Have you ever had someone you know that needs someone to support them, help them, guide them, but you just don’t know what to say. You know you should say something encouraging or even “spiritual” but everything you can think of to say just sounds cliché.

Psalm 20 gives us the words to say and even how to say them.

Psalm 20
For the director of music. A psalm of David.

¹ May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.

² May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.

³ May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
Selah

⁴ May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

⁵ We will shout for joy when you are victorious
and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the LORD grant all your requests.

⁶ Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

⁸ They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.

⁹ O LORD, save the king!
Answer us when we call! (NIV)

When a friend is in distress what do you say?

a. v.1 – the Lord hears you

b. v.2 – the Lord will protect you

c. v.2 – the Lord will send you help

d. v.3 – the Lord will give you support

e. v.3 – the Lord will remember all that you have done

f. v.3 – the Lord will accept your sacrifices

g. v.4 – What does your heart desire? What are your plans – the Lord will make them succeed!

h. V.5 – When you succeed, we will shout for joy for you – we will lift up the name of God.

i. We know God saves (this is your testimony) his called ones – he answers them from heaven with the saving power of his right hand.

j. We trust in the name of the LORD – our God.

k. We rise up, stand firm

l. Pray for them by name

How Do You Pray for Someone and Comfort Them?

a. vv.1-4 Confirm in their hearts (a through g above)

b. v. 4 Ask them what are their plans, what is the desire of their heart? Then pray for that (with them and later as well).

c. V. 5 Let them know that they are not in it alone and that you are looking forward to a preferable future

d. V. 6 Share with them your testimony “I know . . .” and where that help comes from.

e. V. 9 Pray for them by name – let them hear you say, “save _____________.” Let them hear that you stand before God together; “Answer us when we call.”