upon me and I will answer;

I will be with him in distress;

I will deliver him and give him honor.

With length of days I will satisfy him,

And fill him with my saving power.