Psalm 5:3
“My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Psalm 5 is a morning prayer for guidance and protection amid deceitful enemies. In this verse David describes the discipline and posture of his morning approach to God.
What Does Psalm 5:3 Mean?
Psalm 5:3 paints a picture of prayer offered at the start of the day, as David brings his voice to the LORD in the morning, orders his requests, and then looks up to watch for God's reply. The repetition of "in the morning" underscores how deliberate this practice is. Before the demands of the day crowd in, David turns first to God, making prayer the opening act rather than an afterthought.
Two rich ideas lie beneath the English. The phrase "direct my prayer" uses a word associated with carefully laying out an offering, like a priest arranging wood and sacrifice on the altar in order. David does not toss his words at God haphazardly; he sets his requests before the LORD thoughtfully and reverently. Then he says he will "look up" -- a word meaning to watch, to keep lookout, as a sentry scans the horizon. Having prayed, David does not walk away and forget; he waits expectantly, confident that God hears and will respond. Together these images teach a model of prayer that is both ordered and hopeful: we present our requests carefully and then keep watch for the answer. Beginning the day this way reorients the heart, placing God at the center before anything else can take that place.
In the Original Language
The verb 'arak, translated "direct," is used of arranging an offering in order on the altar, suggesting prayer presented carefully and deliberately like a priest preparing a sacrifice.
Cross References
“But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.”
- Psalm 88:13
“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”
- Mark 1:35
“Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.”
- Micah 7:7
Application
Begin your day by bringing ordered, thoughtful prayer to God, and then keep watch expectantly for His answer rather than praying and immediately moving on as though nothing were coming.