Psalm 20:1-9 “For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high, send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion, remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah. May he grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfil all your counsel. We will triumph in your salvation. In the name of our God, we will set up our banners. May the LORD grant all your requests. Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed. He will answer him from his holy heaven, with the saving strength 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 bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright. Save, LORD! Let the King answer us when we call!”

This is a prayer before battle. It starts with a request for the victory of the king, and concludes with the recognition that God will secure the success of the king. There is some discussion as to whether the last verse references the king of Israel or the King of the universe. I suspect it refers to God who is the supreme and sovereign King, which the king of Israel represents.

If we view each day as a battle between good and evil, right and wrong, sin and holiness, would we do well to recite something similar?

“Lord, please answer me in my day of trouble. Please send me help and set me on high as I worship and praise You. Please guide me and grant my desire to win victory this day. Let me triumph in Your salvation and declare Your name to those around me! Please help me to rise up and stand upright in the midst of my battle. I trust in You to hear and answer my prayer.“

We can also see Christ in this passage. His day of trouble was the cross, which He overcame through the victory of the resurrection. He fully trusted in God and was literally raised up!

For additional worship: Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (First Call)