Daily Bible Reading “What is Prayer” (Psalm 5:1-12)

Posted on May 12, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

What is Prayer

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 5:1-12. Let’s talk about prayer. First we’ll consider the question, what is prayer? Prayer is a way of communicating with God. Prayer can be something we do individually or as a group such as in church. Different religions use different forms of prayer and some pray to different gods.

As Christians we pray to God, the Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. There are different forms of prayer, such as petitions, supplications, prayers of thanksgiving, and prayers of praise and worship. People may use songs as a means of prayer and worship of God. The Psalmists used songs to express their thanks and praise to God.

People pray for different reasons. Prayer may be a form of worship, asking for guidance or help, confessing your sins, or to express thoughts and feelings about an issue or feelings towards God. Intercessory prayer is when you pray for someone else. Most religions involve prayer in one form or another. Some religions are very ritualistic in how they pray, when, and who is allowed to pray, while others are at liberty with how they pray and with whom they can pray.

As Christians we use prayer more as a way of communicating with God and pray whatever is on our hearts and minds. We don’t limit our times of prayer to only when we’re at church, but believe we can pray anytime and anywhere. We don’t limit prayers only to the leaders of our church, but believe anyone can pray to God. First Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “Pray without ceasing.” This means we are to always be in a spirit of prayer or to pray continually. Prayer not only consists of spending time talking to God, but includes taking the time to listen to God as well.

As a sample of prayer we are going to look at Psalm 5, which is a Psalm of David. David petitions the LORD to listen to him and to hear his concerns. David acknowledges God as his King. He tells God about his thoughts concerning his enemies and basically turns them over to God asking Him to deal with them. At the end of this Scripture you will notice David says those who love and trust God should rejoice and be joyful, because God protects them and will bless the righteous with favor by shielding them from the enemy.

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 5:1-12

1 [[To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.]] Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation.
2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray.
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.
4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man.
7 But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.
8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.
10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

Things to think about:

What is your prayer life like?
What are some of the things you include in your prayer?
In what ways do you thank God for all of His blessings?
How do you feel about sharing your needs and concerns with God?
Do you take time to listen to hear if God has anything He wants to share with you?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You that we can come to You in prayer and You will hear and answer our petitions. We thank You that You love us and we know we can trust You with our lives. We thank You that if we obey You, we know You will bless us and show favor toward us, and watch over and protect us. You are our LORD and we love You. Amen.

Bible Verse to Journal or Memorize:

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct …

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my prayer unto thee, and will look up. – Psalm 5:3

– Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

Christian Music Video:

PS. We thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30 by Deborah H. Bateman is part of the Daily Bible Reading Series. The book of Psalms contains 150 chapters. Deborah divided The Book of Psalms into five books to make it easier to read and study. Each book will contain approximately thirty chapters from the book of Psalms.

Psalm 119 will not be included in The Book of Psalms since Deborah has already published a book about it called: Psalm 119: Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet. The book of Psalms is one of Deborah’s favorite books of the Bible. It is a great book to read if you’re ever feeling down or need to renew your relationship with Christ. King David went through a lot of tough times in his lifetime, but he loved God and trusted God to protect him from the enemies.

The book of Psalms was written by various people. About half of it was attributed to King David, whether they were written by David or for David is questioned by some biblical scholars. Some of the Psalms were written by Asaph and some say they were written for the sons of Korah and even Moses and Solomon were writers of the Psalms. The Psalms consists of poetry that was primarily meant to be used as songs of praise to the Lord.

The Book of Psalms Part 1 Chapters 1-30 contains thirty-one Daily Bible Reading Lessons. Each lesson contains a brief commentary by the author, the Daily Bible Reading Scriptures, a few questions for contemplation or discussion, and a prayer of the day. It is a great Bible study for individuals or groups.

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Have a blessed Day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Salvation Belongs to the LORD” (Psalm 3:1-8)

Posted on May 11, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Salvation Belongs to the LORD

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 3:1-8. This is a Psalm of David, which was written when he fled Jerusalem from his son, Absalom, who rebelled against him (See 2 Samuel 15). David wondered why there were so many people against him. Many people said that there was no help for David even from God.

But David trusted the LORD. He knew that God was his protector and his glory. David cried out to God and God heard and answered David’s prayer. David declared that he wouldn’t be afraid of all the people who were against him.

He calls out to God to arise and save him. God defended David against his enemy. David knew that his salvation came from the LORD. He took comfort in God’s promise that His blessing would be on His people. David completely trusted God to take care of him. Do you?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 3:1-8

1 [[A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.]] LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

Things to think about:

From whom was David fleeing?
Who defeated David’s enemies?
Have you accepted the salvation of the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. Thank You that we can trust You to watch over us and protect us as David did. Help us to have faith in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

– Psalm 3:8

– Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

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The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Kiss the Son” (Psalm 2:1-12)

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Kiss the Son

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 2:1-12. The Psalmist tells us to “Kiss the Son.” But first he asks the question, “Why do the heathen rage.” This is considered to be a Messianic Psalm, which means it talks about Jesus. Acts 4:25 gives us a clue that David is the writer of this Psalm, Acts 4:25, “Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?” It asks the same question that is asked in Psalm 2:1.

The Psalmist says the kings and rulers of this world come together to take issue against God and His Son, Jesus. God laughs in the heavens at their foolishness. He warns them with His wrath. Some people don’t get the message.

There are many Scriptures in the Bible that refer to this Psalm. One of them is Acts 13:33, “God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.” It even mentions the second psalm in the Scripture.

Psalm 2:10-12, the Holy Spirit exhorts the kings and rulers of this world to serve the LORD with fear and trembling. He speaks saying, “Kiss the Son.” He admonishes them to accept Jesus as their Savior and worship Him lest they cause Him to be angered against them and they perish. We are reminded those who trust in the LORD are blessed.

What would the world be like today if the leaders of this world served the LORD?

Daily Bible Reading:

Psalm 2:1-12

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Things to think about:

Who is this Scripture talking about?

What will happen to those who put their trust in the LORD?

Have you put your trust in the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. Thank You for Your Son, Jesus, who You sacrificed for our sins. Help us to love and worship Him. Help the rulers of this world to serve You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is…

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kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. – Psalm 2:12

Christian Music Video: Psalm 2 (Kiss the Son) – Shane Heilman

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Featured Book: Have you read:

The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Daily Bible Reading “Delight in the Law of the LORD” (Psalm 1:1-6)

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Delight in the Law of the LORD

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Psalm 1:1-6. The Psalmist declares blessed are those who don’t seek counsel from the ungodly, or hang around with sinners, or those who are scornful.

Their delight is in the Word of God and they meditate on it night and day. They will be like a tree planted by the riverside. They’ll produce fruit in due season. Whatever they do prospers.

This is not true for those who are ungodly. They are like the chaff (husks of grain) that blows away in the wind. Their ways are unstable. They don’t observe the laws of the land much less the laws of God. They have no place among the righteous.

There are many laws that we observe. There are the laws of the land, and the laws of nature. But, the laws of God are the most beneficial of all laws to believers.

The LORD guides the path of the righteous, but the ways of the ungodly will lead to destruction.

Daily Bible Scripture:

Psalm 1:1-6

1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Things to think about:

Who does the LORD say will be blessed?

What does the LORD say about those who are ungodly?

Do you delight in the law of the LORD?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father:

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Psalms. We see in this Scripture that those who delight in Your Word are blessed. You guide the steps of the righteous, but the wicked are bound for destruction. Help us to delight in Your Word and meditate on it day and night. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor…

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standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

Excerpt from The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

Christian Music Video: Psalm 1 – Kim Hill

PS. We thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Come back again tomorrow. Please invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Psalms: Part 1 Chapters 1-30

by Deborah H. Bateman

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Daily Bible Reading “Redeem the Time” (Colossians 4:1-18)

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Deborah H. Bateman

Redeem the Time

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is fromColossians 4:1-18. The book of Colossians emphasizes that Christ is the head of the church. Paul wrote this letter to the church of Colosse because of his concern for the heresies that were cropping up in that area. Paul didn’t attack the heresies, but he exalted Jesus Christ. Why do you think Paul did it in that way?

In this chapter, Paul started talking to masters, or slave owners, telling them to treat their servants just and fair, remembering that they have a Master in heaven. Paul instructed them to devote themselves to prayer, to be watchful and always thankful for everything.

Paul reminded them to pray specifically. He wanted them to pray that God would open doors for them to preach about the mystery of Christ. The mystery of the gospel is that the gospel of Christ was also for the Gentiles. Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel.

Paul asked them to pray that he might be able to teach and make known this mystery. He exhorted them to walk in wisdom toward the lost so they could redeem the time. Paul reminded them that they should speak with grace, seasoned with salt, so they would know how to answer everyone.

Paul sent Tychicus, his beloved brother and faithful minister, to the Colossians to let them know how they were doing and to encourage them in the Lord. He, along with Onesimus, who was also a faithful and beloved brother, and was one of the Colossians, would let Paul know what is going on with the Colossians.

Aristarchus, who was in prison with Paul, sent his greetings to the Colossians as well. Marcus, who is Barnabas’ cousin, sent his greetings also. Paul encouraged the Colossians to welcome Mark if he came to minister to them. Jesus, whom we call Justus, also sent his greetings. These were Paul’s co-laborers for the kingdom of God, who were a great comfort to Paul.

Epaphras, a servant of Christ, who was one of the Colossians, also sent his greeting to the Colossians. He was always praying for them that they might stand perfect and complete in the will of God. Paul bore witness of his great concern for the Colossians and for those at Laodicea and Hieraplis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas also sent their greetings. It sounds like Paul had a whole team of people working with him.

Paul reminded the Colossians to say hello to the brethren at Laodicea and the ones who had church in the home of Nymphas. He told them to make sure they read this letter to the church of Laodicea also. Paul told them to tell Archippus to be sure and carry out the work the Lord had given him to do. Paul ends the letter by saying, “Grace be with you.”

Daily Bible Reading:

Colossians 4:1-18

1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him:)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only [are my] fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. [[[The following was added by editors of the KJV: Written from Rome to Colossians by Tychicus and Onesimus.]]]

Things to think about:

What was Paul’s concern for the Colossians in this Scripture?

Who were the partners who Paul named in this passage? What do you know about them?
What lessons have you learned from Paul’s letter to the Colossians?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in the book of Colossians. We have learned a lot from this letter Paul wrote to the Colossians. We see in this part of the letter that Paul puts a special emphasis on prayer. Help us to pray without ceasing and to be watchful for Your return. Help us to be thankful for everything You have done for us and given us, especially the gift of salvation. Help us to have wisdom and grace when dealing with those that are lost, that we might win them for Your kingdom. Thank You for the people You send to serve and worship along with us. We love You, LORD. Amen.

Daily Bible Verse:

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. – Colossians 4:5

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