#psalm 122

‭Psalms 122:6-9

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:

“May those who love you be secure.

May there be peace within your walls

and security within your citadels.”

For the sake of my family and friends,

I will say, “Peace be within you.”

For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

I will seek your prosperity.

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

A Song of Ascents. Of David.

Psalm 122 (Good News Translation)

God’s Saving Word: Prayer

Introduction

Psalm 122: Today’s reading is another psalm from the “Songs of Ascents” collection. It expresses a song of praise for Jerusalem and a prayer for Jerusalem’s well-being. As noted in yesterday’s reading, it most likely was sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem to worship and celebrate one of Israel’s major festivals.

Scripture Reading

In Praise of Jerusalem

122 I was glad when they said to me,    “Let us go to the Lord's house.” 2 And now we are here,    standing inside the gates of Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem is a city restored    in beautiful order and harmony. 4 This is where the tribes come,    the tribes of Israel, to give thanks to the Lord    according to his command. 5 Here the kings of Israel    sat to judge their people.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:    “May those who love you prosper. 7    May there be peace inside your walls    and safety in your palaces.” 8 For the sake of my relatives and friends    I say to Jerusalem, “Peace be with you!” 9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God    I pray for your prosperity.

Today's Key Verse: Psalm 122:1

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the LORD’s house.”

Reflect

Reread verses 1 and 2. What joy is expressed?  In verses 3-5, how is Jerusalem described and praised?  What prayer is expressed in verses 6-9?  In what ways does worshiping God bring you peace and joy?

Pray

Almighty God, how happy I am when I worship and praise you. You surround me with your love and peace, and you fill my heart with joy. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

The joy of coming to God's house

1 I was glad when they said to me, “The house of Adonai! Let’s go!” 2 Our feet were already standing at your gates, Yerushalayim.

3 Yerushalayim, built as a city fostering friendship and unity.

4 The tribes have gone up there, the tribes of Adonai, as a witness to Isra’el, to give thanks to the name of Adonai. 5 For there the thrones of justice were set up, the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for shalom in Yerushalayim; may those who love you prosper. 7 May shalom be within your ramparts, prosperity in your palaces.

I was glad when they said to me,     “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 122:1, ESV) Prayer: Our Father, we give you thanks for your wisdom in giving us one day in seven to focus our attention on you and your work. We give you thanks for the Lord’s Day when we can set aside our worldly cares and concerns and gather with others redeemed by the blood of the Lamb to worship you in song,…

I admitI was relievedWhen someone saidLet’s go to a sanctuaryComeLet us GodAnd Seek GodFor I need to restmy weary solessoulsomethingsomewhereAnd my houseis way too messyAnd before I knew itMy solessoulwere standing at your gatesAnd we were knocking on heavens doorAnd I realized that God’s Kin-domis unlike any otherBinding together peoplewho I had never seenor knownAnd my heart leaptTo my…

Prayer: Grant to us, our God, a sense of your presence and majesty as we gather to worship you today. Please remember your people for good as we seek to honor you in song and prayers and as we listen to your Word proclaimed. We give you thanks that out of the abundance of wisdom you gave us this one day in seven to call us apart from the world and all the drama that unfolds there to remind us of…

Friday, 1/5/24

SCRIPTURE:

Because of my brothers and friends,  I will say, “May peace be in you.”  Because of the house of the Lord our God,  I will pursue your prosperity. ~ Psalm 122:8-9

OBSERVATION:

Because of my brothers and friends... 

brothers (and sisters), and friends in Christ Jesus 

because of their examples and our shared faith...

I will say, "May peace be in you..."

His peace - 

I will say this to others - those brought into my life and walk who may not be believers...

...so that they might become believers and know His peace...

...so that He gets the glory... 

...and I will pursue their prosperity... 

...because of the teachings and fellowship with my brothers, sisters, and friends in the house of Christ Jesus... 

...so that He gets the glory...

APPLICATION:

Say - and mean - "May His peace be in you..."

Pursue the prosperity of others... 

...in Jesus-like service to them...

...giving Him the glory...

PRAYER:

Father God - may all that I do and say give You the glory... forgive me if anything I say or do does not do that... In Jesus's Name, and for Your worshipful praise...

May His peace be in you...

𝖌