The Prayers of David in Psalms 17

Psalms chapter number seventeen.

Introduction

This sermon examines “The Prayers of David in Psalms 17.” Dr. Terry LeQuieu guides us through David’s heartfelt pleas, showing three distinct prayers: “Hear me, Lord” (supplication), “Hold me, Lord” (steadfastness), and “Hide me, Lord” (protection). These prayers come out of deep affliction and opposition, and they model a faithful believer’s responses while walking through trials. Our aim is to learn how to pray like David, rely on the Word for protection, stand steadfast by God’s power, and find ultimate hope in the resurrection and seeing God’s face. This message is rooted in the King James Version and encourages young adults to grow practically and spiritually toward mature Christian living.

Psalms chapter number seventeen. Psalms chapter number seventeen. Before we get involved in a new series, I’m going to be doing some jumping around in the book of Psalms and share with you some different truths from some different passages that will help you in your life and your Christian walk.

Outline

1. Hear Me, Lord — The Prayer of Supplication (Psalms 17:1–4)
   1. Sincere Cry: David begins, “Hear the right, O Lord; attend unto my cry; give ear unto my prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips.” He emphasizes sincerity—unfeigned prayer. This teaches us to approach God honestly, not with show or hypocrisy, but with a heart laid bare before Him.
   2. Appeal to Equity: “Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.” David asks God to hear him with fairness—he asks for God’s righteous consideration rather than human favor. Young Christians should learn to trust God’s righteous perspective even when life feels unjust.
   3. Proved Integrity: “Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing.” David appeals to God’s testing and his own proven integrity. We should remember that God sees and tests our hearts; trials reveal and refine faith.
   4. Word of God as Shield: “By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.” This is a confession that obedience to Scripture keeps us from Satan’s snares. The practical point: daily Bible study and application protect us from the world’s enticements.
2. Hold Me, Lord — The Prayer for Steadfastness (Psalms 17:5–7)
   1. Request to Be Supported: “Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.” David asks for God to sustain his walk. In practice this is a plea for perseverance: God’s strength, not our own, keeps our steps steady during trials.
   2. Confidence in God’s Listening: “I have called upon thee; for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.” David prays with confidence that God answers. We are encouraged to pray persistently, trusting God’s promise to hear.
   3. Show Thy Lovingkindness: “Show thy marvelous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee.” The imagery of God’s right hand conveys active, powerful deliverance and protection for those who trust Him—practical comfort when pressure mounts.
   4. Anchor of Faith: The sermon illustrated steadfastness like an anchor—”He will hold me fast.” Christians must anchor themselves in Christ and Scripture so they remain unmovable in service and witness.
3. Hide Me, Lord — The Prayer for Protection (Psalms 17:8–15)
   1. Petition for Divine Shelter: “Keep me as the apple of the eye. Hide me under the shadow of thy wings.” David asks to be treasured and sheltered by God. Practically, this points us to intimacy with God—dwelling close to Him through prayer and Word brings divine protection.
   2. Protection from Oppressors: “From the wicked that oppress me; from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.” David is surrounded by hostile forces. We are reminded that while believers are secure in salvation, God’s protection in daily life is real and should be sought in prayer.
   3. Confronting Pride and Boldness of the Enemy: “They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak proudly.” The world’s arrogance grows bolder. The Christian response is bold Gospel witness and humble dependence on God rather than fear of the enemy’s pride.
   4. Deliverance and Recompense: “Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down.” David asks God to frustrate the enemy’s plans. It is biblical to petition God for vindication and deliverance; our aim is God’s glory and the preservation of His people.
   5. Eternal Perspective: “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” The final point shifts to future hope—resurrection and seeing God’s face. Trials are temporary; eternal satisfaction awaits the believer.
4. Practical Supports — How These Prayers Shape Christian Living
   1. Personal Devotion: Make Scripture and prayer your first-line defense. “By the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer”—daily Bible application matters.
   2. Integrity in Speech: David purposed his mouth not to transgress. Control of the tongue is evidence of a life shaped by God—practice confession, repentance, and purposeful speech.
   3. Perseverance & Reward: Sow to the Spirit—do not faint. Some reaping is delayed until eternity; serve faithfully now with eyes on the resurrection.
   4. Bold Witness: The proud world needs the gospel. Pray for boldness to share Christ, and pray for God to frustrate the enemy’s work.

Summary

David’s prayers in Psalm 17 model three deep, practical petitions for believers: to be heard by God in sincere supplication, to be held steadfast by God through trials, and to be hidden and protected under God’s wings from enemies and pressures. These petitions are entwined with confidence in God’s justice, reliance on Scripture, purposeful speech, steadfastness in the faith, and eternal hope in resurrection. For young adults and all Christians, the application is clear: live by the Word, pray with honesty and persistence, trust God to hold and hide you, and keep an eternal perspective that fuels present faithfulness.

Arise, O Lord, disappoint him. Cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked which is thy sword. From men which are thy hand, O Lord.

Application for the Week

Here are actionable steps to put Psalm 17’s lessons into practice this week. These are practical, measurable, and faith-building.

1. Start each morning with a Psalm-focused devotion (10–15 minutes).
   1. Read Psalm 17 slowly. Meditate on one verse per day. Ask God to make it personal and applicable.
   2. Journal one way the verse challenges your speech, choices, or prayers that day.
2. Pray the three David-prayers daily.
   1. Supplication — “Lord, hear me.” Bring one sincere burden to God each morning and evening.
   2. Steadfastness — “Lord, hold me.” When temptation or discouragement comes, pray this as a short breath prayer: “Hold me, Lord.”
   3. Protection — “Lord, hide me.” When fear, pride, or opposition arises, remind yourself of Psalm 17:8 and ask God for shelter under His wings.
3. Apply the Word to avoid the destroyer’s paths.
   1. Identify one area of weakness (speech, social media, relationships, entertainment) and replace the harmful habit with a specific Bible truth memorized for that situation.
   2. Example: If gossip tempts you, memorize Proverbs 21:23 or Psalm 19:14 and recite it when tempted.
4. Practice bold compassion this week.
   1. Share the Gospel intentionally with at least one person—hand out a gospel tract, invite someone to church, or start a spiritual conversation.
   2. Pray for boldness before you talk and ask God to use your words to honor Him.
5. Keep an eternal ledger, not only a temporal one.
   1. Each evening, record one act you did that sowed to the Spirit (time spent in prayer, an act of mercy, giving, gospel witness) and trust God for the harvest, even if unseen now.

Use these steps to deepen your prayer life, shore up your walk of faith, and keep your eyes fixed on the coming glory. God hears, holds, and hides His people—pray like David, live by the Word, and look forward to beholding the Lord face to face.