Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Resources for Application

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found in Psalms. Fourteen of the “David” psalms are connected to specific historical events in David’s life. We can imagine these prayers as journal entries or songs written in response to the many dramatic events of his life. King David’s example provides precedent for learning to pray specific psalms in relation to specific historical situations. Truly, the Psalms provide believers with a reliable guide as we join David in following the Good Shepherd (Ps 23).

Journal Entry

Topic

Background

A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.

2 Sam 15:13–37 2 Sam 16:5–14

Psalm 3

A shiggaion of David, which he sang to the Lord concerning Cush, a Benjamite. For the director of music. Of David the servant of the Lord. He sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:

Psalm 7

2 Sam 21:15–23:39

Psalm 18

2 Sam 24:1–25; 1 Chron 21:1–22:1

A psalm. A song. For the dedication of the temple. Of David.

Psalm 30

Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left. For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

1 Sam 21:10–15

Psalm 34

2 Sam 11:1–12:25

Psalm 51