Overcoming Challenges Praying With Psalms By: Soughtout E Matthew Published by WSIC EBooks Ltd. Copyright December 8, 2012 by WSIC EBooks Ltd. WSIC EBooks Ltd. Edition WSIC EBooks Ltd. Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Wsicebooks.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Introduction

The book of Psalms is not just a book of songs of praises and worship (Hymn book); but also it is a prayer book of the Bible. The songs and the prayer in the book of Psalms are composed by different authors over a long period of time. These songs and prayers were collected and used by the people of Israel in their worship and prayers eventually the book of Psalms were collection which includes the Jewish scriptures and by the virtue of canonization, it is accepted as God’s word. The book of Psalms does not contain only songs and prayers; it also contains words of prophecies. Some of these prophecies were fulfilled in the lives of many biblical characters like: Jesus, Judas etc. And some of these prophecies are yet to be fulfilled; also they will be fulfilled in your life as you pray with it. The book of Psalms were used by Jesus, quoted by many writers of the New Testament, and it has been the treasured book of worship and prayer of the Christian church from its beginning and it will not stop in our time. Lots of needs have been met through the book of Psalms as God’s people used it in worship and in prayer. As you go through this book, you will discover the specific Psalms you will use in your prayer to command rapid and instant results and answers to your prayer.

I have taken time to glean from the book of Psalms the specific ones that will handle various challenges you are facing and grant you the desires of your heart. As you receive these scriptural prescriptions, and use them in your personal or corporate devotion or prayers, I see rapid and instantaneous results follow all your prayers, in Jesus name.

How to Use The Book of Psalms Effectively 1…Read from your Bible 2…Confess your sins, if NECESSARY 3…Repent from your sins, if NECESSARY 4…Be on FASTING, if THE SPIRIT OF GOD is LEADING you 5…SING PRAISE AND WORSHIP BEFORE PRAYING with it AND conclude your PRAYERS in the name of Jesus Christ. 6…Give thanks after praying with it. 7…Have faith in GOD for answers to your prayer and never create a room for doubt.

Faith Stimulants It is important to know before you start to pray, that praying with Psalms is praying God’s word back to Him which cannot be broken- See John 6:34-35. Praying with Psalms will enable you not to pray amiss; but to order your conversation or prayer aright to God in order for Him to show you His salvation: - Healing, Deliverance, Prosperity, Blessings, Protection, Promotion, etc – See Ps 50:23, James 4:3a. Praying with Psalms is praying according to God’s will and this should give you the confidence and assurance that your prayers are answered by God – See 1 John 5:14-15. David prayed with Psalms and got results so, believe you will also obtain results as you pray with the book of Psalms – See Mk 11:24, Num. 14:28.

Contents Psalms to Pray With When You Are Facing Challenges Like: Chapter 1: Anguish of Soul Chapter 2: Betrayals

Chapter 3: Competition Chapter 4: Danger Chapter 5: Death Threats Chapter 6: Decisions Chapter 7: Defeats Chapter 8: Doubts Chapter 9: Enemies Chapter 10: Evil People Chapter 11: Exiles Chapter 12: Illness Chapter 13: Lack of Trust in God Chapter 14: National Troubles Chapter 15: Old Age Chapter 16: Persecution Chapter 17: Poverty Chapter 18: Suffering Chapter 19: Temptation Chapter 20 Troubles Conclusion

Chapter 1 Anguish of Soul

Anguish is of the soul (See Gen. 42:21) and of the spirit (See Ex. 6:9). It comes as a result of cruelty or burden place on one by the enemy or an oppressor. The word anguish is ‘Sara’ in Hebrew word, which figuratively is trouble, which also implies adversary, adversity, affliction, distress, tribulation, tightness, etc. Anguish is severe pain, mental suffering or unhappiness condition of ones soul or spirit.

Are you in a tight condition that makes you unhappy? Are you in a great burden that seems difficult to lift which turns your soul in sadness? Are you suffering for what you know not? Are you suffering for what you did not do? The condition of one’s soul, heart or spirit in such a condition of suffering is anguish – 2 Cor. 2:4. Jesus promised us joy that no mean can take away in the time of anguish. When joy comes anguish will disappear. Just as a woman travailing under pain of child bearing remembers her anguish no more after delivery her child, so will it be for you. God will create a joyful event that will swallow up the events of sorrows and anguish in your life. As you pray with these psalms listed below with brokenness of heart and spirit unto God, your sorrows will turn to joy, in Jesus name.

Prescription 1…PSALM 22 2…PSALM 119

Chapter 2 Betrayals

David said to the children of Benjamin and Judah who came to him at the stronghold in Ziklag as helpers of war that if they came to help him, they would be his friend; but if they came to betray him to his enemies in his innocence that God will see it and punish them, (See 1Chro. 12:16-17). What is betrayal? It is an act of betraying somebody or something. It is also the fact of being betrayed. What does it mean to betray? It means to give information about somebody or something to an enemy. It is to hurt somebody who trusts you, especially by not being loyal or faithful to them. Every betrayer does it in order to gain advantage for himself. Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus in order to gain some money. One thing betrayers don’t know is that it is better for them that they weren’t born than to become a betrayer. An enemy cannot betray you rather it is a close confidant or friend that can betray you to your enemy. When Judas Iscariot kissed Jesus, Jesus called him friend. He knew where Jesus usually resorts with His disciples and he led His enemies (The Jews) there for His arrest, see John 18: 1-5, 12.

Many today have suffered for sexual assaults, abuses of many kind, robbery incident, loses, heart-break, untimely death, etc, all because of betrayal. Are you facing betrayal today in your life, in your business, etc? The listed psalm below should be prayed with in such a time like that in order to move the hand of God against your betrayers and grant you deliverance. Pray this Psalm with aggression and you will see God move on your behalf.

Prescription 1…PSALM 55

Chapter 3 Competition

Competition is a situation in which people or organizations compete with each other for something that not everyone can have. It is also an event in which people complete with each other to find out who is the best at something. It is important to take note in the above definition the word ‘compete’. This word implies to try to be more successful or better than somebody who is trying to do the same as you. We are living in the world of competition. Virtually in every field of endeavor and in life there is competition: - in school, in business, among age groups, in families, etc. The quest of everybody in life and in every field of endeavor is to be outstanding or be better-of his/her competitors. Child of God, your father in heaven knows that competition is part of life and that was why He wanted His own people to be peculiar than other nations of the earth. He wanted Israel to be the head and not the tail, to be above and not below, to be lenders and not borrowers, etc (See Deut. 28:12-13). Just as being outstanding people was God’s will for the children of Israel, it is also His will for us as new creatures in Christ Jesus, see 1 Pet 2:9-10. Child of God, you are born to be outstanding. Joseph was outstanding in the field of dream interpretation and that earned him a throne in Egypt, even as a slave. Daniel was outstanding together with his friends in the field of wisdom and dream interpretation and they found themselves on the seat of power in Babylon and Persian Empire, even as a prisoner of war. Esther was outstanding in a beauty contest conducted in Shushan the palace and she emerged as the queen of Media-Persian Empire, even as a captive.

David was outstanding in the field of battle and music respectively. It was being outstanding in these fields that took him to the palace to become the king’s musician; also, he became the king’s in-law by killing Goliath of Gath. What it takes to be outstanding in every competition has already being provided to you by God which includes favor, grace, mercy, revelation, etc; but it takes being obedience to God to have the blessing of being outstanding in life to follow and overtake you, see Deut. 28:1. What competition is standing before you now? I will like to tell you not be afraid to accept life competition; but to accept the challenges. I prophecy to you, you will win that contract you are pursuing! You will pass that exam you are embarking in! You will graduate with distinction; your business will be outstanding in Jesus name. Prescribed below are Psalms to pray with in order to be outstanding in any competition. You can add fasting and also, you can pray mid-night prayers with these Psalms for quick and effective results.

Prescription 1…PSALM 51 2…PSALM 20 3…PSALM 133

Chapter 4 Danger

Danger is the possibility of something happening that will injure, harm or kill somebody or damage or destroy something. Danger is the possibility of something bad or unpleasant happening. There are so many dangerous things on the earth. We can recognize them when we see, touch, feel, smell, or taste them. This is to say that we can sense danger. There are many things that may cause danger, for example: a person’s threats, weapons, chemicals, animals, machines, some habits, places, some works, etc. Just as we have open dangers-that’s dangers we can see, we also have hidden danger which we can sense through the eye of the spirit. Danger produces fear, and fear brings torment, death and reality of what is feared.

David was a man his life was endangered with so many things that would have swallowed up his life; but God delivered him in all those lurking dangers all because he prayed. Is your life endangered by surrounding enemies’ threats, economic-hardship, epidemic, satanic attacks, job loses, death and many more? It is your season of deliverance from dangers. Below are the biblical prescriptions from the book of psalms that will burst every danger on your way and set you on the path of victory:

Prescription 1…Psalm 11 2…Psalm 56 3…Psalm 64

Advice 1…Don’t wait until your life is endangered before you start praying with these psalms. You can start now to pray ahead of time against future dangers. 2…Apply fasting

Chapter 5 Death Threat

Death is defined as the fact of somebody or something dying or being killed. It is the end of somebody’s or something’s life or the state of being dead. Death is also is the power that destroys life. And the Bible made us to understand that it is a spirit – See Rev. 6:8. There are many things that end people’s life on earth. These are some of the avenues from which people life ends in death on daily bases: through food, sickness, accidents, bad habits, weapons, words, etc, See 2kgs 4:38-40, Lk 13:4, I Samuel 25:36-38, 2Kgs 16:12-13, Isaiah 54:16.

Three Ways Death Comes Three ways death comes are (1) by dying (2) by killing (3) by accident or error. Sudden or untimely death mostly comes through killing, error or accident.

It is vital to know that Satan is a killer and he is the father of it – See Jn 10:10a, Jn. 8:44. God has set the length of age we all should live (See Ps. 90:10) until you get to know this, your heart may not apply unto wisdom (See Ps. 90:12). So, living a long life requires wisdom to apply divine pre-requisites in order to attain it. God’s will for us is long life and that was why Jesus came- See Jn 10:10b. Satan’s will is to cause untimely death to you and me – See Jn. 10:10. He uses enemies, sickness, poverty, bad habits, natural disasters, human errors, terrorism, diabolical means, enchantment, divination, invocation, etc to cause death to mankind. Is the devil after your life, seeking for a way to devour you? Are men after your life, seeking to kill you? Have they given you death threats and fear to die gripped you? Is the devil telling you that you will die in this condition of sickness or accident? Have the doctor told you that you have few days to live? Have they planted charms to eliminate your life and that of your family members? Did they hire spiritualists and assassins to kill you? Fear not! God has promised you long life and He is able to keep you to fulfill your appointed years. These biblical prescriptions below are death busters. As you use them in fasting and prayer, every death threat hanging upon your neck will be destroyed. God will swallow up death in victory and destroy this covering cast over your life in Jesus name.

Prescription 1…PSALM 6 2…PSALM 27 3…PSALM 71 4…PSALM 90 5…PSALM 91 6…PSALM 102 7…PSALM 107 8…PSALM 116 9…PSALM 118

Advice Repent from every involvement with idol worshipping and turn into serving God – Ex. 23:25-26.

Chapter 6 Decisions

Where each and every person in the world today is, is as a result of such individual’s decisions. Organizations, families, communities and nations are where they are today in terms of development, economic growth, success, etc; because of the decisions of the leadership. Failure and success are products of actions taking through decisions of men. Man is a creature of decision. This is because God created us as free will agents. God gives instructions, devil, suggestions, while men counsels; but the person’s decisions will determine obedience or disobedience to such instructions, suggestions or counsels – See Gen. 2: 15-17, Gen. 3: 1-12. Decision is a choice or judgment that you make after thinking and talking about what is the best thing to do in a given situation. God knows best things you are to do for things to be well with you, your family, your business and society at large- See Deut 30:15-16. Also, the devil knows wrong things you are to do to have things turn bad to you, but he will present that knowledge to you in a way that seems right to you not knowing the end thereof- See Proverbs 14:12. The process of decision making is the time when double opinion are presented before you (See 1 Kings 17:21); but between these two options, you can choose the right or the wrong one; absolute care and prayer is essential at the point of double opinion to make a right decision. Many are regretting today because their decisions failed them in getting the right spouse, right business partner, right car, right accommodation or making right investment, policies, direction, friends, choice of course in the university, etc. No matter how good a thing may look or a place may be, don’t ever use it as a reason to pin down your decision on such a thing, be it someone to marry, a place to live or do business. Lot, Abraham’s nephew fall a victim to making decision by sight and he lost all in Sodom (See Gen. 13:9-14). Daniel and his friend decided not to defile themselves by eating the king’s food, in spite of how palatable and appealing it looked and how great the aroma was; but they settled eating vegetables and drinking water, and at the end of the day they look more

nourished and became outstanding more than those who ate the king’s food – Dan. 1: 5-20 Are you facing the challenge of making decisions or that you don’t know how to make right decision in a particular matter? Don’t be in a hurry to make one, yet. The biblical prescription from the book of Psalms below will help you handle decision making matters rightly as you pray with the prescribed Psalms.

Prescription 1…PSALM 1 2…PSALM 119

Advice

1…Ask God to influence your decisions 2…Don’t decide until you are sure you hear from God 3…Seek counsel from reputable, God-fearing counselors 4….Follow your intuition

Chapter 7 Defeats

Christians are victors by destiny. John the Beloved revealed that whosoever is born of God is a victor and the secret behind his victory over the world and things in it, is the faith of the Christian in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior – See 1 Jn 5:4-5. The Israelites never lost any victory in any war they fought when they left Egypt for Canaan except on occasion where sins are found in them both in the time of Moses and that of Joshua respectively. I could remember the battle at Ai, which was a little country beside Jericho. Can you imagine that this little Ai was able to defeat the children of Israel, led by Joshua! Joshua felt disappointed for such a defeat, thinking that the cause for the defeat was from God; but little did he know that it came as a result of one man’s secret sin whose name was Achan. Achan’s trespass on accused things brought a defeat to a whole nation of over 10 million people.

When Joshua lay on the floor for almost all the day, God asked him to rise up from the ground and let him knew that the cause of their defeat was from someone who had trespassed by taking the accursed things and hid it among his stuff. God let Joshua knew that until the accursed things was dealt with, they will remain vanquished, See John 18: 1-5. This led to discovery of Achan, the troubler of Israel and to his stoning to death and that of his household, See Joshua 7. It was after dealing with sin issue that Joshua with few soldiers went back to war against the people of Ai, got them defeated and destroyed, and set their cities ablaze, See Joshua 8.

What Defeat Means The word ‘defeat’ means to win against somebody in a war, competition, sports, games, etc. So, when you win somebody in a competition, etc, it is said that you have defeated your opponent. This makes an act of winning a victory over somebody or something. Secondly, the word defeat also means to stop something from being successful. Whatever or whoever that stops you from succeeding in anything you engage yourself with has defeated you. Thirdly, the word defeat means to fail to win or to be successful. What makes one a defeat is his/her inability to win or succeed at the end of a contest or pursuit! It is crucial to know how to handle seasons of defeat and turn it into victory in one’s life because the failure to do that may turn you into being a defeatist. To become a deafest is to be someone who is expecting not to succeed and showing it in a particular situation. Joshua could have become a defeatist except with the intervention of God. He couldn’t have dared to fight Ai again or he could have his mind saturated with the picture of defeat in Ai and will always expect defeat in any other confrontation from their enemies. Are you facing defeat today? I want to let you know that you are not the first person to experience that. David also experienced defeat that could have led to his untimely death, because; his soldiers had made up their mind after much weeping for loss of their properties and families at Ziklag to stone David to death. The Bible made us to understand that in such a discouraging season, David encouraged himself in the Lord, (See 1 Sam. 30:6). So, encourage yourself whenever you suffer defeat. Tell your enemies like Micah: “rejoice not at my fall o my enemies for I will rise again, (See Micah 7: 8). Tell yourself that your end has not even come. Tell the devil that your change until soon manifest. David also sought the face of God through prayer of inquiry to pursue the enemies that invaded his home and God answered through Urim by

commanding him to pursue and recovery all he lost without fail, (See 1 Sam 30:7-8). And for sure, he did recover all and got the victory, See 1 Sam 30: 18. Prayer is the key that opens the door of divine instruction for the next move for a life of turn- around. Joshua laid weeping and praying from morning till evening to receive the divine instruction for the next move for turning their defeat into victory, so, you can engage yourself on a great moment of supplication, with groaning which cannot be altered before your Lord and God. And as pray with these Psalms below, expect your turn around for it must surely manifest in Jesus Christ name!

Prescription 1…PSALM 51 – For dealing with sin issue 2…PSALM 83

Chapter 8 Doubts

Doubt is a feeling of being uncertain about something. It is a feeling of not believing that something is true, real, possible, etc. Doubt is synonymous to the word “dubious”, which has to do with being suspicious about somebody or something, not knowing whether it is or he/she is good or bad. The Bible warns against being doubtful about God and His words. This is because; a doubter cannot receive anything from God- James 1: 5-7 A doubter will like to see before he believes; but a faith-person believes before he sees – See John 20: 29. Is devil confronting you with doubt, telling you that God’s word is no longer true or that it cannot come to pass in your life? Is the devil confronting you with doubt, telling you that you cannot achieve your goals and fulfill that great vision in your life? Has the devil taking full possession of your mind, stirring up the feeling of uncertainty of making it in life, graduating from the school of higher learning, living a long life on the earth, recovering from that illness, giving birth to children, or getting married after all those series of disappointment? It is high time to let the devil know he is a liar and with God and your faith in Him, nothing is impossible! With these psalms prescribed below, you will overcome doubt, which is the mother of fear and unbelief.

Prescription 1…Psalm 34 2…Psalm 37 3…Psalm 94

Advice 1…Resist the spirit of doubt when it comes knocking on the door of your heart

Chapter 9 Enemies

Who is an enemy? An enemy is a person who hates somebody or who acts or speaks against somebody or something. Someone who is fighting against you is an enemy. Anything that harms somebody or prevents him or what you do from being successful is an enemy.

Types of Enemies We have different type of enemies, namely: 1…HUMAN ENEMIES – See Esther 7:6, Ps 27:2, Mt. 10:36 2…SPIRITUAL ENEMIES – See 1Pet. 5:8, Job 1:7

The Parable of Wheat and Tares In this parable, the servants of the owner of the field where good seeds were sown got to their master’s farm in the morning; they discovered that tares were planted on the same field. They asked their master of who had done that and he replied that it was the enemy (See Mt 13:25, 28, 39). Jesus also revealed that the tares represented the children of the devil here on the earth; while the good seeds represented the children of God. The activity of our enemy the devil is to plant his children around us, who are children of God in order to trouble us or make life difficult for us and also, to make things we do not to prosper or be successful.

God knows that there are enemies, foes or adversaries that shall rise against us; but He promised that He will be an adversary to our adversaries, See Ex. 23:22. He has also given us the power to tread upon these enemies, the stings and bites like that of scorpions and serpents and over all the powers of the enemy, that we may not be hurt. As you pray with these psalms listed below, God will rise up against your enemies to fight against them and give you victory (Ex. 14:13-14). He will bring defeat to your adversaries. He will protect you from being harm by your foes. He will empower you to live above defeat and your business shall not be made unsuccessful; He will not allow the enemy to rejoice over you, (See Micah 7:8) in Jesus name.

Prescription 1…PSALM 3 2…PSALM 25 3…PSALM 30 4…PSALM 35 5…PSALM 41 6…PSALM 56 7…PSALM 59 8…PSALM 52 9…PSALM 53 10..PSALM 69 11..PSALM 71 12..PSALM 74 13..PSALM 78 14..PSALM 81 15..PSALM 89 16..PSALM 106 17..PSALM 107 18..PSALM 109 19..PSALM 140

20..PSALM 143

Chapter 10 Evil People

The word ‘evil” is the words ‘evil people’ are an adjective used to qualify a particular set of people on the earth. The word evil means a force that causes bad things to happen either to somebody or to something. This definition clearly spells out the activity of evil people. They cause bad or harmful things to happen to other people or things that belong to others. Evil people can also be called evil doers. They do evil or bad things. No only that they does bad things, they also enjoy harming others through bad and cruel morals. Evil is connected with the Devil and what is bad, harmful and extremely unpleasant in the world. Since evil is connected with the devil and what is bad, harmful and extremely unpleasant in the world, every evil person is also said to be connected with the devil and what is bad, extremely unpleasant and have harmful effects on human, the society, and the environment. The wickedness of the devil against humanity and against our environment is being carried out by these evil fellows and there is no place on earth we cannot find them. Be it in the government, they are there in every arms of the government. Be it in armed forces, they are there also. Be it in the field of science, they are there creating biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction. Be it in the family and among your neighbors and friends, they are there to cause you to weep through bad and cruel morals. God doesn’t want us to emulate evil doers or suffer as an evil doer because; He knows the fate that awaits them, See 1 Pet. 2:14, Psalm 1:1, Isaiah 4:20, Isaiah 1:4. The Psalmist asked; who will rise up for you against the evil doers? (See Psalm 94:16). He answered that if it is not the Lord who has been his helper, they would have destroyed his life – See Ps. 94:17. If God could help David by rising up against the evil doers, He will help you too. These Psalms listed below will enable you as you pray with them together with fasting, to be delivered from the hands of evil doers that have risen up against you. God will help you as you pray with these Psalms to get those evil doers against you defeated and destroyed, in Jesus name.

Prescription 1…PSALM 10 2…PSALM 35 3…PSALM 36 4…PSALM 37 5…PSALM 49 6…PSALM 52 7…PSALM 53 8…PSALM 104 9…PSALM 109

Chapter 11 Exiles

What is exile? Exile is the state of being sent to live in another country that is not your own especially for political reason or as a punishment. It is also to force somebody to leave his/her country, town, community, etc especially for political reason or as a result of punishment. David was a man who was confronted with exiles. Firstly, in his early life after being anointed to become king of Israel, and killing Goliath, and lastly, at his old age when his throne was in contention with his son Absalom. And the reasons for these exiles, the former was politically and the later was both political and as a result of punishment for the murder of Uriah and his adultery with Bathsheba. In the first exile of David, he had no other option than in getting his life safe from destructive attempts of King Saul over his life. This was because Saul had seen after the killing of Goliath by David that the songs the women of Israel sang praised David more than him and there was no other thing David could have other than his throne. And he sought to eliminate him in order to preserve the throne for his own family members. Even in the exile, King Saul even sought to kill David there because he always traced him in those places that David went to Sojourn. The more King Saul comes after David, the more he ran till he went into exile in the land of their enemy, the Philistines. All these are for safety reasons while Saul’s was for political reasons.

Jesus instructed his disciples saying, “If they persecute you in this city, flee to another” See Matt. 10:23. So, when you see that your life is not safe, exile should be the next option. Jacob went to exile in order to escape from the wrath and deadly plots of Esau. Later, after the blessings of God upon his life over there at Padan-aram, his life also, was endangered in the house of his uncle Laban, and God of Bethel instructed him to return back to the land of his nativity, See Gen. 31:1-3. You remember at Bethel, he (Jacob) cut a covenant of safety, provision and restoration to the land of his nativity with God (See Gen 28) God who never fail in His covenant obligations finally fulfilled it and Jacob was restored back to his land of nativity after having an all night wrestling with God in prayer which led to the change of his name from Jacob (Trickster) to Israel (Prince that prevails with God). It is time to stand all night to wrestle to prevail over God in prayer for transformation and restoration The name that led Jacob into exile was not the name that got his restoration back to the land of his nativity. It was changed. Whatever that causes you to be forced into exile have to change to enable your restoration and you must have to take note of this fact. In the second exile of David, it was because of political and punishment reasons that he was forced into it (See 2Sam. 15:1-12). It was during his exile that the prophecy of Nathan came to pass which says that as you slept with Uriah’s wife secretly, your neighbor will sleep with yours openly, (See 2Sam 12:11-12). The counsel of Ahitophel to Absalom propelled him to sleep with his fathers’ concubines before the face of all the Israelites, (See 2Sam 16:20-22). Absalom’s political ambition led him to train his own army who had a formidable force stronger than that of his fathers, (See 2Sam 15:1). And to avoid his (King David’s) shameful defeat, his people had to led him into exile to did the fighting with Absalom’s army, (See 2Sam 15:13-19). When David was forced into exile, Absalom was in charge. Until he was killed, the king could not come back, (See 2 Sam 16:16). God will destroy whatever that have forced you, your family, etc into exile, and return you to you land of nativity, in Jesus name! While David was on his way for exile, Shimei from the family of Saul mocked him, spat in him and even threw stones and sand at him. While the King’s servants wanted to go and kill Shimei, he ordered them not to do so; but to leave him because; he said that God could see all those insults from Shimei and have mercy on him and also restore him back to his throne, which He later did, (See 2Sam 16:5-14).

Friend, while going to exile or being in exile, men may mock or ridicule you; but never mind all they are saying, forgive them and look unto what God will say. Until men mock you, God cannot make you. Until they ridicule you; God will not give you miracle or restoration, (See 2Sam.15:25-26). Are you facing exile today, may be because of conspiracy, political or punishment reasons? Fear not! In such a condition, David’s never fail to pray and worship God, (See 2Sam 15:30-32). As you worship and pray with these Psalms listed below, God will turn the counsels of your conspirators to foolishness! He will defeat every force that forced you out of your land of nativity, throne, or position in your office, inheritance, etc and restore you back to reign as a king again, in Jesus name!

Prescription 1…PSALM 51 2…PSALM 42 3…PSALM 43

Chapter 12 Illness

Illness is a state of being physically or mentally ill. The word illness is synonymous to the words- sickness, diseased or ill-health. When you are ill, sick and diseased or have ill-health, it is said that you have health problems. Illness is also to have health challenge(s) or trouble. Are you ill in your health right now? There is hope for you? God said that He is the Lord that heals (see Exodus 15:26), He will heal you. For the purpose of illness, God sent His son into the earth, who purchased our healing through His stripes. (Isaiah 53:5). To connect to this purchased healing, prayer of faith in the name of Jesus for the healing of the sick is needed. James 5:14-15. As you pray with these psalms prescribed below through faith in the name of Jesus Christ, whatever illness or disease in your physical, mental or emotional faculties, miraculous healing with manifest thereon in Jesus name, Amen. Moreover you can pray these Psalms with fasting and prayer in order to make it effective.

Prescription 1…PSALM 6 2…PSALM 41 3…PSALM 58 4…PSALM 107 5…PSALM 139 6…PSALM 30

Chapter 13 Lack of Trust in God

What is trust? Trust is the belief that somebody is good, sincere, honest, faithful, reliable, etc and will not try to harm or deceive you. The scripture testifies that God is good (See Ps 107:1, James 1:17). He is sincere or honest (See Jn 14:6, Num. 23:19), and also, He is faithful (See Num. 23:19, Rom. 4:20-21, Heb. 10:23, Rev. 19:11). God is not a deceiver neither is He a God who harms because these are not His nature; but the devils (See Jn. 10:10a, Mt. 10:16, Rev. 12:9, James 1:13). One of the devices of the devil for which he leads people astray is to paint a picture that makes us see God as not being trustworthy. That was how the devil was able to deceive Eve and caused her to eat the forbidden fruit together with her husband, Adam (see Gen. 3:1-7). Devil, through his temptation creates situation that will make us see God as not being truthful and reliable. With this, we sees no need to pray to God, have patient believe or hope in Him or serve Him (See Job 21:14-15).

The Benefits of Trusting in God The benefit of trusting in God cannot be overemphasizing. The scripture says that those that trust in the Lord: 1…Shall not be put to shame – Psalm 25:1-2, Isaiah 49: 23 2…Shall not be moved but abides forever - Psalm 125:1 3…Shall be surrounded by God – Psalm 125:2

4…Shall possess their possession and shall be provided for by the Lord – Psalm 37:3 5…Shall not be in confusion – Psalm 71:1 6…Shall be delivered from the enemies – Psalm 71:4-5 7…Shall overcome their fears – Psalm 56:3:11 Friends, God is a good God, while the devil is a bad devil and no good or perfect thing can come out from him; but from God, (See James 1:17). Sometimes when bad things happen to us, Satan will use men to tell us that God is behind it. But little did they know that God cannot tempt any one with evil; but devil can and we can see that in the case of Job. Although, he painted that wrong picture to Job, yet Job didn’t mind at all rather he replied that even if God is responsible for what he was going through, yet he can’t lose his trust in Him, (See Job 13:15). Devil wanted Job to curse God for not being able to protect his health and all he has; but Job didn’t do that instead he worshipped and blessed the Lord in those tragedies – Job 1:9-22. Job also stood his ground and never lose one single trust he has in God; even when the devil was telling him that he would die in his sickness and rotten in the grave, yet he replied that his redeemer lives and he head hope in resurrection of the dead (See Job 19:25-27). When the devil showed him that he was like a tree cut down which cannot survive again, he (Job) made the devil mad by letting him know that as long as the root of the tree which is his trust in the Lord is still fixed in the soil (the source of life to the tree which symbolizes God in this context), it will bud again and become a great tree. He further stated that he knew that his change will soon come; but he had decided and will never give up waiting upon the Lord to bring such a change in His time – See Job 14:7-14. Shedrack, Mishach and Abednego who trusted in God were confronted by king Nebuchadnezzar’s decree with death sentence for failure to worship his idol, yet the trust they had on God even unto death deterred them from bowing to the kings image and at last the kings decree was changed by God, who always and never fails to deliver those who trusts in Him (see Daniel 3). Are you faced with conditions that make you to lack trust in God? Never give the devil such a chance to wreck havocs in your life. God is neither a deceiver nor a liar. He is faithful and trust-worthy. He never forsakes those who trust in Him. He can turn your night unto day, your sorrows into joy, your captivity into liberty, your poverty into prosperity and your sickness into health. All you need to do is to hang on with God, for soonest you will land to the other side of the shore in this present storm of life.

David was faced with different situations that could make him lack trust in God yet he hung on and God saw him through in each of those challenges. The listed Psalms below were what he prayed with to overcome the state of lack of trust in God. As you pray with those listed psalms, I see you overcome lack of trust in God in your life in Jesus Christ name! Amen.

Prescription 1…PSALM 51 – For dealing with sin of lack of trust in God 2…PSALM 56

Chapter 14 National Troubles

Just like individuals or families can have troubles, nations can also be-fallen with troubles. When a nation is befallen with troubles, it virtually affects both the righteous and the wicked. When a nation is befallen with troubles, it becomes every bodies concern. In two consecutive occasions, during Abraham’s lifetime, the nation of Canaan where the Lord asked him to dwell in had trouble that affected all that dwelt therein. And it was famine or hard time (Gen. 12:10-20, Gen. 20). At those times respectively, Abraham without God’s direction migrated to other countries of his choice for succor, there he almost lost his wife if not for divine intervention. Isaac encountered a national trouble similar to that of his father’s days. He made up his mind to thread the path of his father by migrating down to Egypt; but God intervened by asking him to stay in the land of Gerar and exposed the idea of irrigation to him which enabled him to make a hundred fold increases in his farming and waxed great during the time of national hardship. Jesus told His disciples that in the world, they will face tribulations (See John 16:33). Of course, we shall face tribulation; but God who knows how to deliver the righteous from the scorch of the heat of the day, will deliver His own people. So, it was in the days of Elisha that the word of the Lord came to him that there will be seven years of hard time in their country and that he should ask the Shumanite woman to look for any country of her choice and sojourn with her son until the days of hard time were over which she did – (See 2Kgs. 8:1-3).

When your nation is befallen with trouble God can direct you on how to escape fallen a victim to such circumstances. It is crucial to seek direction from God when national troubles come lurking. Abimelech and his two sons and wife did not seek the face of God for direction in the time Bethlehem-Judah was befallen with economical hardship. They left for Moab while other citizens stayed-put. There in the land of Moab, Abimelech died and later his two sons that married Moabitish women joined him in the journey to the great beyond. It was after their demise that Naomi heard that God had visited her people with bread and she decided to return (See Ruth 1:1-22).

Causes of National Troubles Apart from natural disasters, the Bible has revealed that most of the national troubles that had befallen Israel came as a result of violation the principles of God. Solomon knew too well that there was nothing that could bring national trouble; but sins. And he pleaded with God that if His people transgressed and He exposed them to pestilence, hunger, war, captivity, etc, that if His people should humble themselves in fasting, pray and repent from their wicked ways, that God should hear from heaven, heal their land and turn again their captivity, (See 2 Chro. 7:12-14). A lot of immorality is going on in so many nations today. Leaders of many nations had through corruption, power-hunger, errors and signing into bills laws that encourage sinners to carry out fearlessly, abominable acts against God. That’s why God exposes such nations to terrorists attacks, deadly diseases, economic melt down, fear of not knowing who is next to die in car bombing or suicide bombing, etc. It is high time we rise like Abraham, Daniel, etc to intercede for our nations. For God is looking for a man who can stand on the gap that He might not destroy our nations for all the evil perpetuated by our leaders, and the populace. David was a man who lived and saw his nation befallen several times with national trouble. One was after taken census in Israel without the instruction of God. God allowed many lives to be destroyed during such an evil act; but it was at the altar on the land purchased by David on the thresh floor of Araunah where he, David sacrificed and prayed unto the Lord that the plague and pestilence were stayed, (See 2 Sam. 24). Friend, it’s time to raise an altar for God, breakup the fallow ground of our hearts, seek the Lord in prayer until He rain righteousness on us and upon our land (See Hosea 10:12). Until then, our national troubles won’t cease; but increases. Righteousness is what exalts a nation; but sin bring reproach to man people (See Pro. 14:34). Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but God had promised that He will deliver him from all of them, (See Ps. 34: 19). As you pray with these Psalms listed below, may God hear you from heaven and heal your nation, your leaders and fellow citizens in Jesus name, Amen!

Prescription 1…PSALM 51 2…PSALM 89 3…PSALM 90 4…PSALM 91 5…PSALM 94 6…PSALM 95 7…PSALM 114 8…PSALM 124 9…PSALM 126 10..PSALM 129

Chapter 15 Old Age

We are living in the world where things detonate or fade. On daily basis new things are introduced on the earth, while the one’s that existed is fading out little by little. Human beings are not exceptional when it comes to the law of fade. When we were born, everything in us was new and lovely. As we are growing, like a flower, our beauty and handsomeness begins to glow. But as we are getting older and older, our beauty begins to fade out, our strength begins to go down, and our life begins to draw closer to the grave. Sometimes, fear to die grips us, because; we don’t want to die. And the quest to become younger and fit sets in. women who are getting older wants to look sixteen, men who are getting older wants to become like juvenile. Thank God for dieticians, nutritionists or scientists who are exploring avenues to cause the older ones to look younger; but this law of nature could not be defiled by all these natural means; because God has set it so. There is time to get young, as well as get old.

What Old Age Is Old age is the time of retirement from active duties. When some are coming to this time in life fear always grip them as regards how their later end shall be.

Old age is the time when most of our system cannot carry out specific functions not because; they were created to be so; but because the law of nature forbids such functions i.e. Human reproduction is naturally not possible with women after the age forty five to fifty or thereabout. Perhaps you are of that age and have not had any child of yours, fear not because with God there is hope of conception even at your old age. The psalmist revealed that the righteous can still reproduce in their old age, (See psalm 92:14). Abraham and Sarah gave birth to Isaac at the age of hundred and ninety respectively. It was unbelievable; but God did it, (See Gen 21:1-3, 5). Zachariah and Elizabeth were stricken in age before they could give birth to John the Baptist (See Lk. 1:5-20). Naturally speaking, at the age of eighty, one’s strength must have abated. But at eighty five Caleb testified that his strength was intact as though he was in his forty (See Joshua 14:10-11). Naturally speaking, at one hundred and twenty, most old people sight will begin to get dim and dim, yet in one hundred and twenty years, Moses eyes never got dim, (See Deut. 34:7, Gen 27:1, Gen 48:10, 1 Sam 3:2). Are you facing old age challenges today? Are you regretting that you didn’t profit God during your youthful age? Fear not! Even at your old age, God can still use you to achieve great feat in his kingdom. Have you not read that Abraham was called by God at the age of seventy five? (See Gen 12:1-4). He was wealthy at his old age, (See Gen. 13: 2, Gen. 24: 1) and he had his legitimate son, Isaac at the age of hundred, (See Gen. 21: 5). God cannot forsake you neither will He leave you at this time or cast you off. He is still interested in you and to perfect that which He has for you (See Ps. 71:9, 18). Perhaps, you couldn’t prosper in your youthful age; but with God, you can still flourish in your old age (Ps 82:12-14). It is righteousness and being in the presence of God that will make the difference, (See Ps 52:5-9, Psalm 37:23-25). Dear Papa/Mama, Fear not! Old age cannot stop you from having children, success, blessings, etc. this is because; God is superior to laws of nature. All you need to do is to draw more closer to God than ever, live righteously and God who never abandon His own will rise on your behalf, vitalize your mortal body and empower you to achieve what you couldn’t achieve in your youth, for by strength shall no man prevail. And it is neither by power nor by might; but by His spirit will your success become a reality. As you pray with these psalms, I see God renew your youth like eagle in Jesus name, Amen!

Prescription 1…PSALM 25 2…PSALM 71 3…PSALM 92 4…PSALM 103

Chapter 16 Persecution

The Greek word “diogmos” meaning persecution implies to ensure, follow after, pursue, (suffer) persecute etc. It is also the Hebrew word ‘radap’ which implies to run after (someone) usually with hostile intent, figuratively to chase, put to flight, follow, follow after, follow on, hunt, be under persecution etc. Persecution is an act of causing of someone to be afflicted, to suffer affliction, to be in anguish, to burdened, or troubled. Persecution is also part of our Christian experience and we are not immune of it – See 2Tim. 3:12, Gal 6:12, Acts 8:1, Mk 10:30, Jn 15:20. Unbelievers are the Satan’s instrumentalists for persecuting Christians from then till now – See Gal. 4:29. The gospel we receive and preaches is offensive to those who believe not in Christ Jesus and that is why they persecute us in order to force us out of the love of Christ, See Mt. 13:21, Gal 5:11, Gal. 6:12, Rom. 8:35. Also, evil people persecute us without cause- see Ps. 119:161, Ps119:86. In persecution, lives and properties are wasted by our persecutors – See Gal 1:13, Acts 8:3; but there is blessedness in persecution, Mt 5 10-20 Persecutors of Christians indirectly are persecutors of Jesus – Jn. 15:16-20, Acts 26:14-15. Are you persecuted? We are enjoined to rejoice, endure, bless our persecutors and pray for those who despitefully hated us- See matt. 5:10-12, Rom. 12:14. Remember, God also, will execute judgment on those who persecute and troubles us- See Psalm 119:84, 2 Thess 1:6. To find assistance in the book of Psalms in the season of persecution, pray with the following Psalms prescribed below.

Prescription

1…PSALM 1 2…PSALM 3 3…PSALM 7 4…PSALM 10 5…PSALM 31 6…PSALM 35 7…PSALM 56 8…PSALM 69 9…PSALM 71 10..PSALM 83 11..PSALM 103 12..PSALM 119 13..PSALM 142 14..PSALM 143

Chapter 17 Poverty

Poverty is a curse and it is a fast killer. It kills faster than deadly diseases – See Proverbs 10:15. Poverty was the first attack of the devil on mankind immediately after sin – See Gen. 3: 6-7. Poverty opens door to hatred, mockery, rejection, sickness, destruction, suppression, oppression, subjection, despise, sinful-living, hunger, unfulfilled dreams, etc in someone’s life – See Pro. 10:15, 13:8, 14:20, 14:31, 17:5, 19:4, 19:7, 30:9. Poverty makes a man a candidate of pity; but prosperity will make you a person to be envied – See Gen. 26: 12-14, Prov. 19:17. Poverty can be inherited and can also be inflicted. Again one’s character or habits can also lead him to poverty- See Prov. 21:17. One of the reasons why Christ came and died for us is to undone the adverse effects of poverty in our live – See 2Cor. 8:9.

It is God’s will and wish for us to prosper, See (3 Jn 2). Jesus prayed with this phrase in the garden of Gethsemane: “Not my will; but let your will be done”. Praying with Psalms is praying out God’s will into existence in your life and family. As you use the biblical prescription from the book of psalms below, I see poverty become a thing of past in your life, in Jesus name.

Prescription 1…PSALM 9 2…PSALM 10 3…PSALM 12 4…PSALM 118

Advice 1…Repent from stinginess 2…Be a giver 3…Be a tither 4…After this prayer, pick a seed-money and sow

Chapter 18 Suffering

Suffering is the feeling of pain and unhappiness as one undergo affliction, trouble, illness, hardship, violence etc. It is passing through difficulties in life. Job suffered as a result of test about his integrity (See Job 1:6-12). The Apostle Paul suffered so many things about his love and work for Christ (see Acts 9:16). In spite of these, one can suffer as a result of his error. Also one can suffer as a result of natural or accidental occurrences, See Luke 13:1-4. What are you suffering today? What are you going through today in your life? Is it hardship, affliction, trouble, illness, violence, persecution, etc? God has promised to settle you in times of suffering – 1Pet. 5:10. Joseph suffered a lot in his life and God later settled him with a throne. Jesus suffered many things even unto death and God settled him with a name which is above all names, which at its mention, kneels bows and tongues

confess that He is the Lord to the glory of God the father. May He settle you today with your own throne! Jesus said that those that suffered with Him will reign with Him? David suffered a lot and finally God settled him with throne. He will settle you too. With the listed psalms below, as you fast and pray with it, your suffering will be ended, in Jesus name!

Prescription 1…PSALM 38 2…PSALM39

Chapter 19 Temptation

Temptation is defined as the desire to do or have something you know is bad or wrong. It is a thing that makes somebody wants to do or have something that they know is bad or wrong. That is to say that the desire of a man can lure him or her into doing something he or she knows is bad or wrong. David’s desire for sex lured him into having sex with a woman who belongs to another man, See 2 Sam 11, James 1; 14. Not only our desires can lure us into temptation; but a tempter also can (See Mathew 4:1).

Who is a Tempter? A tempter is a person who tries to persuade somebody to do something bad or wrong. First time we see the tempter at work in the Bible is in Genesis chapter 3. Satan manifested himself through the serpent and lured Adam and Eve into doing what they knew was bad or wrong. Today Satan, the tempter is still using our desires for material things and other human factors to lure us into doing things that are detrimental to our health, lives, relationship with our spouses, with God and others, etc (See James 1:1415). Untold sufferings, sickness, diseases, curses, failure, pain, regrets, sorrow, broken marriages, agony, etc has follow suit the failure for overcoming several

temptations that comes to us. God will not lead us into temptation but the devil and our lusts will, See Matt. 6:13, James 1:13-17. Evil accompanies temptations when we fall into it. And the bible suggests that we should pray so that we may not enter into it (See Matthew 26:41). Don’t wait until you are tempted or fall into temptation before you start to pray against it. This is the time to pray against it. And listed below are the psalms to pray with that will enable you not to fall into temptations and to overcome them if perhaps you’ve fallen into any.

Prescription 1…PSALM 38 2…PSALM 141

Important Note: Peradventure you have fallen into temptation: Pray with Psalm 51 Confess your sins Repent from them Ask God for the grace to carry on again Guard your heart with all diligence

Chapter 20 Troubles

To be troubled is to be in problem, to be worried or bothered about something. It is also to be in difficult or dangerous situation. Job says that: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” Job 14:1 The preacher stating on what man had of all his labor on earth said that they are vexation of his heart, sorrows, painful-grief and restlessness, see Eccle. 2:22-23. Troubles had become the part of man from the time of fall until now. It wasn’t the plan of God from creation, but it was what sin brought to us when our Patriarchs and Matriarchs, Adam and Eve sinned against the Lord. That is to say, there is no trouble without cause.

Three Reasons Why Men Experience Troubles

They are because: 1…WE ARE IN THE WORLD – Job 5:6-7, Jn 16:33, 1Jn 5:16, Gal. 4:28-29 2…WE HAVE FAITH TO DEFEND AND OUR FAITH MUST BE TRIED IN ORDER TO PROVE OUR FAITHFULNESS TO GOD – Job 1:6-22, Job 2:1-10, James 1:2-4 3…WE VIOLATE THE PRINCIPLES OF LIFE AND GODLINESS – 2 Pet. 1:3-11, Gen. 2:15-17, 2Chro. 15:4, Isaiah 32:11, 2Tim. 2:9.

Things That Can Cause Us Trouble 1…MAN – Judges 11:35, John 7:25, Ps 13:4 2…EVIL SPIRIT – 1sam 16:14 3…SICKNESS – Jer. 9:8-15 4…YOU – Pro. 11:29, Psalm115:27, 2Tim. 2:9

Things You Need To Overcome Your Troubles 1…DIVINE REST – 2 Thess. 1:7 2…FAITH IN GOD AND IN HIS PROMISES – Jn 14:1-2, 27 3…DELIVERANCE – Ps. 143:11, Pro. 11:8, Ps 97:15, Job 5:19, Ps 34:17 4…DIVINE HELP – Ps 108:12, Ps. 60:11 5…ANGELIC INTERVENTION – Ps 78:49 6…DIVINE PRESENCE – Ps 22:11, Ps 46:1 7…DIVINE PEACE – Jn 16:33 8…REVIVAL – Ps 138:7 9…STRENGTH – 2Kings 19:3 10..COMFORT – 2 Cor. 1:4

To Overcome Your Trouble It is important to: 1…TROUBLE – SHOOT: This is to carry out analysis of the trouble in order to dictate where it is coming from or why it is coming to you – Ps 139:23, Job 5:6-7, 17-18

2…REPENT FROM YOUR SINS IF YOU ARE THE CAUSE:- 2 Chro. 15:4 3…SEEK THE FACE OF GOD IN PRAYER- Job 5:6-12 4…FOR DELIVERANCE & INTERVENTION- Ps. 50:15 5….PATIENCE – Rom 12:12 God had promised to forgive our sins and remove the consequences of our sins which troubles are part of it (2Chro. 14:7-8). He had promised to judge and trouble our troublers and grant us deliverance and rest from all our troubles – 2 Thess. 1:7, Gal. 5:10. He had also promised to go through the trouble times with us in order to strengthen us with grace that we may not fall away from the faith – Isaiah 43:1-3, 2 Cor. 4:8-11, 2 Cor. 12:8-10. Listed below are Psalms to pray with in order to secure deliverance, help and divine intervention in times of trouble.

Prescription 1…PSALM 6 2…PSALM 20 3…PSALM 34 4…PSALM 42 5…PSALM 55 6…PSALM 86 7…PSALM 102 8…PSALM 142 9…PSALM 145

In Conclusion

The prayers in this book may not be answered if you have not made Jesus Christ the one and only Lord and Savior of your life. Solomon revealed that the prayer of a sinner is an abomination in the sight of God, how much more his sacrifices, (See Pro.15: 8, Pro. 21: 27). The man born blind whose sight was restored by Jesus Christ told the Sanhedrims that God doesn’t answer the prayers of sinners; but the just, (See John 9:16, 24-25). So, what it takes to be saved and justified is simply in genuine repentance and faith in Jesus finished work on the cross of Calvary.

If you have made up your mind to comply with the above per-requisites for salvation, say this prayer with me: Lord Jesus Christ, I am a sinner. Have mercy upon me and forgive all my sins. I hereby accept Jesus Christ into my heart to be my Lord and Savior now and henceforth. I receive power from you to be called your child. Thanks for saving me, in Jesus name. The End Other ebooks available from the author: How To Obtain Divine Healing Without Delay Making God’s Promises a Reality in Your Life 10 Ps for Success in Life and Ministry Provoking Supernatural Supply Unlocking Divine Restoration 31 Pills From God That Will Bring Healing to Your Body