Bible Study - Psalm 17:1-3
- Read Psalm 17:1-3
- It is natural, when setting out in prayer, to check first that the
prayer is based on sound and pure motives. Like the psalmist we need to
make sure that we are not trying to cover up something in our hearts
that is unworthy or selfish. We are perhaps not quite as
self-confident, as sure of ourselves, as the psalmist seems to be; so,
like the psalmist, we may start with a period of introspection in which
we invite God to check us over spiritually and make sure we are right
with him.
- Read Psalm 18:1-3
- Having done that we can move forward to assert our confidence in
God as the ultimate source of true security, someone we can rely on
absolutely to protect and guide us in times of difficulty and to listen
to our pleas when we have petitions we would like to put to him. So we
express not just our confidence but also our love for a being who is
not just a source of strength and power but also a caring, loving God.
This was evident to the psalmist from experiences available to him. How
much more obvious is it to us who have the experience of Our Lord Jesus
Christ as the supreme evidence of God's caring and loving
nature?
- To think about
- 1. How can I use the words of these two psalmists to set the scene
for my prayers so that they can be deeper and more satisfactory?
- 2. Should I give more time and attention to the preparation for
prayer? Do I have a tendency to rush in without preparing the ground
properly?
- Prayer
- Lord, I praise you that you are engaged with the simple faltering
prayers of mortal beings like me. I thank you that you are ever present
as a support and source of encouragement, helping me on my lowly level
to reach you in my prayers.