How do the Psalms forshadow the Lord’s prayer?
(Psalms 6; 13; 22; 44; 60) Blog Jan. 7-13, 2024
Prepared by Richard A. Marin: Present Truth PO Box 700, Fallbrook CA 92088-0700 USA
We highly recommend that you watch this video about Martin Luther and the Psalms:
REVIEW: The Psalms include songs, poems, prayers, prophecies, instructions, and laments in the form of requests, complaints, praise, and thanksgiving. Jesus, James, Peter, and Paul all consider the Psalms as part of Holy Scripture which instruct us in paths of righteousness and teach us to bring all our joys and complaints to God. David, himself, confessed that he was anointed of God to speak as God’s Spirit inspired him.
Prayer in the Psalms
1. With what basic concept do the Psalms begin? The Psalms begin with the contrast between righteousness & sin, showing their sure results (Psa. 1:1-6; 5:4-5; 7:9).
2. What becomes obvious throughout all the Psalms? Throughout the Psalms, it is obvious that God can be approached in any situation (Psa. 6:1; 9:1; 12:1; 18:1; 30:1).
3. Is there ever a time when you should not pray? Yes, David said: “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me & Jesus said that we should first be reconciled with our brother before presenting our gift to God & God told Joshua to stop praying and first deal with sin in the camp (Josh. 7:11-12; Psa. 17:1; 66:18; Matt. 5:23-24).
4. In the Psalms of prayer how do the petitioners approach God? In the prayer Psalms the petitioners approach God as a friend who hears & understands them in their human weakness (Psa. 4:1; 6:2, 9; 55:1-2; 141:1-2; 143:1).
5. What should we learn from David’s repeated requests saying “How long?” to God? We should learn that God does not always answer our requests as soon as we make them (Psa. 6:3; 13:1-2; 35:17; 40:1; 74:10; 80:4; 94:3-4).
6. How do the Psalms portray the words that Jesus used when he taught his disciples to pray? In Psalm 89:26 God taught David to call him “My Father.” In Psalm 148:13 all humans are told to praise the name of the Lord. All saints are told to speak of God’s kingdom, glory, & power in Psalm 145:11. In Psalm 40:8 David says that he delights to do God’s will. In Psalm 121:7 the psalmist portrays Jesus’ words: “Deliver us from evil.” In Psalm 37:25 David says that he has never seen the children of the righteous begging bread. In Psalm 32, 51 & 38:18 David confesses his sins asking for forgiveness. (Matt. 6:9-13).
Prayers when in Trouble
7. In Psalm 44 on what excellent basis does the psalmist begin? The psalmist begins by remembering & reminding God of his great deliverances for God’s people in the past (Psa. 44:1-3).
8. Where does the psalmist next turn in Psalm 44? Next the psalmist declares God to be his king in whom he will trust (Psa. 44:4-8).
9. After reminding God and himself of God’s past deliverances and declaring his trust in God how does the psalmist express his complaint? The psalmist accuses God of abandoning his people & making them a reproach among their heathen neighbors (Psa. 44:9-16).
10. After accusing God of abandoning his people, what plea does the psalmist make to God? The psalmist tells God that his people have not abandoned him nor worshipped other gods, & so asks God to come to their aide (Psa. 44:17-23).
11. On what basis does the psalmist ask God to help his people in their affliction? The psalmists only hope, like ours, is in the mercy of God & his only defense is prayer (Psa. 44:26; 13:5; 33:18; 130:7).
12. When David’s world seemed to be falling apart to whom did he turn in Psalm 60? Even though it seemed like God had abandoned his people & nothing around them was stable, David reminded God that they carried his banner & asked him to give them victory in battle for human help was worthless (Psa. 60:1-12).
13. In the battles of live where do people usually turn for help? People usually turn to other people when facing problems in life (Psa. 60:11; 118:8-9; 146:3).
A Psalm for the Cross
14. What type of psalm is Psalm 22? Psalm 22 is a prophetic psalm depicting the despair of God’s own Son on the cross & the results of his passion (Psa. 22:1-21; Matt. 27:46).
15. Why had God forsaken his Son? The sins of every human being were imputed to Jesus in Gethsemane. He was numbered with transgressors & God must withdraw from him as he will from all the wicked. Jesus experienced hell (the second death) for all humanity (Psa. 22:1-3; Prov. 15:29; Isa. 53:12; 59:2; Hab. 1:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 2:9).
16. What other events at the cross did David foresee and foretell in Psalm 22? David wrote that those that saw Jesus on the cross would mock & despise him & he even quoted their words. He wrote that there would be none to help him, that his heart would melt, & that he would thirst. David clearly said that men would pierce Jesus’ hands & feet & that he would be naked on the cross, even leaving his garments to be divided among the crucifiers who would cast lots for his tunic (Psa. 22:6-18; Isa. 63:3; Matt. 27:39-44; John 19:23-24, 28, 34-35).
17. Did God hear and answer Jesus’ prayer for deliverance while on the cross? Yes, God heard & answered Jesus’ prayer for deliverance, but the answer did not come until the resurrection (Psa. 22:19-21; Matt. 28:1-4; Rom. 4:25; Heb. 5:5-7).
18. After his resurrection how did Jesus glorify God? Jesus declared God’s name (character) unto his brethren & praised God in the congregation (church) telling everyone to praise God for God hears the prayers of the afflicted & has an everlasting kingdom. Jesus demonstrated this by bearing the penalty of God’s law in humanity’s place (Psa. 22:22-29; Heb. 2:11-12).
19. How does David conclude Psalm 22? David concludes Psalm 22 by saying that Jesus will have offspring that serve him & tell future generations of his righteousness for he bore all their sins on the cross, making atonement for them (Psa. 22:30-31).
20. Will God ever forsake a human being like he forsook his Son on the cross? Yes, Romans 1 says that little by little God withdraws himself from those determined to go their own way & eventually all who reject the sacrifice of his Son will be cast into the Lake of fire & be eternally separated from the God of life (Psa. 22:1; Rom. 1:21-32; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:15).