Commonplace –
“O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer.
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all yet that hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:23-24).
In Psalm 30, we see David’s framework for prayer:
- Beseech: verses 1-8
David beseeches God to hear him. He asks God to deliver Him, acting as his strong rock of defense.
- Confess: verses 9-18
David then asks for God’s mercy and confesses that his own strength fails because of his iniquity. He was at the mercy of his enemies and fear surrounded him, yet he trusted in God. He prays for God to deliver him and protect him, keeping him from shame and silencing his enemies.
- Praise: verses 19-24
David recognizes God’s goodness towards those who commit to Him. He acknowledges God’s protection, recalling a time when God showed his marvelous kindness toward him. He entreats other saints to love the Lord and be of good courage, knowing God will strengthen all those who put their trust in Him.
Matthew Henry notes the following regarding Psalm 31:
“It is a mixture of prayers, and praises, and professions of confidence in God, all which do well together and are helpful to one another” (279).
Works Cited
Henry, Matthew. “Psalm 31.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary On the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition. Volume 3 and Volume 6, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., March 1996.
Holy Bible: Giant Print with Study Aids. Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1984.
© 2025 Angela Hormberg
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