There’s a lot going on in the air—plane crashes, destruction of every kind, etc. I want to remind you that God has spoken about every matter under the heavens in His Holy Word. When we are ignorant of this, we pray amiss. We must always ensure that we pray in agreement with God. None of us should speculate about why things are happening the way they are when the Bible provides the answers.

One way we can do this is by modeling the prayers we see in Scripture. The one most important to pray in this hour is Psalm 9. Psalm 9 provides a structured way to pray to God against the wicked while affirming His justice, sovereignty, and mercy.

Below is a breakdown of how to use this psalm as a tool for prayer:

1. Begin with Praise and Thanksgiving (Verses 1–2)

Start your prayer by acknowledging God’s goodness and faithfulness:

• Express gratitude: “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart.”

• Reflect on His deeds: Recall specific instances of God’s faithfulness in your life or in history.

• Worship Him: “I will be glad and exalt you; I will sing praise to your name.”

Prayer Example:

“Lord, I thank You with all my heart for Your wonderful works. You have been faithful and true, and I exalt Your holy name.”

2. Acknowledge God’s Justice Over the Wicked (Verses 3–6)

Recognize that God defends the righteous and judges the wicked:

• Trust that enemies “stumble and perish” before His presence.

• Affirm that God’s judgment is righteous and eternal: “You have blotted out their name forever and ever.”

Prayer Example:

“Lord, I trust in Your justice. You see the wickedness of those who oppose You, and You judge with righteousness. Let their plans fail, and let Your justice prevail.”

3. Declare God’s Sovereignty and Righteous Judgment (Verses 7–8)

Proclaim that God reigns forever and judges with uprightness:

• “The LORD sits enthroned forever; He judges the world with righteousness.”

• Reaffirm that God’s justice is unchanging and dependable.

Prayer Example:

“You, O Lord, are enthroned forever. Your judgments are true and just. Rule over the nations, and let Your righteousness be known to all.”

4. Seek Refuge in God’s Protection (Verses 9–10)

Call upon God as your stronghold in times of trouble:

• Trust in His protection: “The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed.”

• Rest in the promise that God does not forsake those who seek Him.

Prayer Example:

“Lord, You are my refuge and strength. In times of trouble, I run to You. I trust in Your name, for You never abandon those who seek You.”

5. Praise God for His Mindfulness of the Afflicted (Verses 11–14)

Thank God for hearing the cries of the suffering:

• “He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.”

• Ask for His grace to deliver you from the attacks of the wicked.

Prayer Example:

“Father, You are mindful of the afflicted, and You hear our cries. Be gracious to me in my struggles and lift me up, so I may rejoice in Your salvation.”

6. Trust in God’s Justice Against the Wicked (Verses 15–17)

Reaffirm that God’s judgment is just and inevitable:

• The wicked will fall into their own traps: “The nations have sunk in the pit they made.”

• Trust in God’s timing as He brings the wicked to justice.

Prayer Example:

“Lord, You see the schemes of the wicked, and they cannot escape Your judgment. Let their evil plans turn back on them, and let Your justice be displayed.”

7. Proclaim Hope for the Oppressed and Judgment on the Nations (Verses 18–20)

End with confidence in God’s future justice and care:

• “The hope of the poor shall not perish forever.”

• Ask God to arise and judge the nations, reminding them of their humanity.

Prayer Example:

“Arise, O Lord, and show Your power! Do not let the wicked prevail. Remind the nations that they are but men, and let Your hope shine upon the needy.”

I pray this simple reminder empowers you to pray and live a victorious life.

God bless you!