Preventative Prayer

Psalm 64:1-10

INTRODUCTION: The standard prayer life goes to work when all else fails. It finds its usefulness when problems are readily recognizable and continually troubling. When man’s devices fail, he seeks the Lord’s assistance. In this matter, prayer acts more like medicine than vitamins.

I. THE PRAYER (Psalm 64:1-6)

A. The Giver of the Prayer (see subtitle)

1. By name…David
2. His life…One of the most frequently attacked men in all of scripture

B. The Actions Requested

1. Hear my voice (Psalm 64:1)
2. Preserve my life (Psalm 64:1)
3. Hide me (Psalm 64:2)

C. The Concerns Address

1. Fear of the enemy (Psalm 64:1)
2. The secret counsel of the wicked and insurrection of the workers of iniquity (Psalm 64:2-6)
a. They whet their tongue (Psalm 64:3).
b. They bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words (Psalm 64:3).
c. That they may shoot in secret at the perfect…suddenly (Psalm 64:4)
d. They encourage themselves in evil matters and commune of laying snares privily (Psalm 64:5).
e. They are searching and thinking (Psalm 64:6).

II. THE PREVENTION (Psalm 64:7-10)

A. The Initial Threat (Psalm 64:7-8)

1. God shall shoot at them with an arrow and suddenly they shall be wounded (Psalm 64:7).
2. Their own tongue shall fall upon themselves (Psalm 64:8).

B. Other Potential Threats (Psalm 64:8-9)

1. Others will see and fear (Psalm 64:8).
2. They will declare the work of God and wisely consider His doing (Psalm 64:9).

C. The Strengthening of Saints (Psalm 64:10)

1. They shall be glad in the LORD.
2. They shall trust the LORD.
3. They shall glory.

CONCLUSION: Do you wait to pray until the problems are overwhelming you, or do you pray preventative prayers?