Psalm 35 shows the faithful how to pray when they know malicious people are seeking to harm them.  The singer asks God to fight on his behalf against the schemes of his persecutors.  

1-3 – Images of combat are used to cry for help against those who pursue the singer. 

4-8 – Petition that the schemes of the wicked will fail.  This petition is based upon the faithfulness of the singer; the evil devices of the wicked; the lack of cause by the wicked; not a vindictive request but one based upon faith God and his word.

9-10 – A promise to praise God for the coming answer to the singer’s petition for help.

11-16 – A second statement about the unjust schemes of the evil pursuers.

17-18 – How long, oh LORD, the request is urgent, and the waiting is hard.

19-21 – A third statement describing the evil pursuers. They wink the eye and hate me without cause.

22-26 – A prayer for vindication and deliverance.  Be not silent!  An appeal to the righteousness of God.

27-28 – The singer’s deliverance will be honored shared by the faithful as they delight in the deliverance of the righteous singer.  The high point of the Psalm is here as prospect of telling the faithful of God’s faithfulness.