Psalm 20: Praying Through The Psalms

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion (Ps. 20:1-2).

Heavenly Father, we know you answer our prayers. The Hebrew word here, יַֽעַנְךָ֣ , means that you testify, answer, speak, and shout for us when we are in distress. You will guard our hearts from the enemy.

From your Holy city Zion—you will protect us like a righteous, sovereign king. For we trust in your provision. We believe you will rescue us from calamity. When circumstances are difficult, continue to be a lamp to our feet and guide us to the way of everlasting life.

May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May he give you the desires of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests (Ps. 20:3-5).

Holy King, you remember our sacrifices and accept our burnt offerings. The word for remember, יִזְכֹּ֥ר, expresses that you keep in remembrance all our petitions and prayers. You never leave us or forsake us. You never forget us when we call upon your righteous name.

O Lord, give us the desires of our hearts so that our plans will succeed. The desires you give us, however, are not self-focused. Rather, align our desires with yours. Ultimately, we want you to receive all the glory, honor, and praise in our lives.

May we shout for joy over your victory. As we lift up our flags in the name of you—Our great King, may the whole world bow before you in reverence. You are worthy of worship and praise. For you spoke the world into existence. Praise be to your name!

Now this I know: The Lord gives victory to his anointed. He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary with the victorious power of his right hand. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. Lord, give us victory to the King! Answer us when we call (Ps. 20:6-9)!

Creator God, you give victory to your servants. You answer us from your heavenly sanctuary. You prove your wonderous deeds in the world by the power of your strong right hand. For when you spoke, the stars spun into existence. When you told the earth to rotate around the sun, it obeyed your commands. You are in charge of this universe.

While people trust in money, fame, or their own prestige, we trust in the name of the Lord our God. For He is sovereign over the stars, oceans, fish, birds, land animals, and of course—humanity. You are the solid rock. You are the strong foundation by which we stand.

When people trust in material wealth and idols, they will surely be shaken. They will be brought to their knees and fall, but we will rise up and stand firm. You will give us victory. You are The King of kings and Lord of Lords. O God, answer us when we call upon you. For your Word says that whoever calls upon your name will be saved. Praise be to God!

Prayer commentary by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)