The symmetrical outline of the Psalms as presented in the NIV Study Bible parallels Psalm 17 with the better known Psalm 22 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) Both are briefly described as pleas for deliverance from the foes. The shorter Psalm 17 deserves more attention and awareness than it typically receives.
Psalm 17 can be outlined as follows: Initial Appeal for Justice (1-2), Claim of “Rightness” (3-5), Petition based on author’s trust in God and God’s “rightness” or righteousness (6-9), Accusation (10-12), Petition (13-14), Confidence in God restated (14-15). In reading the psalm, you will see significant overlap in these themes as one section arises from the previous one and flows into the following one.
The psalm provides a helpful prayer model. When we pray to God concerning any matter, we state our desire and base our appeal on our unswerving faith and trust in God’s righteous nature. Describing the nature of the problem and the reasons for our concern naturally lead us to restate our desire and our confidence in the God who always does what is right. With a little practice and repetition, the sequence and rhythm of this psalm can become familiar, providing a pattern for prayer.
“Lord, we ask that you hear us today and do what is right in our lives. As we seek to avoid sin and to live faithfully, we seek the wonder of your love and the salvation of your hand, and we ask you to _____________ , protecting your children in the shadow of your wings. This problem is overwhelming, so we ask you to intervene, rescue and save. We believe you provide for those you cherish and that righteousness will prevail, and that is enough. I depend on you and will be content with your presence, both here and in eternity when we share face to face fellowship forever. I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.”