Psalms 5:1-12

Psalms 5

This Psalm is peculiar in setting forth the characteristics of prayer in general.

I. In the first and second verses we have a suggestion of the variety of prayer. (1) "Give ear to my words" formal prayer; (2) "Consider my meditation" unexpressed prayer; (3) "Hearken unto my cry" ejaculatory prayer.

II. The second verse directs our thoughts to the appropriating power of prayer. God is addressed as " myKing," " myGod."

III. By the third verse we are pointed to the statedness and decency of prayer: "My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning."

IV. Expectancy is suggested by the third verse: "I will watch"or "look up."

V. A fifth element of true prayer appears in the seventh verse confidence. The Psalmist speaks as one who has a right to come to God's house.

VI. This confidence by no means excludes humble reverence: "I will come in the multitude of Thy mercy."

VII. Such an approach must involve joy: "Let them that love Thy name be joyful in Thee."

M. R. Vincent, Gates into the Psalm Country,p. 39.

I. Taking this Psalm as an example of personal waiting upon God, what may we learn of personal worship? Mark (1) the directness, (2) the earnestness, (3) the intelligence, of the speech. The Psalmist shows intelligence (a) by his conception of the character of God, and (b) by his view of the character and deserts of the wicked.

II. If this is the kind of prayer which the Lord will hear, then let us gladly learn that oneman will be heard; that every man will be heard in his own way; that no man who loves wickedness will be heard; that those who are heard and answered should be enthusiastic in their joy.

III. Regarding this as an acceptable prayer, we may correct some modern notions of worship; for example, (1) that we may not tell God what He already knows; (2) that we may not make a speech to God; (3) that in prayer we should be continually asking for something. Our worship should distinctly express our personality of sin, trouble, and necessity; then it will be always new, vigorous, and profitable.

Parker, The Ark of God,p. 130.

References: Psalms 5 I. Williams, The Psalms Interpreted of Christ,p. 126. Psalms 6:2. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. xx., p. 87.