Daily Thought

Psalm 5 could well be associated with the same period as Psalms 3 and 4. It is a morning prayer uttered by David when he is exposed to danger from implacable and deceitful enemies.

The Jewish day had three times reserved for prayer; evening, morning and noonday. The evening and morning prayers coincided with the evening and morning sacrifices. David adhered to this practice, as did the godly Daniel. In a number of psalms, David emphasizes the need of rising early to pray, Pss. 57. 8; 63. 1; 108. 2. The supreme example for us is the Lord Jesus. We recall some scriptures indicating times for prayer: -

Morning - Ps. 5. 3; Mark 1. 35. The Lord Himself shows the importance of early prayer before the other activities of the day.

Noon - Ps. 55. 17; Dan. 6. 10; Acts 10. 9. In the middle of the day, with various pressing matters, and even problems to face.

Evening - Ps. 141. 2; Acts 3. 1; 10. 3, 30. The time of the evening sacrifice. Turning to the Lord towards evening.

Midnight - Acts 16. 25. Paul and Silas were in prison where they prayed and praised, Ps. 119. 62. Things can happen when we pray - they did at Philippi! Do I pray in unusual circumstances?

All times - ‘Pray without ceasing’, 1 Thess. 5. 17. It should be the habitual practice of the Christian, Luke 18. 1.If I find I am too busy to pray, I am too busy!

David starts his day with God, Pss. 55. 17; 59. 16; 88. 13; 92. 2. Prayer was his first thought of the day. In verse 3 of our psalm we note ‘the morning’ is repeated for emphasis. A world at enmity with God awaits us, vv. 8, 9, and like David we need to commence our day requesting the Lord’s guidance, v. 8, and rejoicing in divine protection, vv. 11, 12.

David’s morning prayer was directed (ordered) or arranged as by a sacrificing priest, Lev. 1. 7, 8; 6. 12, and is essentially personal. Note the repeated ‘my’ in the psalm. King David served a greater King, v. 2, and so he could look up, v. 3, i.e., ‘wait expectantly’. He had an appreciation of the balanced character of his God who is both righteous, vv. 4-6, and loving, v. 7. Therefore, all could be left in the hands of Him who hears and answers prayer.