1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
Describe the altruistic (other-oriented) focus that David has in this psalm.
Walk through each line of verses 1-5. What holistic encouragement would each of these blessings offer to someone who is experiencing distress?
Notice verse 5. Why is it important to David that he and others be included as active participants in the blessings?
6 Now this I know:
The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call! NIV
How do the details of verses 6-9 relate specifically to the details of blessing in the first 5 verses of this psalm?
Recall some of the distressful circumstances David experienced before he became king. How does personal experience ("This I know") enhance a prayer of blessing over others?
::::: Equipping Challenge :::::
Read Philippians 2:1-4. In the next 24 hours, who could you encourage (who could you bless) from what you have learned through your own life experiences of distress?