Psalms 5 6 10 12 13 17 21 25 28 31
35 38 39 43 51 54 55 57 59 64
69 70 71 74 86 88 102 130 140 143
There are 30 Psalms here. The Hebrew letter for “30” is symbolic in part for learn. It is related to the idea of the taught ones. Taught ones in 1st-century Israel were those who had given everything up to follow the life, the words, the teachings of the Teacher.
It should be remembered that one of the very “key” ways that David learned about how the LORD acts, was during the most difficult – and very dangerous – times of David’s life. David was pursued by enemies and was under real physical threat throughout his whole reign in Israel. This was after, it must be noted, he was anointed to replace Saul as Israel’s king.
In short, David writes not after thinking or pondering or speculating about the LORD. Rather, he writes after he “knew – which in Hebrew more deeply means to know by experience, intimacy, personal relationship” the LORD.
David learned by experience that it was “all by the LORD” – even when David made efforts to free himself from enemies!
Please keep in mind that of course while the Psalms can and are used for prayer, they are known in Hebrew as “Shine Forth – Songs of Praise”. The term “Psalms” comes from the Greek “Psalmois” “Songs”; rather than a word for prayer.
Prayer should always begin with praise to the LORD first. Why?
If we had an appointment or meeting with a President, king, or wealthy or highly influential person who could be of great help to us, what would we do upon meeting them?
No doubt we would first profusely thank them for meeting with us, being willing to hear our plea or situation, and how much it would benefit us (or others) if they could help.
How much more so then, when meeting the King of Kings, Creator of the Heavens and Earth!
Ultimately as it is said in Hebrew, “there is no one (literally “none”) else beside Him”.
Circumstances do not change just “on their own”. Nothing whatsoever happened apart from the LORD. This does not mean, however, that we sometimes we do not have to make an effort. However, apart from the LORD we would not be able to do anything! Nor can the wealthy, great, and powerful do anything unless the LORD allows them to.
The fact is that He works through people and circumstances whether we can “see it” or not. (As the Jewish People were helped by the LORD in seemingly unseen ways in the Book of Esther!).
We would very much encourage you to begin with Psalm 145 before utilizing the specific Psalms for times of trouble. Why? Psalm 145 is a Psalm full of praises and sings about Who He Be (Hebrew has no word “is”). It is done in an acrostic (alphabetically) in Hebrew.
We would then also encourage you to use Psalm 20:3 (in English v. 2). Why? It acknowledges that He would send your help from the Sanctuary (Hebrew literally “source (of) Holy(ness), and – in connection – from source Zion (Excellence”) support you”. In other words, that He would send your help from the Holy Sanctuary and from Zion will support you.
The Prophet Isaiah said that “for-like divine model from – source Zion, will go forth Torah – Teaching, Direction, Revelation, Law, Instruction, “Guidance”; “absorb seed in order to promote growth”, “and the Word (of the) LORD from-source Jerusalem” Isaiah 2:2-3.
In short, many or most of the Psalms – including those you are going to utilize – were composed in Jerusalem!
Revelation 21 speaks of Heaven in specific terms of the “renewed, new in quality Jerusalem”. If that is where you are going or hope to go one day, would it not be a good idea to affirm to the LORD now, that you have a heart for His City?
If time is short begin your use of the Psalms with Ps. 95:1-3 (English vss. 2-4). These verses speak of us collectively singing joyous praises to the LORD.
After reciting Psalms conclude with Ps. 14:7 and 37:39-40.
If possible, face toward Jerusalem when reciting the Psalms – or prayer in general. Based on the above, it should be obvious why!
If you are a Gentile follower of Yeshua, then you know from your Bible that Yeshua Ascended up, across from Jerusalem (Mt. Of Olives Acts 1:9-12) and returns to Jerusalem! (Cf. Rev. 22; cf. Zech. 14; Daniel 9).
Take a Mashiach (“Messiah”, “Anointed” but also with more meaning) like approach to your prayer:
- First pray for all those unknown to you that are in your situation. This utilizes Hebrew’s universal “Big Picture” approach.
- Next pray for those you may know in the same or similar situation(s).
- Then – last – pray for your own need. Doing so demonstrates concern for others above yourself – cf. Phpn. 2:2-3 – and is a Mashiach like
- Last but not least, end your prayer with “in the name of Yeshua”. This follows the Master’s instruction to pray in his name. (But not to him! Prayer is to the LORD, the Father, in the name of Yeshua, but not to Yeshua).
Why not the “J” name? You are of course free to do so. However, doing so in the name of Yeshua means your heart affirms and acknowledges who he truly is. After all, why not pray in the name Yeshua actually called himself cf. Acts. 26:14-15?
There’s nothing to lose – and potentially everything to gain!
The main Hebrew word for prayer, in short and in part, seems to or may have some idea of connection as part of its meaning.
We hope the above will help you to more closely connect with our wonderful LORD!
As it says in the Hebrew of the Shine Forth – Songs of Praise (Psalms), may the LORD “incline his ear” to your prayer, and “answer you in a day of trouble”, in the name of Yeshua Hamashiach!