Many consider the Psalm 91 prayer one of the most powerful in the Bible. Whether you seek protection for your home, comfort in times of trouble, or peace before settling in for the night, the Psalm 91 prayer meaning offers comfort and confidence.
Fascinating Facts About the Psalm 91 Prayer
You don’t have to look hard to find loads of interesting facts in the Bible. While I used to favor the New Testament, I have recently learned that the Old Testament is full of fascinating historical and religious facts. A Psalm held in such high esteem as a prayer for protection and assurance certainly wields great influence and contains interesting facts.
- The author of the Psalm is unknown
- The mystery of “The Secret Place of the Most High”
- A Noted Expert Calls it the Most “Cheering Psalm”
- It’s a powerful prayer for God’s protection
- It’s called “The Soldier’s Psalm”
- It’s a spiritual warfare favorite
- It speaks of deploying angels!
- Sinéad O’Connor used a phrase from Psalm 91 for an album title
- Satan Used Psalm 91:5-6 When He Tried to Tempt Jesus
- It changes voice in the last section
The Author of the Psalm is Unknown
All but 49 chapters of the Book of Psalms are attributed to authors. Psalm 91 is one of the anonymous Psalms. Although its authorship is unknown, many believe that Moses or David is the author. The Bible does not reveal the author. However, the reference to God as a dwelling place leads some to believe that Psalm 91 was written by Moses.
That brings us to the 2nd interesting fact about this book.
The Mystery of “The Secret Place of the Most High”
Psalm 90, Moses refers to God as “our dwelling place.” The echoes verse 91, “Because you have made the Lord—my refuge,
the Most High—your dwelling place.” For that reason, many believe that Moses is the author. In her Bible Recap podcast, Tarah Leigh Cobble states that this chapter reminds her of Deuteronomy 32 and 33, also written by Moses.
However, 2 other Psalms reference God as a secret place of shelter.
“For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity;
he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.”
Psalm 27:5
“You hide them in the protection of your presence; you conceal them in a shelter…”
Psalm 31:20
The King James and Christian Standard Bible translations make this fascinating fact even more interesting. Notice the use of the words “dwelling place” and “refuge in each of the translations.
King James Version
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.
Psalm 90:1
“Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation…”
Psalm 91:9
Christian Standard Bible
“Lord, you have been our refuge in every generation.”
Psalm 90:1
“Because you have made the Lord—my refuge, the Most High—your dwelling place…”
Psalm 91:9
Notice how the King James version uses the phrase “dwelling place” in Psalm 90, which the Christian Standard Bible uses in Psalm 91. Both versions use the word refuge.
A Noted Expert Calls it the Most “Cheering Psalm”
Here is what English Particular Baptist preacher, Charles Spurgeon, says about this Psalm”
“In the whole collection there is not a more cheering Psalm, its tone is elevated and sustained throughout, faith is at its best, and speaks nobly.”
– Charles Spurgeon
He also said this about the Psalm 91 prayer meaning:
“Every child of God looks towards the inner sanctuary and the Mercy Seat, yet all do not dwell in the Most Holy Place; they run to it at times, and enjoy occasional approaches, but they do not habitually reside in the mysterious presence.”
– Charles Spurgeon
It’s a Powerful Prayer for God’s Protection
A significant part of the Psalm 91 prayer meaning is the protection God provides to ease the Children of God when we feel fear. The prayers below highlight the powerful inspiration that fills the chapter. Likewise, it is a reminder of the comfort of putting our fears in God’s hands.
Psalm 91 is Called “The Soldier’s Psalm”
It’s said that a U.S. Army Commander printed the 91st Psalm on cards. He gave those to his soldiers to carry into battle.
Jimmy Stewart likely prayed Psalm 91. When he enlisted in the U.S. Army for World War II, his father sent him a letter containing the Psalm.
It’s a Spiritual Warfare Favorite
Christians often use this Psalm as a spiritual shield against danger, ill health, and evil. It’s full of vivid imagery that profoundly resonates with believers who need reassurance in times of trouble.
It Speaks of Deploying Angels!
Verse 11 mentions God commanding angels to guard over us, lift us up, and keep us from harm. This makes for a great prayer to ask for protection.
Sinéad O’Connor Used a Phrase for an Album Title
Irish singer-songwriter Sinéad O’Connor borrowed the phrase “The Lion and the Cobra” from Psalm 91:13 as the title of her first album.
Satan Used Psalm 91:5-6 When He Tried to Tempt Jesus
When Satan tried tempting Jesus in Matthew chapter 4, he quoted this Psalm in verses 5 and 6:
Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written:
He will give his angels orders concerning you,
and they will support you with their hands
so that you will not strike
your foot against a stone.”
Matthew 4:5-6
Psalm 91 Doesn’t Have a Title in Every Bible Translation
While some translations don’t have a title for this Psalm, many do. Here are a few titles for the Psalm 91 prayer.
- The Protection of the Most High from the Christian Standard Bible
- Assurance of God’s Protection from the Revised Standard Version
- Security of the One Who Trusts in the Lord from the New American Standard Bible
- Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God from the New King James Version
I mostly read the Christian Standard Bible. The only reason I chose this version is that it’s the Bible my Dad gave me recently.
It Changes Voice in the Last Section
The first 13 verses read from the perspective of a person instructing someone about God’s protection. The voice and perspective change in verse 14. Unlike all the previous verses, the last three verses read in the first person, with God telling us how He protects the faithful.
Psalm 91 Prayer: The Protection of the Most High
(from the Christian Standard Bible translation)
1 The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say concerning the Lord, who is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust:
3 He himself will rescue you from the bird trap, from the destructive plague.
4 He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day,
6 the plague that stalks in darkness, or the pestilence that ravages at noon
7 Though a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, the pestilence will not reach you.
8 You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord—my refuge, the Most High—your dwelling place,
10 no harm will come to you; no plague will come near your tent.
11 For he will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways.
12 They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the young lion and the serpent.
14 Because he has his heart set on me, I will deliver him; I will protect him because he knows my name.
15 When he calls out to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will rescue him and give him honor.
16 I will satisfy him with a long life and show him my salvation.
How to Pray the Psalm 91 Prayer
Many read the prayer verbatim as a prayer for protection during troubling times. You can read it daily, nightly, or whenever you need comfort.
You can rephrase each of the verses as a declaration. For example:
Morning Protection Prayer
“Heavenly Father, I dwell today in Your secret place. Let Your shadow be my refuge. Shield me from harm, disease, and fear. Send Your angels to guard my steps. I trust You as my fortress and my God.”
“Dear LORD, today I will call on you. I know you will answer me and be with me in times of trouble.”
Bedtime Peace Prayer
“Lord, as I rest tonight, I hide beneath Your wings. Let no terror disturb my sleep. Keep my home safe and my heart at peace. I will not fear the darkness, for You are my light.”
“As I sleep tonight, Heavenly Father, please command your angels to watch over me and protect me from harm.”
Spiritual Warfare Declaration
With The LORD as my refuge, nothing can harm me and no disaster can come near me unless he allows it.
“I declare that no weapon used against me can prosper. I will trample the lion and the serpent underfoot, because I’m covered by the Most High, and His truth is my shield.”
A Foretress of Safety
“Dear Lord, let the Holy Spirit soften my heart and help me always remember that you are my refuge and my fortress. Thank you for the comfort that I can trust in you.
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for the path, so that I can avoid the traps set before me.”
Grateful for the Gift of Eternal Life
“Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for my sins. Though thousands fall all around me, even though I don’t deserve it, the pestilence will not touch those who have accepted your gift of salvation. We’ll have eternal life to spend with you.”
Other Translations of Psalm 91
While I enjoy the Christian Standard Bible translation, other translations offer different perspectives on the imagery that Scripture describes. I found a few of my favorite other phrases to share with you.
Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Since I follow the Bible in a Year podcast, I often hear the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Even though I’m not Catholic, I love the podcast because Father Mike Schmidt offers brilliant insight into scripture.
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty…
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;
5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
King James Version
The KJV just seems like the classic. I have a friend who insists on it because of the “Thees” and “Thoughs,” even though I remind him that’s the language of the time of the translation, not Biblical times
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence;
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
New International Version
1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.
5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day,
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
Final Thoughts
I’m so glad I came across this Psalm 91 prayer in my search for verses to offer reassurance in times of trouble or courage when facing obstacles. It provides a comforting prayer as it’s written. Likewise, many parts of it can be declared as declarations and devotions. The chapter is a powerful reminder of the source and protection of my faith.
More Ways Your Faith Can Add Fullness to Your Life
- Do you struggle to live a full, active life while remaining sincere in your worship? Learn how to have fun while getting closer to God as I outline Scriptural support that Fun is Holy.
- If Sunday Scaries of a manic Monday is getting the best of you, repeat the Monday prayers to start your week with peace.
More Scripture For God’s Protection in Times of Trouble
The Apostle Paul wrote several verses that can provide you comfort during trying times.
If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.”
Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
2 Corinthians 12
In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16
References
BibleProject Guide The Book of Psalms
PSALM 91 – THE ASSURANCE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO TRUST IN GOD.
The Treasury of David: Containing an Original Exposition of the Book of Psalms, a Collection of Illustrative Extracts from the Whole Range of Literature : a Series of Homiletical Hints Upon Almost Every Verse : and Lists of Writers Upon Each Psalm. (1873). United Kingdom: Passmore & Alabaster.
Spurgeon, C. H. (2016). Spurgeon on the Psalms: Book Four: Psalm 80 Through Psalm 106. (n.p.): Bridge-Logos Publishers.