Psalm 12 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for pausing in the midst of your days for prayer:

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Part II: Slowly read from Psalm 12 (ESV)

1 Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone;
    for the faithful have vanished from among the children of man.
2 Everyone utters lies to his neighbor;
    with flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

3 May the Lord cut off all flattering lips,
    the tongue that makes great boasts,
4 those who say, “With our tongue we will prevail, our lips are with us; who is master over us?”

5 “Because the poor are plundered, because the needy groan,
    I will now arise,” says the Lord;
    “I will place him in the safety for which he longs.”
6 The words of the Lord are pure words,
    like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times.

7 You, O Lord, will keep them;
    you will guard us from this generation forever.
8 On every side the wicked prowl,
    as vileness is exalted among the children of man.

Part III: Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

• Describe the trouble in detail to God.

• Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…;  “… afraid…

• Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?;  "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

• Make your plea to God:   "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 12 set to music…

©2015 Corner Room Music cornerroommusic.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Psalm 127 - A Psalm of Wisdom (Orientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try beginning your prayer with praise, using this three-part rhythm.

Part I: Become present to the presence of God:

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Ps 90:14)

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any burdens you are carrying into this new day. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) into the presence of God.

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 127 (ESV) out loud:

1 Unless the Lord builds the house,

    those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
    the watchman stays awake in vain.
2 It is in vain that you rise up early
    and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
    for he gives to his beloved sleep.

3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.
4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
    are the children of one's youth.

5 Blessed is the man
    who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
    when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Part III: Use your own words to pray Psalm 127 back to God:

Lord Jesus, show me the ways I am eating the “bread” of anxious toil.

Reveal the relationships you are calling me to invest in this week (“the heritage of the Lord”).

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 127 set to music…

©2015 Corner Room Music cornerroommusic.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Psalm 91 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating a heart of trust…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Reflect on the joys and challenges of the day. What are you thankful for? Where did you see God at work? What do you lament? What do you need to confess?

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 91 (NIV) out loud:

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.

Part III: Reflecting on Psalm 91, pray your own psalm of trust:

“Lord, you are my…

“I depend on you to…

“Without you, I am…

“Even when…, I trust you.

“I am confident that you will… 

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, sung by the people of God. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 91 set to music…

From the album By The Streams (2016) by Jonathan Ogden. ogvidius.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Evening Prayer from Estero Bay

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Psalm 77 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating a heart of trust…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Reflect on the joys and challenges of the day. What are you thankful for? Where did you see God at work? What do you lament? What do you need to confess?

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 77:10-20 (NIV) out loud:

10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:

    the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12 I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13 Your ways, God, are holy.
    What god is as great as our God?

14 You are the God who performs miracles;
    you display your power among the peoples.

15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
    the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16 The waters saw you, God,
    the waters saw you and writhed;
    the very depths were convulsed.

17 The clouds poured down water,
    the heavens resounded with thunder;
    your arrows flashed back and forth.

18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
    your lightning lit up the world;
    the earth trembled and quaked.

19 Your path led through the sea,
    your way through the mighty waters,
    though your footprints were not seen.

20 You led your people like a flock
    by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Part III: Reflecting on Psalm 77, pray your own psalm of trust:

“Lord, you are my…

“I depend on you to…

“Without you, I am…

“Even when…, I trust you.

“I am confident that you will… 

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, sung by the people of God. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 77 set to music…

From the album Wait (2011) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Psalm 77 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for pausing in the midst of your days for prayer:

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Part II: Slowly read from Psalm 77:1-9 (NIV)

1 I cried out to God for help;

I cried out to God to hear me.
2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
    at night I stretched out untiring hands,
    and I would not be comforted.

3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned;
    I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.
4 You kept my eyes from closing;
    I was too troubled to speak.
5 I thought about the former days,
    the years of long ago;
6 I remembered my songs in the night.
    My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

7 “Will the Lord reject forever?
    Will he never show his favor again?
8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
    Has his promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
    Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

Part III: Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

• Describe the trouble in detail to God.

• Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…;  “… afraid…

• Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?;  "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

• Make your plea to God:   "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 77 set to music…

From the album Asaph (2014) by the band Loud Harp. loudharp.com

From the album Wait (2012) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Psalm 84 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating a heart of trust…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Reflect on the joys and challenges of the day. What are you thankful for? Where did you see God at work? What do you lament? What do you need to confess?

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 84 (NIV) out loud:

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,

    Lord Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
    they make it a place of springs;
    the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength,
    till each appears before God in Zion.

8 Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;
    listen to me, God of Jacob.
9 Look on our shield, O God;
    look with favor on your anointed one.

10 Better is one day in your courts
    than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
    from those whose walk is blameless.

12 Lord Almighty,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you.

Part III: Reflecting on Psalm 84, pray your own psalm of trust:

“Lord, you are my…

“I depend on you to…

“Without you, I am…

“Even when…, I trust you.

“I am confident that you will… 

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, sung by the people of God. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 84 set to music…

From the album The Eternal Son (2016) by Rivers & Robots. riversandrobots.com

Sons of Korah, from the album Rain (2008). sonsofkorah.com 

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Psalm 130 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for pausing in the midst of your days for prayer:

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Part II: Slowly read from Psalm 130 (NIV)

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2     Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy.

3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
    Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
    so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord
    more than watchmen wait for the morning,
    more than watchmen wait for the morning.

7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
    for with the Lord is unfailing love
    and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
    from all their sins

Part III: Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

• Describe the trouble in detail to God.

• Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…;  “… afraid…

• Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?;  "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

• Make your plea to God:   "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to one of these versions of Psalm 130 set to music…

From The Psalm Library, https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/resources

Music by Shane & Shane from the album Hymns Live (2019). shaneandshane.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Psalm 98 - A Psalm of Praise (Orientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try beginning your prayer with praise, using this three-part rhythm…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God:

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Ps 90:14)

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any burdens you are carrying into this new day. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) into the presence of God.

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 98 (NIV) out loud:

1 Sing to the Lord a new song,
    for he has done marvelous things;
his right hand and his holy arm
    have worked salvation for him.
2 The Lord has made his salvation known
    and revealed his righteousness to the nations.
3 He has remembered his love
    and his faithfulness to Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth,
    burst into jubilant song with music;
5 make music to the Lord with the harp,
    with the harp and the sound of singing,
6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—
    shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.
8 Let the rivers clap their hands,
    let the mountains sing together for joy;
9 let them sing before the Lord,
    for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples with equity

Part III: Use your own words to pray Psalm 98 back to God:

“Lord God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit- I praise you, for who you are…

“I praise you for what you have done. Specifically, I thank you for…

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 98 set to music…

Music by Shane & Shane from the album Psalms II (2015). shaneandshane.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.

Psalm 121 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating a heart of trust…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, emotions, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Reflect on the joys and challenges of the day. What are you thankful for? Where did you see God at work? What do you lament? What do you need to confess?

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 121 (ESV) out loud:

1 I lift up my eyes to the hills.

    From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, he who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The Lord is your keeper;
    the Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun shall not strike you by day,
    nor the moon by night.

7 The Lord will keep you from all evil;
    he will keep your life.
8 The Lord will keep
    your going out and your coming in
    from this time forth and forevermore

Part III: Reflecting on your day, pray your own psalm of trust:

“Lord, you are my…

“I depend on you to…

“Without you, I am…

“Even when…, I trust you.

“I am confident that you will… 

Bonus: Experience Psalm 121 set to music…

Music by Rivers and Robots (2021). riversandrobots.com

©2015 Corner Room Music Official website: cornerroommusic.com

For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.

For more on the Psalms:

Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.

For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.

For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.