Book II (Psalm 42-72)
Note: The reader may wish to mark a personal Bible with the stanzas and subsections outlined in the general notes and reading notes below.

Introduction to Book II
Book II (Psalm 42-72) is notable in that it contains several royal psalms focused on the king as human leader of the theocracy of Israel. The individual and community prayers (42-44) that introduce Book II of the Psalms are followed by a royal psalm (45). These four psalms are balanced by the three prayers and royal psalm that close Book II (69-71, 72). Seven prayers for help (Psalms 54-60) provide a center focus for Book II. Other structural features will be noted in comments on specific psalms. Psalms 42-49 are titled, "Of the sons of Korah." Psalm 50 is titled, "A Psalm of Asaph," for some reason separated from others psalms of Asaph (73-83) which appear at the beginning of Book III (see comments on Psalm 50).
Note: The reader may wish to mark a personal Bible with the stanzas and subsections outlined in the general notes and reading notes below.

Psalm 42
The first eight psalms of Book II are titled "of the sons of Korah" (Psalm 42-49). Psalm 42 and 43 are connected by a common refrain (42:5, 11; 43:5) and are combined in some Hebrew manuscripts to form one psalm. A prayer for deliverance from enemies, the psalm recalls the blessing of close relationship with God and seeks vindication from God and restoration of God's acceptance and favor at his altar.
Reading: Psalm 42:1-11
The psalmist longs for God, remembering past experiences of joy in going to the house of God. Now the writer feels forgotten and rejected and is troubled by the seeming absence of God. Confidence in God's rescue brings meaning to worship and restores joy in the Lord.
Prayer
Dear God, we long for you, and even more so when you seem far away. We remember wonderful times of joy and gratitude that were part of our faith journey in times past. We remember the certainty of shared faith. We can hardly endure your seeming absence. Our hearts cry out to you but life overwhelms and we have trouble seeing you in the tumult of life. Be with us by day and by night so that we may confidently affirm your love and care. Thank you for all you have done for us, are doing for us, and will do for us, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 43
This psalm appears as a separate psalm in the Septuagint. It may have been separated from Psalm 42 for liturgical use. (See the comment on Psalm 42.)
Reading: Psalm 43:1-5
The prayer for deliverance or vindication continues, seeking assurance of God's presence. The apparent rejection by God is a cause of mourning, thus the writer asks for light and truth and the restoration of joy and delight before the altar of God. The refrain reflects faith and hope issuing forth in praise.
Prayer
Dearest Heavenly Father, we ask again today for your presence, your light and your truth, so that we may be guided in your ways. Keep us near you, make us joyful in your presence as we hope and praise you. We praise you most of all for Jesus, through whom we pray, Amen.

Psalm 44
The historical context of this community prayer is difficult to establish. The structure of the psalm may be described in four parts: (1) recounting the Lord's deliverance of his people in the past, v. 1-8, (2) concern that God's protection and deliverance has ceased, v. 9-16, (3) a claim of faithfulness in remembering the covenant, v. 17-22, and (4) a closing prayer, v. 23-26.
Reading: Psalm 44:1-26
The appeal for help advances according to the structure presented in the outline above and may be summarized as follows: Because God is faithful and has delivered his people in the past, they have been faithful and loyal to the covenant and have not done anything to deserve God's departure from among them.
The contemporary reader may wish to contemplate God's continuing past faithfulness and to consider those aspects of life in which it may appear that God has abandoned his people. God sees and knows all about us, so we ask God's help in our desire to faithfully live out our covenant commitments. We depend upon God's loving kindness. "Redeem us because of your unfailing love."
Prayer
Dear God, we praise and honor you this day because you are God, and we have heard of and know your marvelous deeds in times past among your people. We confident claim you as our God and believe you can act on our behalf. Sometimes it seems you are far away and do not hear or see. We seek to continue faithfully in your paths, remembering our commitments, remembering that you are our God. Do not hide your face from us, help us and deliver us from the evils around us, because you alone are God. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 45
Titled as a wedding song, this is a psalm of praise for the king, probably associated with a royal wedding. The introduction (1-2) and conclusion (16-17) parenthetically frame two major sections focused on the king (3-9) and his bride (10-15).
Reading: Psalm 45:1-17
Because Jesus is our king, now reigning over his kingdom the church, this psalm has Messianic overtones. (Consider the citation of vv. 6-7 in Hebrews 1:8-9.) A contemporary reading might focus in the ways in which the psalm exalts Christ and his bride the church.
Prayer
Our God and Father, we exalt you as we consider our King Jesus. You have richly blessed us with the confidence of victory as we follow Him. We are grateful that we have been honored to participate in the church, Christ's bride. Thank you giving us access to your throne and presence through Jesus and in His name, Amen.

Psalm 46
Psalms 46-48 constitute a small subsection focused on confidence in God's care. Psalm 46 is well known as a comforting reading used frequently at funerals. God's people dwell in security. Psalm 47 expresses confidence and praises God based on God's reign among the nations. Psalm 48 speaks of God's reign from Zion.
Reading: Psalm 46:1-11
Psalm 46 is a favorite text for many people, especially vv. 1-3. The psalm has a refrain which first appears in verse 7 and is repeated in verse 11. Verse 10 is also well known, in part because of a popular song based on the verse. The refrain provides guidance for understanding the division of the psalm, but two stanzas of three verses each appear before the refrain in verse 7, followed by another three verse stanza before the final refrain. Thus the pattern of the psalm is 3-3-1-3-1.
Prayer
Dear God, we confidently affirm our trust in you as our refuge and strength and help. Make us glad even in the midst of tumult. Show us your ways, slow us down so that we may see you and exalt you. Thank you for the promise of your presence with us, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 47
God's universal reign may seem in doubt in a world of difficulties and conflicts which seem to work against God's people. Some have noted the similarity of this psalm to the praise psalms of 92-100 (near the beginning of Book IV). This psalm was later used in the synagogue for the celebration of the Jewish New Year. The Christian church has applied the psalm to Christ's ascension (see v. 5).
Reading: Psalm 47:1-9
The introduction (1) is followed by three brief stanzas (2-4, 5-7, 8-9). God reigns over all the earth, clearly challenging Israel of the Old Testament as well as the contemporary church to reflect God's glory to the nations. God who ascends above all and is enthroned above all is worthy of praise.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we confidently rejoice in your control of all of the affairs of this earth. You have chosen us as your people, and we sing praises to your name, exalted above all. Thank you for revealing yourself to us in the glory and majesty and splendor of Jesus, through whom we pray, Amen.

Psalm 48
God's people dwell in security because God is the one who makes his people secure. God is the fortress. The introduction (1) and conclusion (14) are bridged by a center verse (8) which stands alone and reflects the main theme. Four stanzas surround the center verse in a symmetrical arrangement: (1) Zion as God's fortress city, three poetic lines, v. 1-3, (2) security against the enemies, four poetic lines, v. 4-7, (3) thinking about and praising God in the security of the temple of Mount Zion, four poetic lines, v. 9-11, and (4) the citadel of the city, three poetic lines, v. 12-13).
Reading: Psalm 48:1-14
Having the outline in mind simplifies the reading. Celebrating the security God gives in his holy city Jerusalem, paralleled in the New Testament by the Jerusalem from above (Galatians 4), allows the reader to meditate on God's place, God's protection against the enemies, praise to God for the security he provides, and God's presence.
Prayer
Dear God, we thank you, but cannot thank you enough, for your great mercy and love which has given us a place in this world, with protection, provision, and the promise of your presence. Increase our confidence in your goodness and love, demonstrated above all in the sacrifice of your Son Jesus on the cross. He is the source of our confidence, and we approach your throne in his name, Amen.

Psalm 49
Psalms 49-53 may be best understood as another subgrouping of psalms. Steh provides a helpful structural suggestion. Psalms 50 and 51 provide a center for the subsection. As God's people approach him to hear the verdict of their lives and to give an account (50), and as a penitent king asks forgiveness and cleansing (51), the parenthetical psalms of 49 and 52 denounce wealth and wealth ill-gotten. These descriptions of the ungodly are without parallel in the psalms. The grouping concludes (53) in words reminiscent of Psalm 14 in a denunciation of those who foolishly eliminate God from their thinking and practice. The confidence and security of the previous section (Psalm 46-48) is only for those who trust the Lord.
Reading: Psalm 49:1-20
Psalm 49 denounces those who depend on wealth for their security. An introduction (1-4) is followed by two equal stanzas of 8 poetic lines each (5-11, 13-19), each of which is climaxed by a refrain (12, 20). A modern reading should retain the psalm's focus on the insecurity of riches, especially in a world focused on materialism.
Prayer
Dear God, we depend on you because no one else and nothing else can redeem us. Only you, God, are our deliverance, and riches can never reverse the fact that our lives are temporal and that eternity awaits us. Help us be less dependent on ourselves and our own resources--goodness, wealth, righteousness. Help us appreciate that we are blessed in Christ, through whom we pray, Amen.

Psalm 50
As mentioned previously, the psalms of the Sons of Korah (42-49) are followed by a psalm of Asaph, here separated from other psalms of Asaph (73-83). It may be that the psalm, a community psalm, is included here as an appropriate counterpoint to Psalm 51, an individual psalm.
Reading: Psalm 50:1-23
The God of the covenant expects faithfulness from his covenant people, and the people in turn affirm their commitment to God and the covenant. The psalm may be understood as (1) the declaration that God comes to judge or call to account his people, 1-6, (2) expressing his love for his people through words of correction, 7-15, and (3) rebuking the evil ones, 16-23.
Prayer
Dear God, We invite you into our midst and into our lives because we want to honor and exalt you. Deliver us from our temptations. Help us that we may share good news that others may see your salvation. Thank you for restoring us to you through Jesus and the forgiveness of our sins. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 51
This psalm of penitence, growing out of David's sin with Bathsheba, is among the most well known of the psalms. The prayer resonates with the Christian community in its request for mercy, cleansing, and forgiveness, with an intense desire to develop a life of honesty, purity and steadfastness. As God confronts his people corporately in Psalm 50, God also confronts individuals within the faith community, even the king and leaders.
Reading: Psalm 51:1-19
The psalm is symmetrical, beginning with a two-verse summary of the Psalmist's appeal, and concluding with a two-verse summary of God's faithful action. Four stanzas follow a 5-3-3-5 pattern. The stanzas (3-6, 7-9, 10-12, 13-17) are clearly marked in many translations and are not difficult to discern. The stanzas may be summarized as (1) confession of sin, (2) request for cleansing and forgiveness, (3) request for purity and steadfastness in the presence of the Lord so that joy can return, (3) commitment to act faithfully to teach and warn others about the importance of a broken, contrite, and committed heart.
Prayer
Dear God, we need your compassionate mercy and loving kindness because we are frail and often overcome by sin. Our sins sometimes weigh us down so heavily that we can hardly stand the intensity of the filth and separation we feel. Our sins weigh even more heavily when we contemplate your goodness and purity. Cleanse us and forgive us, blotting out our iniquity so that you do not see or remember and so that we can confidently live for you. Change our hearts, make us new with your presence and Holy Spirit within us. May we learn and share with others what it means to praise and honor you with our hearts. As we come before you in our brokenness, may your people prosper in righteous living, presenting ourselves as living sacrifices to you, through Jesus we pray, Amen.

Psalm 52
The historical context of the psalm is set by the title. In 1 Samuel 21 as David is being pursued by Saul, Doeg the Edomite communicates David's plans to Saul. This psalm speaks to the arrogance of those who depend on human power. The Psalmist seems to stand in the presence of God as he castigates those who oppose him.
Reading: Psalm 52:1-9
Three sections structure the reading. Evil is denounced (1-4), the certainty of destruction for such evil ones is announced (5-7), and David pronounces his security as he confidently trusts in God (8-9). The final vow to praise God forever is frequently memorized (52:9).
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we at times feel overwhelmed by the evil around us. Sometimes it is so apparent that it chills us and we shudder-seeing those who plot evil against others and seek curses rather than blessing. Act in our world for good, uproot evil and reward righteousness. Help us learn to depend on you. Build our faith as your people flourish in your presence. May we trust and praise forever, in Jesus' holy name, Amen.

Psalm 53
The final psalm of this section has obvious parallels to Psalm 14. Wickedness is folly and foolishness. It is an expansion of the arrogance described in Psalms 49 and 52, and based on its placement seems to serve as summary.
Reading: Psalm 53:1-6
The initial and closing verses frame two sections. Fools who deny God are corrupt, evil, and incapable of good (v. 1). God's work is salvation and restoration, rejoicing and gladness (v. 6). Thus one can be certain that God is seeking those who seek him (vv. 2-3), acting against evil and protecting his people to make himself known (vv. 4-5).
Prayer
Dear God, deliver us from the foolishness that would live as though you do not exist. We confess our sinfulness, but yet seek your face, calling on you as our Deliverer. Rescue us from shame and bring rejoicing and gladness to our lives through the salvation you have brought from Zion in Jesus. We come before your throne in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 54
Psalms 54-60 are the center of Book II. These 7 psalms are generally prayers for deliverance and help. In Psalm 54, it appears that some want David killed. The title of the psalm sets the historical context in 1 Samuel 23 when the Ziphites told Saul of David's hiding place, even as Saul was pursuing David.
Reading: Psalm 54:1-7
The psalm is typical in its organization and brevity. The appeal for vindication (v. 1) is balanced by confident confession that God will deliver and that the psalmist will triumph (v. 7). The confident confession of verse 4 centers the psalm. The appeal for God to hear and act against the opponents is followed by a vow to sacrifice and praise the faithful God whose name is good. The references to the "name of God" in the psalm are worthy of note.
Prayer
Dear God, we need your salvation, always eternal but also in the temporal concerns of this world. May our faithfulness be rewarded and our path be vindicated. You alone are our help and sustainer. Work against the evil of our world. We praise and honor you because you alone are God and your name is exalted. May we see your triumph over those who oppose your people and your ways. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 55
This psalm of David seems to speak to a time when David is threatened by a conspiracy against him. The situation could easily refer to Absalom's rebellion (2 Samuel 15-17). In the midst of doubt, uncertainty, and threats, David depends on God as trustworthy. Contemporary applications of the psalm are easily imagined. Many are those in this world to change allegiances based on personal profit or gain. Only God is constant. Our threats may not be as severe as the one reflected in this psalm, but nonetheless, God calls us to depend on him in the instability of this world.
Reading: Psalm 55:1-23
The structure of the psalm is similar to that of the previous psalm. An introductory plea for help, a concluding confession of trust (v. 23), and a center imprecation or plea for divine justice (v. 15) provide the framework for the psalm.
Balanced on either side of the center are 12 lines of Hebrew poetry. Symmetry is apparent as both sections follow a 5-3-4 pattern. After the initial appeal for God to hear (1-3), the Psalmist pours out his anguished heart (4-8), praying for God to counteract the conspiracy of his enemies (9-11), reflecting that the enemy in this case is a treacherous companion (12-14).
Following the centered plea for justice (15), the Psalmist proclaims assurance that God will hear (16-19), reflects again on the conspiracy of his former friend (20-21), and again expresses assurance that God will hear (22-23).
Prayer
Dear God, we pray to you, asking you to hear and respond. We look at the world about us in anguish of soul because of the wickedness that abounds. At times, it is those who have been closest to us who betray us. We call to you continually, grateful that you hear us. Thank you for letting us cast our cares on you, thank you for upholding us. We confidently trust, believing that you will not disappoint, because of the immense sacrifice you made on our behalf at Calvary when you gave your Son to redeem us. Thank you for hearing us. Thank you for allowing us to come before your throne in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Psalm 56
Another prayer for help in the midst of attacks by enemies, this psalm again reflects great trust in God by the writer. The title reflects the history of 1 Samuel 21. Perhaps the easiest outline for the reader is to see a "1A-refrain-1B-2A-refrain-2B" outline (but see additional structural notes to guide the reading in the next section).
Reading: Psalm 56:1-13
This psalm (as well as Psalm 57) is structured with two halves of seven Hebrew lives each (1-7, 8-13). Further, each half reflects the same 2-2-3 structure. The refrains (v. 4 and v. 10) come more or less at the center of each of the halves.
The structural code can be described as"A-B-C1-A-B-C2" based on an appeal (A), confession of trust (B), request for divine justice or redress (C1), an appeal (A), confession of trust (B), and assurance of being heard (C2).
Prayer
Dear God, when we are overwhelmed by the pressures and trials of this world, we stand in special need of your mercy. We are fearful and know not where to turn except to you. We confidently affirm that human efforts are impotent against your power. You know the hurts of our hearts as we come to you; hear our hearts, even as we confidently affirm that your power turns back those who oppose us. May we live faithfully in gratitude for your protection and salvation. Help us walk in the light of life, in Jesus who is the Light, Amen.

Psalm 57
Another prayer for deliverance from enemies, the psalm's subscription places it in the historical context of David's feeing from Saul in 1 Samuel 22. Verses 7-11, concluding words of commitment and praise to God, are repeated in Psalm 108:1-5, and may represent a well-known refrain from the time period.
Reading: Psalm 57:1-11
This psalm, as the one preceding it, is structured with two balanced halves, each with seven lines of Hebrew poetry, each with three couplets and a refrain (verses 5 and 11). In this psalm, the refrain provides the climax for each of the two halves. The psalm may be outlined as (1) the prayer for help and (2) confidence in God's deliverance.
The couplets of the first half are in 1, 2-3, 4; the couplets of the second half are in 6, 7-8, 9-10.
Prayer
Dear God, we seek your mercy and deliverance, we seek refuge in your love and faithfulness. The world assaults us but you are exalted and glorious over all the earth. Lead us toward steadfastness and we will praise and sing because you alone are God. May our lips and our lives exalt your holy name and declare your glory, through Jesus we pray, Amen.

Psalm 58
This psalm is also a prayer requesting God's deliverance. The general subject is evil rulers who set aside justice. Verse 1 "rulers" in the NIV is literally "gods" (as in Psalm 82:1), meaning God's messengers; in this case, those who are called upon to act as earthly representatives of God's justice. The subscription of the psalm indicates the same tune as the preceding psalm. The theme of protecting the interests of the poor from unscrupulous people who are rich and powerful is common in the Old Testament (see Amos and Micah).
Reading: Psalm 58:1-11
The first two verses and the last three verses serve as parentheses for the body of this psalm. Injustice and evil verdicts that do violence to God's people will not stand against God's vengeance. The righteous will be rewarded, a certain declaration that God is yet on his throne judging the earth.
The body of the psalm has two stanzas of three verses each (3-5, 6-8), each focused on the evil rulers and God's judgment again them.
Prayer
Dear God, in a world of injustice, may we seek righteousness and right treatment of others. We pray today for those in our world who suffer mistreatment and we anticipate the reward of the righteous. May it be declared, surely there is a God who judges the earth. May we declare the righteousness available to all through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Thank you for hearing us, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 59
The historical reference of the title relates this psalm to the time Saul sent men to David's house to kill him (1 Samuel 19). It is another psalm of deliverance. Based on internal references, it may have been revised later for use when Jerusalem was under siege. For example, it could have been used by Hezekiah (1 Kings 18) but some attribute it to Nehemiah. The danger evoked by the enemies will be followed by the deliverance of God.
Reading: Psalm 59:1-17
This psalm is composed of two halves (1-9, 10-17), each of which concludes with a refrain. The refrain is preceded by a description of the enemies. The structure is as follows: prayer for deliverance (1-5), description of enemies (6-8), refrain (9), prayer renewed but with confidence in God's answer (10-13), description of enemies (14-16), refrain (17).
Prayer
Dear God, deliver us and protect us, go before us and be our shield, our fortress and refuge. Many are those in our world who have little interest in your way; some would even work against your people. We praise you, singing of your strength and love. Thank you for caring for us and protecting us. Thank you for saving us through Jesus, as we pray in His name, Amen.

Psalm 60
Psalm 60 appears to be a national prayer for God's help. The subscription places it the historical context of David's early kingship (2 Samuel 8), in a time when God's people were suffering at the hand of a neighboring nation. Verses 5-12 appear also in Psalm 108:6-13.
A contemporary reading might use the psalm in corporate worship during times of difficulty for God's people.
Reading: Psalm 60:1-12
The psalm may be seen as moving from lament at God's absence (vv. 1-3) to confidence in God's victory (vv. 9-12). The body of the psalm (4-8) combines the plea for God's help and foundations for confidence.
Prayer
Dear God, your anger is understandable, but we ask you to see our frailty and restore us so that we might serve you faithfully. Deliver us by your power because of your great love. We have no doubt about your claim on our lives and your power over those who oppose you. Lead us home, through Jesus, Amen.

Psalm 61
The remaining twelve psalms in Book II (Psalms 61-72) can be treated as three groupings of four psalms each. Psalms 61-64 may be characterized as royal prayers for their references to the king or their exhortations to the people, as from a leader. The superscriptions attribute them to David. Focused on requests for God's presence and protection, they are relatively short (8, 12, 11, and 10 verses) and speak to the basic needs of God's people. They deserve to be better known than they are in the contemporary church.
Reading: Psalm 61:1-8
The psalm has three couplets (2 verses each), introduced by the address to God and capped by the writer's commitment to praise and fulfill his vows.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, hear us as we call to you. When we are faint and weak, nurture us and protect us, be our refuge and strong tower. We want to know your protection and presence eternally as we walk in the paths of faith. Bless us in the needs of this world, but even more we ask the spiritual blessing of your protecting love and faithfulness. We praise and honor you; we ask your help and forgiveness as we seek to live out in faith our commitment. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Psalm 62
This psalm reflects some kind of assault upon God's leader and people. The language is often symbolic or metaphorical. In verse 8, it appears the people are addressed by their leader.
Reading: Psalm 62:1-12
The structure of the psalm includes three sections (3-4, 5-8, 9-10). The longer middle section of four verses gives unity to the psalm as two verses (5-6) point toward the couplet in verses 3-4, and two verses (7-8) point toward the couplet in verses 9-10. The first two verses provide a confident introduction and the last two verses summarize the reasons for such confidence in God.
Prayer
Dear God, we rest in you and depend on you for stability and comfort. Often we are surrounded by foes, but we come back to you and you alone as our only hope. Because we trust you, we gladly pour out our hearts and hurts to you. Help us know that the human threats of this world are nothing. Strong and loving God, thank you for covering our transgressions and sins through Jesus' blood. Thank you for giving us access to your throne as we pray through him, Amen.

Psalm 63
How often do we long for God, wanting to know the security of his presence! The historical context is likely 2 Samuel 15-17, based on the reference to the king in verse 11. Even kings and strong spiritual leaders go through difficult times. Let wait expectantly on our God. Steh notes that the early church used this psalm for daily public prayers.
Reading: Psalm 63:1-11
The opening verse and closing verse encompass two perfectly balanced stanzas (2-5, 7-10), separated by verse 6. The stanzas are equal in that they both have four verses and 27 Hebrew words. The first stanza (2-5) speaks of a deep, meaningful relationship with God. The second stanza (7-10) speaks of God's judgment and is striking for the contrast between first person singular (I-me) and third person plural (they).
Prayer
Dear God, you are my God and we long for you above all else. We remember the special times past when we have walked together. You are satisfying, your love better than life. Thus I contemplate your goodness day and night, depending on you to help and save. Help me live in joyful confidence of your presence and forgiveness, praising you because you have revealed yourself in Jesus. I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 64
This prayer for God's protection in the face of opponents is attributed to David but is less obviously a royal prayer (in comparison to Psalms 61-63). The complaint appears in two couplets (3-4, 5-6), followed by a couplet expressing confidence in God's response (7-8).
Reading: Psalm 64:1-10
The psalm has a well-defined introduction and conclusion, each with two verses (1-2, 9-10).
Three couplets make up the body of the psalm. Regardless of the challenge facing God's people, confidence in God's action provides an anchor. One day the whole earth will proclaim God's greatness and goodness. The appropriate response for God's people is rejoicing in God's refuge and praise to Him.
Prayer
Dear God, in the midst of whatever problems come in life, we ask your protection. May we live rejoicing, upright in heart, forgiven when we fail and fall, confident in the refuge you provide, praising you always, in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 65
Psalms 65-68 give us another grouping of four psalms, focused generally on praise to God for his marvelous works-both in creation and in saving his people. God is to be praised for his "awesome deeds of righteousness" (65:5).
Reading: Psalm 65:1-13
The psalm falls into three basic sections. First, God forgives and blesses (1-4). His creative power continues on behalf of his people, filling them with hope and joy (5-8). He cares even for the land (9-13).
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, we praise you. We thank you for your have pardoned our transgressions and blessed us to live in your courts. You fill us with hope when we see your power and majesty, your care for all of your creation. Thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 66
Because God rescues his people, praise naturally flows forth. His deeds are awesome (66:3). Words of praise resound throughout this psalm.
Reading: Psalm 66:1-20
The introductory (1-2) and closing (19-20) verses are fairly typical of this section of the psalms. Structurally, the opening stanza is verses 1-4, followed by stanzas of 3, 5, 3, and 5 verses. Observing this pattern provides a structure for reading. Note that the second and last stanzas begin with the phrase, "come and see" (5, 16).
Prayer
Dear God, we praise and honor your name, singing praise with the creation to your name. How marvelous are your deeds-past, present, and future. You keep us even as you test us and refine us. We praise you, seeking your presence. Hear our hearts, hear our prayers. Thank you for hearing us and extending your love to us continually. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 67
This brief psalm of praise is based in the life of the community (note the first person plural of verse 1). The request is that God be gracious and make himself known. Thus will the nations praise God, seeing how God blesses his people.
Reading: Psalm 67:1-7
The psalm contains a refrain (3, 5). One may read the psalm as following a 2-2-2-1 pattern, or a 2-3-2 pattern with the middle section encompassed by the refrain. Given the brevity of the psalm, it may be easiest to read it as a unit, considering the parallels in our own time.
Prayer
Dear God, we seek your grace and blessings, so that your salvation may be known among all nations. You are worthy of praise for you are just and guide the nations of the earth. You are worthy of praise for you bless us with the harvest of the land. We rest secure in faith that you will continue to bless us, and we praise you most of all of the spiritual blessing you have given us in Christ Jesus, the forgiveness of sins. Thank you again for allowing us to come before your throne in His name, Amen.

Psalm 68
This psalm celebrates victory as God guides and protects and secures his people. Some have seen in this psalm a procession of the people to the temple in Jerusalem. The psalm is divided into stanzas (9) in many translations, with special notice of the middle verse (19).
Reading: Psalm 68:1-35
The nine stanzas should be read as individual units. It may be that the middle verses (19 and 20) should be connected with the following stanza. The stanzas thus would be 1-3, 4-6, 7-10, 11-14, 15-18, 19-23, 24-27, 28-31, and 32-35, with a concluding doxology.
Prayer
Dear God, we rejoice to come into your presence with singing and gladness. You have provided for your people, you have scattered enemies, you have victoriously led your people forth; surely you will continue to care for your people. We come to your house, seeking to know you and submit to you. Hear our songs of praise as we declare your power and majesty, for you are awesome and give power and strength to your people. Send us forth as your emissaries to declare your name and work your will. Thank you for making possible our participation in the victory, through Jesus, Amen.

Psalm 69
The final four psalms of Book II include three prayers and a royal psalm, paralleling the three prayers and royal psalm which begin Book II (Psalms 42-45). Interesting parallels exist between the two sections.
The three prayers (69-71) are pleas for deliverance. Psalms 69 and 70 are "of David." Psalm 71 does not have a superscription, perhaps due to the fact that Psalm 70 serves as introduction to Psalm 71 and the two psalms are to be considered together. Psalm 70 differs little from Psalm 40:13-17; Psalm 71:1-3 differs little from Psalm 31:1-3. Psalm 72 is "of Solomon."
Reading: Psalm 69:1-36
A prayer for God's help during difficult times, probably a conspiracy against the king, the psalm is structured with two halves of 22 lines each (1-15, 16-36), reflecting a double acrostic. (The acrostic is called 'blank" because which the number of lines seems to be based on the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet.) With the exception of Psalm 22, no psalm is more frequently quoted in the New Testament.
In the first half of the psalm, the distress of the psalmist and his admission of guilt lead to concern for others; he prays that his trust in God will be vindicated. In the second half of the psalm, the writer appeals to God to hear his prayer because his enemies bring scorn instead of comfort; he prays that God will right the wrongs, and he commits himself to praise God out of assurance that that God hears. The final section calls for heaven and earth to praise God.
Prayer
Dear God, when life overwhelms us we seek your salvation, even though you know our folly and sin. May our human frailty not discourage or shame those who hope in you. We pray for your rescue and deliverance. Hear us and comfort us; judge those who heap scorn on us according to their deeds. We praise you, knowing that you hear us because of your great mercy. Thank you for demonstrating that mercy and grace through the gift of your Son Jesus, even as we pray in his name, Amen.

Psalm 70
This prayer for God's help is much like 40:13-17. The psalm may serve as an introduction to Psalm 71.
Reading: Psalm 70:1-5
The psalmist requests that God act quickly to help (verses 1 and 5), with the body of the psalm devoted to the effect of God's salvation (2-4).
Prayer
Dear God, when I need your help, do not delay. I seek you; because I love your salvation I declare your praise. You alone are my help and deliverer. Thank you for showing me the way of salvation through Jesus, in his name, Amen.

Psalm 71
This psalm is a prayer for God's help as the king's strength wavers in his old age. The psalm has no title, giving credence to the idea that Psalm 70 serves as introduction. There are also similarities which resemble a refrain (cf. 70:1-2, 5 with 71:1, 12-13).
Reading: Psalm 71:1-24
The psalm has six stanzas with the Hebrew poetry lines in a "5-4-5, 5-4-5" pattern. In our English translations, these sections are 1-4, 5-8, 9-13, 15-18, 19-21, and 22-24. The center verse (14) bridges and connects the two halves. As with many psalms, the first verses are an appeal for help and the final verses are a vow to praise God as deliverance is anticipated. Of interest is the frequent focus on righteousness.
Prayer
Dear God, we seek your rescue because you are righteous. You are our hope and confidence and we praise your splendor. Sustain us even as we grow old for we continue to hope and our lives praise you more and more. We declare your righteousness. Give us joy in your faithfulness. Thank you for redeeming us and declaring us righteous through Jesus' blood. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 72
This royal psalm finds its counterpoint in Psalm 45. Whether written by Solomon or for Solomon, the psalm was interpreted as an announcement of the Messiah's righteous rule, both in Jewish tradition and also in the early church. The last verse (or three verses) of the psalm serve as a doxology to close Book II.
Reading: Psalm 72:1-20
A contemporary reading of the psalm may center on Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, we exalt you and declare your wisdom as you bring righteousness into our lives through Jesus, the King. May his righteousness fill the earth as his name is proclaimed; may his glory fill the earth, and may we be your instruments to extend his kingdom. Thank you for the blessings you provide through him, including the privilege of praying in his name, Amen.