Psalm 61

¹ Hear my cry, O God;
    listen to my prayer.

² From the ends of the earth I call to you,
    I call as my heart grows faint;
    lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
³ For you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the foe.

⁴ I long to dwell in your tent forever
    and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.
⁵ For you, God, have heard my vows;
    you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

⁶ Increase the days of the king’s life,
    his years for many generations.
⁷ May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever;
    appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

⁸ Then I will ever sing in praise of your name
    and fulfil my vows day after day.

1. In Psalm 61, David recognises God’s ability to hear his cry and respond to his prayer. 

Pray for the new King to turn to God with all his cares, cries, concerns and prayers. Pray that he will notice God listening and answering his prayers.

2. David speaks of calling out to God from the ends of the earth, recognising the universal appeal of God’s mercy and grace and how he can hear us and respond to us no matter what position we are in or what is going on in our lives.

Pray for those members of the Royal Family that come to mind now, that they will know that Jesus is there for them. No matter where they are or what they have done or how far they find themselves away from Him.

3. David uses the imagery of a rock and a strong tower to describe God’s protection and refuge. 

Pray that the King will stand on God’s steadfast love and foundation as he leads the nation and that he will know that there is a rock that is ‘higher than him’.

4. David expresses a deep longing to dwell in God’s tent and take refuge in the shelter of God’s wings. 

Pray that the King will find rest in God’s presence and draw his strength from Him.

5. Verses 6-7 are not referring to King Charles III of course, but it’s a wonderful section to pray over him (with eternity in mind rather than earthly years!):

⁶ Increase the days of the king’s life, 
    his years for many generations. 
⁷ May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; 
    appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.

Blessings!