Last year, I went through a difficult time which I thought I could not get out of. However, being a staunch Christian, my faith brought me back, believing that all will be well.
During that time, I frequently read the scripture, which comforted me, especially the book of Psalms. I came across Psalms talking about restoration, and true to that, it came to pass.
After my experience and knowledge of the scripture I have acquired over time, I decided to share the best Psalms to read for restoration through this article.
Ten Best Psalms to read for restoration
Psalms 6:2-4
“Have mercy upon me, O Lord; for I am weak: O Lord, heal me; for my bones are vexed. My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long? Return, O Lord, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake.”
This is a plea from David to God that He may heal and restore him from his troubles. It reassures believers of the Word to trust God to restore and heal wounds.
Psalms 16:1-2
“Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust. O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee.”
This is David’s plea to God that He saves him and restore him from his woes. The verse reminds us to seek refuge from the Lord in times of trouble for restoration.
Psalms 23:1-4
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”
The verse says that God will restore and lead us into green pastures and still waters. It is one of the most famous Psalms among Christians.
For that reason, Christians recommend these verses, which encourage you to have faith in God as He will guide you on the right path and restore all you have lost.
Psalms 31:9, 14-15
“Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. But I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”
are pleas for God’s mercies while in distress. In addition, the verses proclaim trust in God’s restoration. Reading this Psalm will encourage you when facing a difficult time.
Psalms 34:19-20
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.”
The Psalm says God delivers His people from their afflictions and fixes all broken bones. In this regard, it reminds Christians that God can do the impossible, saving them from brokenness and building back what they lost.
Psalms 51:12
“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”
This is a plea to God that He may give and uphold a willing spirit and restore the joy of salvation. Sometimes, when going through setbacks, you may fall short of joy.
Reading this verse encourages you to turn to God when you lose your spirit and happiness.
Psalms 71:20-21
“Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.”
This Psalm attest that despite going through troubles and setbacks, God restores and brings His people back on their feet and increases their honor.
The verse reminds you that despite the lows, God will grow and bring back your honor.
Psalms 103:1-5
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
The Psalm praises God for his love for His people, redeeming His people from the pits and replacing it with love and compassion.
This Psalm proves that God loves His people and, as a result, will protect and restore their glory.
Psalms 107:19-20
“Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.”
The Psalm says that God sent refuge when He heard the cries and saw the distress of His people. From this scripture, Christians learn that God will answer our pleas and cries when we turn to him. In addition, they suggest that God will revive them in all situations.
Psalms 147:3 says that God heals and binds the wounds of His people. The verse reiterates that there is nothing God cannot do. Hence, they suggest we trust God as He will restore everything we lose.
How to use the Psalms to pray for forgiveness and restoration
People believe the book of Psalms has powerful teachings about restoration and forgiveness. However, you may need help trying to use the Psalms while praying.
Hence, teachers of the scripture suggest the following as ways to apply the Psalms in your prayer.
Christian scholars suggest reading verses about forgiveness and restoration, such as Psalms 16:1-2 and 51:1-9. After that, they recommend that you meditate on these verses to internalize the meanings of these verses.
In this way, they believe the prayers will be meaningful and reflect your pleas.
Others recommend picking specific Psalm verses that address your issues. After that, they urge you to include these verses within your prayer, which will personalize it.
It is common to find Christians coming together for a Bible discussion. Teachers of the scripture recommend discussing Psalms that talk about restoration and forgiveness with other Christians.
In this way, they suggest you will understand the verses better, which you can apply in your prayer.
What is the best time to pray the Psalms for restoration?
The scripture does not specify when you should pray the Psalms for restoration. However, some teachers of the scripture suggest that you should pray the Psalms for restoration when you are going through or sensing a difficult time approaching.
As the scripture says in Psalms 147:3, God is faithful and will answer your pleas. Other Christian scholars believe that you should always pray, as the Bible urges in 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
They believe continuous praying welcomes God to watch over your life in all circumstances, including setbacks.
As a theologian, I have always been curious to learn more about the Christian Faith. That is why I pursued a Certificate in Christian Studies, Certificate in Christian Foundations and a Masters in Theology. I also have an immersive experience in editing for numerous websites. I have worked as an editor for over a decade and am currently the editor-in-chief at Christian Faith Guide. I enjoy working as an editor and feel privileged to share my expertise and help spread God’s word. You can read more about me on the about us page.