Psalm 144: Who Trains My Hands for War

Written by David and sung by Christ, this psalm is to be our prayer as well. God is described at the defeat of the Egyptians as a “Man of War.” Jesus battled with Satan, the Jewish religious and political leaders of His day, our own sin, and Death himself—and won the victory in the cross and in His resurrection. We are called to battle also. Paul says we war against “principalities and powers,” our spirits war against our flesh, and we are to take high-minded thoughts captive, casting down and dashing upon the rocks below every argument that rebels against truth and the kingdom of God. Do battle this day in faith by singing this prayer, sincerely and fervently, to your mighty heavenly Father—for God's glory, for the sake of His kingdom, and for yours and your children's true and lasting happiness.

Blessed be the Lord my Rock,
Who trains my hands for war,
And my fingers for battle—
My lovingkindness and my fortress,
My high tower and my deliverer,
My shield and the One in whom I take refuge,
Who subdues my people under me.
Lord, what is man, that You take knowledge of him?
Or the son of man, that You are mindful of him?
Man is like a breath;
His days are like a passing shadow.
Bow down Your heavens, O Lord, and come down;
Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
Flash forth lightning and scatter them;
Shoot out Your arrows and destroy them.
Stretch out Your hand from above;
Rescue me and deliver me out of great waters,
From the hand of foreigners,
Whose mouth speaks lying words,
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
I will sing a new song to You, O God;
On a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You,
The One who gives salvation to kings,
Who delivers David His servant
From the deadly sword.
Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners,
Whose mouth speaks lying words,
And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood—
That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth;
That our daughters may be as pillars,
Sculptured in palace style;
That our barns may be full,
Supplying all kinds of produce;
That our sheep may bring forth thousands
And ten thousands in our fields;
That our oxen may be well-laden;
That there be no breaking in or going out;
That there be no outcry in our streets.
Happy are the people who are in such a state;
Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!