Psalm 3: Praying Our Trouble

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Psalms.

Prayer begins in a realization that we cannot help ourselves, so we must reach out to God. "Help!" is the basic prayer. We are in trouble, deep trouble. If God cannot get us out, we are lost; if God can get us out, we are saved. If we don't know that we need help, prayer will always be peripheral to our lives, a matter of mood and good manners. But the moment we know we are in trouble, prayer is a life-or-death matter.

Warming Up to God

What is the worst trouble you were in this last week? Where did you go for help? Did you get help? God is your help. Talk to him about what you need today.

Read Psalm 3

Discovering the Word

• Deliver/deliverance is a key word in this psalm. What do we learn about the nature of deliverance through its various uses here?
• David's prayer naturally divides into five sections: verses 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7 and 8. What progression do you see from each section to the next?
• What actions is God described as taking in this psalm?
• Are you used to thinking of God in these ways? Explain.
• What actions is David described as taking in the psalm?

Applying the Word

• David describes his foes in verses 1-2. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by threatening people or circumstances? Give an example.
• What kind of trouble are you in right now?
• What in this psalm do you think will help you to pray your trouble?

Responding in Prayer

Take an image or phrase from Psalm 3 and use it to pray your trouble.