What Does Psalm 1 Mean for Prayer?

As Christians, we know there are so many great and precious promises available for us. God’s blessings to us are often unbelievable as they lead us to faith and just as regularly lead us to question if they are real.

What is the Theme of Psalm 1?

Today I just want to read the promises and instructions from Psalm 1.

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.

Psalm 1 clearly states that those that avoid wickedness and pursue the law of the Lord are blessed. Most of you reading this blog are doing just that. Your heart is for the Lord and want to please Him.

At times we still question why the wicked seem to do well. But our bigger concern is why it seems we are not prospering.

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Whatever they do prospers. I don’t know many of us that can say this is true for us. Sure we do well at some things, but everything we do prospers? That is hard to honestly say yes to.

How can we understand this? Does God really mean it that all we do may prosper? Are we losing out because we may have failed the criteria? What are we to do?

What is Does Psalm 1 Mean for Prayer?

First of all, let’s not give up doing good (Galatians 6:9). Whenever we are stuck questioning something God has said, let’s not stop believing in Him and trusting that He wants us to do good.

Second, let it sink in that God wants you to prosper. He doesn’t give us this direction in order to frustrate us. Sure, we will never have it all perfect, but God is looking to bless you more than He is looking to keep you from it.

Third, ask God for what is keeping you back from prospering. This is how Psalm 1 can help you pray. You see something God wants to do for you. Now pray for it to happen and ask God for why it might be hindered from you.

God wants this for you more than you do. He is your good Father wanting to give good gifts to you. Just go to Him and listen.

He may show you how you are already being blessed. He may show you how you are sabotaging your blessing. He may show you a sin in your life.

Just know He is not trying to keep you from His gifts for you; He is trying to protect you. Prosperity when we are out of alignment with God will only draw is further from Him.

Go to Him in gratitude and ask for how you can get back into alignment.

Sample prayer from Psalm 1

Gracious Father, thank You for always working on my behalf. You love me and take care of my every need. I know my life is in Your hands.

Lately, I have been questioning whether my life is prospering like you promised. I acknowledge that You know all things and that I am at best stumbling through life. I confess I need Your wisdom and direction in order to have Your blessings.

You say for us to call out to You and You will tell us great and unsearchable things. I ask that you teach me wisdom in the inmost places. I love Your words in Scripture and the words from Your mouth. Help me to understand them and apply them in all my ways.

You have declared that You will be with me and that nothing can separate me from Your love. I declare that I commit myself to Your ways and set my heart on heavenly things.

• If there are things in me that are not pleasing to You, please show me that I may be restored to Your favor.
• If I have a wrong belief that is sabotaging my favor, I ask that you help me repent of that lie and receive your truth that I may walk in your ways.
• Like Moses, Joseph, or David, if my life is in process to be able to receive your blessings, may You strengthen my faith and trust in Your goodness toward me.

I set my mind in faith that You desire everything I do will prosper. As I submit myself to Your will for my life, You will make my way prosperous and I will enjoy success. I commit myself to You and Your wisdom. You are worthy of all of me.

Thank You for being committed to me… for giving me Your Holy Spirit… for working out all things for my good. I delight myself in You and want more of You. To You be all blessing and honor and power forever and ever. Amen.

If you want more information on using the Bible to lead your prayers, check out these two books: Praying The Scriptures by Judson Cornwall and Praying the Bible by Donald Whitney.