Title: Praying Through Psalm 33

Introduction

‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

We all need to be taught how to pray.

Jesus’s disciples recognised the significance of prayer and sought His guidance on how to pray effectively. This highlights the importance of learning and being taught the principles of prayer. Great prayer times don’t just happen by chance; they require intentional effort and planning. We need to develop a structured approach to prayer can help foster a deeper and more meaningful connection with God. Many times, we would need someone more mature to teach us before we get there. 

Summary of the Book of Psalms

Psalm 33 begins by exalting the Lord and praising His attributes. It shows that David set the tone for his prayers by focusing on God’s greatness, His faithfulness, and His creative power. Psalm 33 continues by emphasising the importance of singing and making music to the Lord. Incorporating worship and praise into our prayers helps us express our gratitude and adoration towards God. The psalm further highlights the importance of God’s Word and His faithfulness. Meditating on God’s promises and His faithfulness throughout history can inspire us to trust Him more fully. Additionally, Psalm 33 emphasises the role of God’s sovereignty and His watchful eye over the earth. We can bring our concerns, both personal and global, to God, knowing that He is in control. 

In this Bible study, we are going to look at how to use Psalm 33 as a structure to have great prayer times.

Point 1: Sing

‭‭Psalm ‭33:1-3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.

Start your prayer time with singing.

Singing has a powerful impact in our prayer as it creates an atmosphere of worship and adoration. Begin your prayer time by singing two or more of your favourite gospel or Kingdom songs. If you can play an instrument to accompany your singing, incorporate that as well!

To add variety and freshness to your prayer time, try singing or learning a new song. Discovering and learning new songs can bring a sense of excitement and anticipation to your worship. 

Starting your prayer time with singing sets an inspiring start to your prayers and to your day. Write down two or three songs as a go to and start every day with joyful hymns to our God.

Point 2: God’s Word Is True

‭‭Psalm ‭33:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.

Thank God for His promises and how they have come true in your life.

As we start our prayers, we need to remember God’s faithfulness as we start with a heart of gratitude. Some suggestions of verses to thank God for and how you have seen Him give you:

Reflect on the strength God has provided you in life. Take a moment to express gratitude for the times when God’s strength has sustained and empowered you, enabling you to overcome challenges.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV): "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." 

Meditate on the victory you have experienced in conquering weaknesses and problems in life. 

Romans 8:37 (NIV) "more than conquerors through him who loved us." 

Recognise God’s loyalty and faithfulness even during your faithless times. 

2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV) "if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." 

Focusing your prayer on God’s Word, specifically His promises, strengthens your faith and deepens your connection with Him. As you thank Him for the fulfilment of His promises in your life, you gain a heart of gratitude and remember His faithfulness. So, let your prayer be filled with thanksgiving for God’s provision, victory, and loyalty!

Point 3: Confess and Give Thanks 

Confess where you have been unrighteous and pray for strength to have a righteous day

‭‭Psalm ‭33:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you may have fallen short in. Confess those areas to God, acknowledging your shortcomings and seeking His forgiveness and guidance. 

Draw strength from 1 John 1:9: 

1 John 1:9 NIV If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Thank God for His forgiveness and love. For His patience, kindness, protection, trust, and perseverance with you. Give thanks for His unwavering trust in you, even when you may have faltered. Reflect on His perseverance, as He continues to work in your life, guiding you towards righteousness and transformation.

Point 4: Praise Him

‭‭Psalm ‭33:6-9‬ ‭NIV‬ By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.

Take a moment to express your awe and admiration for God’s creation. Tell Him how amazed you are with the intricate details and diversity of the natural world. Starting from: 

1. Animals
2. Plants
3. Scenery
4. Mountains
5. Oceans
6. Sunsets and sunrises
7. Nature
8. Your own body
9. And the list goes on!

By acknowledging and appreciating His handiwork, you cultivate a heart of humility and awe. Embrace the opportunity to praise Him for His marvellous works, both in the vastness of the universe to the details of your own being.

Point 5: Pray for The World

‭‭Psalm ‭33:10-12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.

In prayer, direct your focus towards the nations of the world. Lift up prayers for their leaders, asking God for wisdom, discernment, and compassionate hearts as they make decisions that impact their countries and citizens. Pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation to prevail in areas of conflict and strife. 

Extend your prayers to the international churches around the world. Pray for their growth, vitality, and impact in their respective communities. Ask God to strengthen and equip pastors, leaders, and members of these churches, that they may faithfully make disciples. Lift up prayers for the expansion of the Church’s reach, that more people may come to know and experience the transformative power of Jesus Christ. 

Point 6: Be Honest with God

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:13-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth— he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.

Spend time with God reflecting on how you are doing and talk to Him about how you feel about it. Honestly assess and share your thoughts and feelings with Him. Share:

• Your current state
• Your struggles
• Your victories
• Your joys 
• Your sorrows, doubts, and hopes

As you reflect, meditate on the truth that God is proud of the changes and accomplishments you have experienced so far. Seek His wisdom and guidance to identify areas of improvement, whether it’s in your attitudes, behaviors, or priorities. In your conversation with God, allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to God’s plan event if it might not align with yours. 

Point 7: God Will Deliver You No Matter How Bad Your Situation Looks

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:16-19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.

Pray to God to help you in your daily needs, the needs of this year, your goals, and the needs of your long-term life.

In prayer, bring before God your daily needs, acknowledging your dependence on Him for provision, guidance, and strength. Ask Him to meet your practical needs, whether they be financial, relational, emotional, or physical. Surrender your concerns and desires to His care, trusting that He knows what is best for you.

Additionally, present your goals and aspirations for this year to God. Invite Him to align your desires and plans with His will, recognizing that His purposes are ultimately for your good and His glory.

Ask yourself if you really believe God wants to bless your life, and if not, why?

Take a moment to reflect on your beliefs about God’s desire to bless your life. Examine any doubts or reservations you may have. If you find yourself questioning God’s willingness to bless you, consider the reasons behind those doubts. Is it based on past disappointments, feelings of unworthiness, or a misunderstanding of God’s character.

In prayer, surrender any doubts or resistance to God’s desire to bless your life. Ask Him to help you fully trust and embrace His plans and blessings for you. Surrender your fears, insecurities, and doubts, and allow His love and grace to transform your perspective. Trust in His goodness and His perfect timing, knowing that He has your best interests at heart.

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭NIV‬‬ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:29-30‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

Point 8: Rejoice In What God Has Already Done for You

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:20-22‬ ‭NIV‬‬ We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Just as this passage says, finish off the prayer simply thanking God for all that He has specifically done for you this last year. Why stop there, pray about the things God has done in the last couple years, describing what you have learnt, what you have received. Pray for how God has helped you in certain situations and for the prayers He has already answered for you. 

Conclusion

To conclude, praying through Psalm 33 offers us a powerful framework for deepening our connection with God. As we incorporate these lessons from Psalm 33 into our prayer lives, we deepen our connection with God and with it, live lives glorifying God.

“Brilliance without prayer is like a car with four flat tires. It might be a truly fine vehicle, but it isn’t going anywhere.”