Scripture Reading : Psalm 3
Theme : Prayer of Deliverance
There are two main types of psalms: lament and praise. Books 1-3 are mostly laments, expressing sadness and puzzlement in a broken and hurting world. Books 4-5 are mostly praise psalms, expressing joy and thanksgiving to God because of God’s faithfulness. There will be sadness in this sin-filled world, but joy comes in the end because God is faithful. He will help us through life and eventually restore the world when Jesus returns. The book of psalms is a prayer book that helps us to pray by giving us the language of prayer. It sets examples of prayers for us to model.
- Evil Oppression (1–2). Jesus will fully rule this world on earth when He returns. In the meantime, believers will face evil persecution in this rebellious world. There will be times when believers will face evil injustice and oppression such as faced by those Christians in the Middle East and other parts of the world.
- Prayer to God (3–4). During this time of trial, God wants us to cry out to Him for help. Stand firm in your faith in God. Believe He is a shield, an armor around you. Believe He is a great God who is our honor and will not let us be in shame, but will lift our heads.
- Confidence from Prayer (5–8). When you have faith in God and pray to Him, you will have confidence in God and God will deliver you (cf. Luke 18:7-8). You can also rest properly.
Praying the Scripture
经文：诗篇3
主题：求神搭救的祷告
诗歌主要分为两种：哀歌和赞美诗。第一至第三卷书多数是哀歌，表达了诗人在一个破碎和悲痛之世界里的忧伤和迷惑。第四与第五卷书则多属赞美诗，即使人因神的信实所表达的喜悦和感谢。忧愁必伴随着这个罪恶的世界，但其结局是喜乐，因为神是信实的。祂会助我们走过一生，也最终在耶稣归来的时候复兴这世界。诗篇是一本祷告书籍，教导我们祷告的用语，从而助我们祷告。它是予我们祷告的典范。
- 邪恶的压迫（1-2）。耶稣归来时要在地上完全统治这世界。但此时，信徒会在这悖逆的世界里遭到邪恶的迫害。信徒有时会面对不公平的邪恶对待和压迫，如中东国家的基督徒所遭遇的。
- 向神的祷告（3-4）。在这段试炼期间，神要我们向祂求告求助。我们要在神的信心里站立得住。要相信神是你的盾牌，是你的全副军装。要相信祂是伟大的神，是你的荣耀；祂必不致我们羞愧，乃要抬起我们的头。
- 因祷告有信心（5-8）。当你对神有信心并向祂祷告时，你会信任神，而神会搭救你（路18:7-8）。你也可以坦然地休息。
用经文祷告
每当你在生活中遇到困扰时，神要你对他有信心，向祂祷告求助。要信靠神；祂能行超出你所求所想的事。祂会搭救你。我们要在生命中操练这样的祷告。我们要学会像诗人那样祷告。
