Building a Life of Prayer

Each of the last five Psalms (146 -150)  in the Book of Psalms begins and ends with the words "Praise the Lord,"  which is the translation of the Hebrew word הַ֥לְלוּיָ֨הּ (hallelujah). This final section of the Book of Psalms is an excellent reminder to us not to neglect praise during our times of prayer. 

Psalm 145 is a song of praise. It teaches us that it is always good to begin a time of prayer with praise to God. Further, recalling and praying the truths in Scripture about God is a good practice. 

Psalm 144 is a Psalm of David. In it, David prays for blessing upon God's people. It teaches us that we should always praise God for who he is and what he has done for us. We must always come before God with humility and pray for his power to be displayed to further His Kingdom's purposes. 

In Psalm 143, King David pleads with God for mercy instead of judgment. He prays for guidance from God in the midst of his suffering. God is the source of mercy when we need His restoring grace. 

King David begins Psalm 142 by crying out to the Lord for mercy. He then acknowledges that God is his refuge and makes specific requests of God. It teaches us that even in our lowest and darkest times, we should seek God first.