Read the following psalm and allow it to be your prayer to God today.

Psalm 3 (NIV)

Lord, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.”

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 3 (NRSV)

O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.” Selah.

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.

Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people! Selah.

Creative Options for Reading Psalms

Draw a Prayer

The Psalms are filled with rich imagery. After reading Psalm 3, draw the images that come to mind. You don’t have to be an artist to find value in drawing the images and emotions behind the Psalms.

If you don’t enjoy drawing, you can write out Psalm 3 using different colored pens or pencils. Creatively writing out the psalm can help you connect with it in a new way.

Listen to a Song

Poor Bishop Hooper publishes a new song each week. Each song creatively presents the words of a psalm.

You can find their song based on Psalm 3 here.

Read with a Friend

Find a friend or family member and read the psalm together. Together, talk about what Psalm 3 means to you. Sometimes having another perspective can help you gain new insights.