Psalms 5

With Ears to Hear: A Prayer for Guidance on Our Easter Journey  

Psalm 5:1-12  

 Introduction  

As we journey through the Easter season, we are reminded that life is often filled with uncertainty, challenges, and even opposition. Yet, in the midst of it all, God invites us to seek His voice—to listen, trust, and follow His leading. Psalm 5 is a prayer of David, a man who knew what it meant to face enemies, make difficult decisions, and rely on God’s guidance. In this psalm, we find a blueprint for how we, too, can approach God in prayer, surrender to His will, walk in His protection, and rejoice in His salvation—just as Jesus did on His journey to the cross and resurrection.  

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 1. Seek in Silence (Psalm 5:1-3)  

David begins his prayer with urgency: "Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry..." (vv. 1-2). He doesn’t approach God casually; he comes with intentionality, laying his requests before Him in the morning and waiting expectantly.  

Why the morning? Because the first moments of the day set the tone for everything else. Jesus modeled this in Mark 1:35, rising early to pray before the demands of ministry pressed in.  

Application:  

- Just as Jesus sought the Father in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46), we must carve out moments of silence to hear God’s voice.  

- Whether you’re a student overwhelmed by exams, a parent juggling responsibilities, or someone facing a major decision—start your day with prayer. God listens.  

Transition: But prayer isn’t just about speaking; it’s about surrendering.  

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 2. Submit in Surrender (Psalm 5:4-7)  

David acknowledges God’s holiness: "For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you" (v. 4). He contrasts the fate of the arrogant with those who humbly seek refuge in God.  

The Easter Connection:  

- Jesus exemplified surrender in Philippians 2:8—obedient to death, even death on a cross.  

- The wicked (like Judas, the religious leaders) trusted in their schemes, but Jesus trusted in the Father’s will.  

Application:  

- Surrender isn’t weakness; it’s strength under God’s authority.  

- This Easter, where is God calling you to lay down your will? Your fears? Your sin?  

Transition: Once we surrender, we can step forward in God’s security.  

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 3. Step in Security (Psalm 5:8-10)  

David prays, "Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness... make your way straight before me" (v. 8). He doesn’t ask for an easy path but a clear one.  

The Easter Parallel:  

- Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), resolute in His mission despite the coming cross.  

- Like a soldier marching into battle, He walked the straight path—trusting the Father’s plan.  

Application:  

- Life’s road may be hard, but God promises to guide us (Proverbs 3:5-6).  

- Are you facing betrayal, hardship, or confusion? Pray like David: "Make your way straight before me."  

Transition: Finally, those who walk with God can sing—even in the shadow of the cross.  

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 4. Sing in Salvation (Psalm 5:11-12)  

David ends with joy: "Let all who take refuge in you rejoice... for you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover them with favor" (vv. 11-12).  

The Resurrection Victory:  

- On Easter morning, the tomb was empty! Death lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:55).  

- The martyrs sang because they knew: Salvation is eternal.  

Application:  

- No matter what you face, you can rejoice—not in circumstances, but in God’s unchanging love.  

- The cross was not the end; the resurrection was the beginning.  

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 Conclusion: Walking the Easter Journey with Listening Ears  

Psalm 5 begins with a cry and ends with a song—just like Easter. On Friday, the disciples groaned in grief; on Sunday, they rejoiced in resurrection power.  

Big Idea: As we navigate life’s challenges, we must continually seek God’s guiding voice, trusting in His provision and protection as exemplified through the resurrection of Christ.  

Final Challenge:  

- Listen like Jesus in the garden.  

- Surrender like Jesus on the cross.  

- Walk like Jesus toward Jerusalem.  

- Sing like the women at the empty tomb.  

This Easter, may we pray with David’s passion, trust with Christ’s surrender, and live in the victory of the risen King.  

Closing Prayer:  

"Lord, give us ears to hear Your voice, hearts to obey Your will, and faith to rejoice in Your salvation. Lead us on the straight path—this Easter and always. Amen."