Tag Archives: Psalms of Ascent
A Prayer for Evening Worshippers
The first time I led singing at church was on a Sunday evening. My father, who was the preacher, and several other men were out of town. A few minutes before the service was to begin, one of the elders … Continue reading
A Prayer for Dwelling in Unity
Passion for unity flows throughout biblical narratives and prayers. We may overlook the friction that threatened the confederacy of tribes united around worship of one God and awareness of a common ancestry. The book of Judges records a tragic incident … Continue reading
A Prayer that We Will Shout for Joy
King David served God with passion. He badly wanted to build a place for worshipping God that would honor his Lord appropriately. David did not get to see his dream come to fruition. Nathan the prophet conveyed to him a … Continue reading
Praying with Desperate Repentance
“Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!” (Psalm 130:1-2) That prayer of desperation begins a song sung by pilgrims … Continue reading
A Prayer for Those Who Walk in God’s Ways
Actions have consequences. When we read Psalm 128, it seems that productivity and a healthy family life flow from fearing or have reverence for the Lord. The psalmist invokes a blessing on those that fear the Lord and walk in … Continue reading
Thanking God for Shelter, Security, and Legacy
Our prayers include (even if only subconsciously) petitions for shelter, for security, and for a legacy that will endure after our death. We want to be remembered. As Israelite pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem to worship at the temple, they sang … Continue reading
Praying Visions and Bringing in the Sheaves
As a child traveling with my parents to my grandfather’s farm in Middle Tennessee, I eagerly anticipated seeing my grandparents, eating my grandmother’s scrumptious home cooking, and drinking water drawn from their well in the front yard. My eagerness would … Continue reading
A Prayer for God to Surround Us
When a child experiences crisis, being held by a loving parent’s comforting arms restores stability in the midst of chaos. Even as adults, we long for comfort, encouragement, or consolation – when overwhelmed, “I need a hug” leaps to our … Continue reading
If the Lord Had Not Been on Our Side
Psalm 124 expresses thanksgiving and praise for the Lord who is on our side. The exuberant wording of the poem envisions the catastrophic alternative that would have occurred had God not intervened. The psalm begins with recognition of God’s protection, … Continue reading
Prayer when We Have Had Enough
Weariness saps our vision and energy. We cannot concentrate on our goals because our weariness distracts our focus. I remember a general’s embarrassment when he had an automobile accident when he drove while impaired. He told his soldiers that he … Continue reading
Call for Fire Seminar 