Psalm 2: Praying Our Intimidation
We wake up each day in a world noisy with boasting, violent with guns, arrogant with money. How can we avoid being intimidated? What use can prayer have in the face of governments and armies and millionaires? None, if God is not at work; all, if God is. God is as much at work in the public sphere as he is in the personal, and our prayers are as needful there as in our personal lives.
Warming Up to God
How do you feel when you consider the needs of our world and try to pray for them? Know that God is in control. Spend time reflecting on that fact before you begin.
Discovering the Word
- Compare the opening nouns and verbs in Psalm 1:1-3 with those in Psalm 2:1-3. What differences in orientation do they suggest between these two psalms?
- How does the Lord view the vaunted power of nations (vv. 4-6)?
- "Anointed One" in verse 2 is a translation of the Hebrew word Messiah. What in this psalm reminds you of Jesus?
- The psalm begins and ends with references to kings and rulers (vv. 2-3, 10-12). How do they relate to the King enthroned by the Lord (v. 6)?
Applying the Word
- It is always easier to pray for personal needs than political situations. But Psalm 2 is entirely political. Therefore, as citizens of Christ's kingdom, what responsibility do we have as citizens of an earthly nation?
- How does Christ's relationship with kings and rulers impact your prayers for the world?
Responding in Prayer
Think of three rulers (presidents, kings, prime ministers or dictators). Pray for them.