Psalm 61: A Prayer from an Exhausted Heart

This psalm is either an individual lament, a royal psalm, or a royal lament psalm (individual). This psalm was written by David during a dangerous time in his life. He is away from Jerusalem and is battle weary. This psalm does not mention the covenant name of Yahweh in it, as is usual for psalms in this second book of psalms.

  I. A prayer for protection (vs. 1–2)

     A. Parallelism: Hear my cry, listen to my prayer

     B. Location is far from Jerusalem. Pagans viewed the gods as territorial

     C. David’s heart is faint, depressed, discouraged, weary, exhausted (Jonah)

     D. David is asking God to lead him to safety, he is calling 911 spiritually

     E. David needs divine protection from adversity

     F. The rock is metaphor for a fortified, safe, refuge

         1. On a high cliff you can see the enemy for miles

         2. Gravity and a few boulders will remove the enemy

     G. God alone can deliver, and David has faith that God will protect him

II. Confident praise for God’s protection (vs. 3–5)

     A. David recounts the past, God has been his refuge before

     B. God is a strong tower (figure of comparison)

          Military defensive structure for protection

    C.  David longs to be at the public worship (tabernacle) special presence of God

    D. David desires protection and care under the wings (figure of comparison)

    E. He is confident that God has heard his prayer

    F. Vows were part of prayers for deliverance on the part of man, as he reminded 

         God of his covenant promises in prayer, this was reciprocal

    G. All the chosen remnant enjoyed “the heritage” (land and blessings of the covenant)

III. A prayer for protection (vs. 6–7)

      A. God preserve the one on the throne of Israel

      B. God preserve the descendants of the king

      C. Remember your covenant promise to me (Ps 89:36)

      D. One of David’s descendants, the Messiah, will rule forever (Eph 4:7–13)

IV. Confident praise for God’s protection (vs. 8)

      A. David is sure God will keep him safe

      B. David intends to praise God for this every day

      C. David is going to express his love for God every day

           1. Normally the vows are paid immediately after the prayer is answered

           2. This is not a bribe. It is a promised extra expression of devotion that

                the person would have to remember and chose to perform

Lessons to live by:

• When depress or exhausted we are specially tempted to sin. Pray instead

• When in trouble, go to God in prayer if you have a relationship with Him

• God is our shelter, protector, refuge, defense, parent

• Trust in God as you pray and after you pray

• Praise God in faith when you trust Him to keep the promises of the Bible

• Praise God with joy when He answers your prayers

• Remember God covenant love for those who belong to Him

• In great gratitude, serve the God who loves you so 

• Look in faith to the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ

• His righteous rule will have no end

• Love God with all you are and have