INTRODUCTION TO THE PRAYER PSALMS
The Davidic Psalms are the expression of a priest, prophet and king who knew the Elohim whom he served. His inspired hymns of praise, petition and worship represent the thoughts, yearnings and faith of the entire nation.
The Psalms reflect a full range of discernment and revelation of Elohim’s character and identity, and His responses to a wide range of human emotions and conditions, in this life and beyond.
The Hebrew language, through which Elohim chose to express this divine relationship between His people and Himself, is rich in depth and meaning. The Hebrew script states aspects of His identity more explicitly than anything we have been able to glean from available English translations, beautiful as they may be. Consequently, we have endeavored to provide a rendering of the Psalms, which emphasizes their personal prayerful aspects, as examples of how to relate to Him with language that correctly depicts His nature and our relationship to Him. This was done, chiefly by inserting various Hebrew titles and names of G-d employed elsewhere in the Hebrew Scriptures.
We pray that these revised Psalms will reinforce the identity of our Elohim and grant understanding, encouragement and comfort to the life of the one who puts his faith, hope and trust in Him. Some of you may wonder why the name “Jesus” is not mentioned in the text. It is because we have chosen to use the Messiah’s Hebrew name, which is Yeshua, Y’shua or Yahoshua and means “salvation”.
This name shows up many times in these Prayer Psalms, as Elohey Yeshua’tee (G-d of my Salvation), and was recognized by the apostle Paul as the name that is above all other names of YHVH: “Wherefore YHVH also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Yeshua every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Messiah Yeshua is Lord, to the glory of G-d the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).
This is made possible because “YHVH was in Messiah reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19); “For it pleased the Father that in Him [Messiah] all the fullness should dwell” (Col. 1:19). And, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the divine nature bodily” (Col. 2:9). So no matter what name is employed, it will always point to our Heavenly Father and to His Messiah.
These Prayer Psalms do not endeavor to be yet another translation of scripture, but rather have been altered and rearranged to emphasize, as stated above, the importance of the identity of our God and our personal relationship to Him. For the English term LORD (Jehovah) we chose to retain the transliteration of the Hebrew consonants YHVH (Yod, Hey, Vav, Hey). Frankly, the pronunciation of the "ineffable name" or sacred name, the Tetragrammaton, is still a subject of much discussion. We choose to pronounce it Yah-Hoveh, but among the many suggestions, the most common are Yehweh or Yehovah.
Ephraim
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Prayer Psalm 17
PRAYER PSALM 17
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
Hear a just cause, O YHVH - El Shofet (Judge), attend to my cry, give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from Your presence and let Your eyes look on the things that are upright. For You have tested my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me and have found nothing, for I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
By the word of Your lips, Abba, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer and from the works of men. I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O El Yeshua’tee (my Salvation), incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech, uphold my steps in Your paths that my foot may not slip.
Because I put my trust in You, Abba, show me Your marvelous lovingkindness. Through Y’min’cha (Your Right Hand), Abba, Yeshua’tee (my Salvation), You have saved me from those who rise up against me, from the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed up their fat hearts and with their mouths they speak proudly. They have now surrounded me in my steps. They have set their eyes upon me, crouching down to the earth, just as a lion is eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
Arise, Elohey Tzva’ot (God of the Armies), confront him, cast him down and deliver my life from the wicked. With Your sword in Your hand, O M’gee’nee (my Protector/Shield), deliver me from men of the world who have their portion in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possession for their babes.
But as for me, Abba, keep me as the apple of Your eye, hide me under the shadow of Your wings, El Elyon (God Most High). For I will see Your face in righteousness; and I shall be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
Hear a just cause, O YHVH - El Shofet (Judge), attend to my cry, give ear to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips. Let my vindication come from Your presence and let Your eyes look on the things that are upright. For You have tested my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me and have found nothing, for I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
By the word of Your lips, Abba, I have kept away from the paths of the destroyer and from the works of men. I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O El Yeshua’tee (my Salvation), incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech, uphold my steps in Your paths that my foot may not slip.
Because I put my trust in You, Abba, show me Your marvelous lovingkindness. Through Y’min’cha (Your Right Hand), Abba, Yeshua’tee (my Salvation), You have saved me from those who rise up against me, from the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me. They have closed up their fat hearts and with their mouths they speak proudly. They have now surrounded me in my steps. They have set their eyes upon me, crouching down to the earth, just as a lion is eager to tear his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places.
Arise, Elohey Tzva’ot (God of the Armies), confront him, cast him down and deliver my life from the wicked. With Your sword in Your hand, O M’gee’nee (my Protector/Shield), deliver me from men of the world who have their portion in this life, and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children, and leave the rest of their possession for their babes.
But as for me, Abba, keep me as the apple of Your eye, hide me under the shadow of Your wings, El Elyon (God Most High). For I will see Your face in righteousness; and I shall be satisfied when I awake with Your likeness.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Prayer Psalm 16
PRAYER PSALM 16
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
My soul has said to You, YHVH, "You are Tzid’kee (my Righteousness),” thus my goodness is nothing apart from You. O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup, You maintain my lot. I will bless You, YHVH - Yo’a’tzee (my Counselor), for You have given me counsel and instruction, in my heart, during the night seasons.
I have set You, Abba, YHVH - Elohey Cha’ya’i (my Life), always before me, and because You are always at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Kadosh (Holy/Set-Apart), ones to see corruption.
YHVH, You are the husbandman of the seed of Avraham. You delight in these set-apart ones who are on the earth; the ones who contain Your glory. But those who hasten after another god; their sorrows shall be multiplied and their drink offerings of blood, I will not offer, nor will I have anything to do with them, nor will I take up their names on my lips.
You, El Yeshua’tee (my Salvation), are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, therefore You will show me the path of life; for in Your presence is fullness of joy and at Y’min’cha (Your Right Hand), are pleasures forevermore. Therefore the markings of the boundaries of my inheritance have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good heritage. Watch over me, El Elyon (God Most High), for in You, I put my trust.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
My soul has said to You, YHVH, "You are Tzid’kee (my Righteousness),” thus my goodness is nothing apart from You. O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup, You maintain my lot. I will bless You, YHVH - Yo’a’tzee (my Counselor), for You have given me counsel and instruction, in my heart, during the night seasons.
I have set You, Abba, YHVH - Elohey Cha’ya’i (my Life), always before me, and because You are always at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Kadosh (Holy/Set-Apart), ones to see corruption.
YHVH, You are the husbandman of the seed of Avraham. You delight in these set-apart ones who are on the earth; the ones who contain Your glory. But those who hasten after another god; their sorrows shall be multiplied and their drink offerings of blood, I will not offer, nor will I have anything to do with them, nor will I take up their names on my lips.
You, El Yeshua’tee (my Salvation), are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, therefore You will show me the path of life; for in Your presence is fullness of joy and at Y’min’cha (Your Right Hand), are pleasures forevermore. Therefore the markings of the boundaries of my inheritance have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good heritage. Watch over me, El Elyon (God Most High), for in You, I put my trust.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Prayer Psalm 13
PRAYER PSALM 13
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
How long, O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael Ro’yee (my Shepherd)? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O YHVH - Elee (my God), enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him", lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Abba, Yeshu’ati (my Salvation), I have trusted in Your mercy, my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to You, YHVH - El Ro’ee (who Sees and Providers for me), because You have dealt bountifully with me.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
How long, O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael Ro’yee (my Shepherd)? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O YHVH - Elee (my God), enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against him", lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
Abba, Yeshu’ati (my Salvation), I have trusted in Your mercy, my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to You, YHVH - El Ro’ee (who Sees and Providers for me), because You have dealt bountifully with me.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Prayer Psalm 9
PRAYER PSALM 9
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
I will praise You, O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You, El Sim’cha’tee (my Joy); I will sing praise to Your name, O El Elyon (God Most High).
I will sing praises to You YHVH - Mal’kee (my King), You who dwell in Tziyon! I will declare Your deeds among the people. But when you avenge blood, remember me, for You Avi (my Father), will not forget the cry of the humble. Have mercy on me, O YHVH - Yeshua’tee (my Salvation)! Consider my trouble, from those who hate me, and lift me up Abba, from the gates of death, that I may tell of all Your praise in the gates of the daughter of Tziyon. From there I will rejoice in Your salvation.
O YHVH - El Olam (Eternal God), You shall endure forever; You have prepared Your throne for judgment. You shall judge the world in righteousness, and You shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
You YHVH - Mach’see (my Shelter), also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. The needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. For those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, YHVH, are El Ne’eman (Faithful God), You have not forsaken those who seek You.
O YHVH – Shof’tee (my Judge), You are known by the judgments that You execute; for the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; their own foot is caught in the net, which they themselves have hid. The wicked shall be turned toward hell, and all the nations that forget You YHVH.
When my enemies will turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence, for You will maintain my right and my cause. You sit on the throne judging in righteousness. You will rebuke the nations. You will destroy the wicked. You will blot out their name forever and ever. O enemy of Yisrael, your destructive ways will be finished forever, you who have destroyed cities; even your memory will perish.
Arise, O YHVH - Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov, do not let man prevail, let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, so that the nations may know themselves to be but mere men.
Hallelu-Yah! My soul will praise You, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, while I have my being. I will praise You in the great congregation of Your people Yisrael, and I will rejoice with all the children of Tziyon.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
I will praise You, O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You, El Sim’cha’tee (my Joy); I will sing praise to Your name, O El Elyon (God Most High).
I will sing praises to You YHVH - Mal’kee (my King), You who dwell in Tziyon! I will declare Your deeds among the people. But when you avenge blood, remember me, for You Avi (my Father), will not forget the cry of the humble. Have mercy on me, O YHVH - Yeshua’tee (my Salvation)! Consider my trouble, from those who hate me, and lift me up Abba, from the gates of death, that I may tell of all Your praise in the gates of the daughter of Tziyon. From there I will rejoice in Your salvation.
O YHVH - El Olam (Eternal God), You shall endure forever; You have prepared Your throne for judgment. You shall judge the world in righteousness, and You shall administer judgment for the peoples in uprightness.
You YHVH - Mach’see (my Shelter), also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. The needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. For those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, YHVH, are El Ne’eman (Faithful God), You have not forsaken those who seek You.
O YHVH – Shof’tee (my Judge), You are known by the judgments that You execute; for the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. The nations have sunk down in the pit which they made; their own foot is caught in the net, which they themselves have hid. The wicked shall be turned toward hell, and all the nations that forget You YHVH.
When my enemies will turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence, for You will maintain my right and my cause. You sit on the throne judging in righteousness. You will rebuke the nations. You will destroy the wicked. You will blot out their name forever and ever. O enemy of Yisrael, your destructive ways will be finished forever, you who have destroyed cities; even your memory will perish.
Arise, O YHVH - Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov, do not let man prevail, let the nations be judged in Your sight. Put them in fear, O YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, so that the nations may know themselves to be but mere men.
Hallelu-Yah! My soul will praise You, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael, while I have my being. I will praise You in the great congregation of Your people Yisrael, and I will rejoice with all the children of Tziyon.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
PRAYER PSALM 5
PRAYER PSALM 5
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
Give ear to my words, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael (God of Israel); consider my meditation, give heed to the voice of my cry, You are Elohi (my God), Mal’kee (my King), only to You I will pray.
My voice You shall hear in the morning, YHVH - El Cha’ya’i (my Life); in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. For You are not an Elohim who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.
You shall destroy those who speak falsehood, YHVH - Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov (God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). You abhor the bloodthirsty and deceitful man, for there is no faithfulness in their mouth, their inward part is destruction, their throat is an open tomb, they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O El Shofet (Judge)! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
But as for me, I will come into Your house, the house of Ya’acov. In the multitude of Your mercy, and in awe of You, I will worship in Your kadosh (holy/set-apart) temple.
Lead me, YHVH - Ro’eh Yisrael (Shepherd of Israel), in Your righteousness and because of my enemies, make Your way straight before my face.
Avi, El Sim’cha’tee (my Joy), I will rejoice when I put my trust in You; I will even shout for joy because You defend me. Let all of us who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, YHVH - Tzid’kee (my Righteousness), and M’gee’nee (my Protector/Shield), will bless the righteous with favor and You will surround us as a shield.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
Give ear to my words, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael (God of Israel); consider my meditation, give heed to the voice of my cry, You are Elohi (my God), Mal’kee (my King), only to You I will pray.
My voice You shall hear in the morning, YHVH - El Cha’ya’i (my Life); in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. For You are not an Elohim who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity.
You shall destroy those who speak falsehood, YHVH - Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov (God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). You abhor the bloodthirsty and deceitful man, for there is no faithfulness in their mouth, their inward part is destruction, their throat is an open tomb, they flatter with their tongue. Pronounce them guilty, O El Shofet (Judge)! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
But as for me, I will come into Your house, the house of Ya’acov. In the multitude of Your mercy, and in awe of You, I will worship in Your kadosh (holy/set-apart) temple.
Lead me, YHVH - Ro’eh Yisrael (Shepherd of Israel), in Your righteousness and because of my enemies, make Your way straight before my face.
Avi, El Sim’cha’tee (my Joy), I will rejoice when I put my trust in You; I will even shout for joy because You defend me. Let all of us who love Your name be joyful in You. For You, YHVH - Tzid’kee (my Righteousness), and M’gee’nee (my Protector/Shield), will bless the righteous with favor and You will surround us as a shield.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Prayer Psalm 1
PRAYER PSALM 1
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
I am blessed by You, Abba, when I do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful, but my delight is in Your Torah, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael (God of Israel), and in Your Torah I will meditate day and night. For then I will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; my leaf also shall not wither and whatever I do I will prosper.
However, the lawless (or ungodly) are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in Your judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For You, YHVH - Elohey Tzid’kee (my Righteousness), know the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
These Prayer Psalms do not endeavor to be yet another translation of scripture, but rather have been altered and rearranged to emphasize the importance of the identity of the God of Israel and our personal relationship to Him. They are intended mainly for personal use. (SEE PRAYER PSALM BOOKLETS)
Baruch Ata YHVH, Elohey Yisrael, Avi.
(Bless You, YHVH - Elohim of Israel, my Father)
I am blessed by You, Abba, when I do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful, but my delight is in Your Torah, YHVH - Elohey Yisrael (God of Israel), and in Your Torah I will meditate day and night. For then I will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season; my leaf also shall not wither and whatever I do I will prosper.
However, the lawless (or ungodly) are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in Your judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For You, YHVH - Elohey Tzid’kee (my Righteousness), know the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Hallelu-Yah!!! For You YHVH are Elohim. You are Elohey Yisrael, Elohey Avraham, Yitzchak and Ya’acov. Avi the Almighty reigns!
These Prayer Psalms do not endeavor to be yet another translation of scripture, but rather have been altered and rearranged to emphasize the importance of the identity of the God of Israel and our personal relationship to Him. They are intended mainly for personal use. (SEE PRAYER PSALM BOOKLETS)
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