Majesty | May 18, 2019

May 18, 2019

DAILY READING

This week’s sermon text: Matthew 22:34-40

Read the psalm aloud with expression and feeling. How does this psalm compare to the way you pray when you feel like the writer does?

Psalm 19 (A psalm of David)

The heavens declare the glory of God; 
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 
Day after day they pour forth speech; 
    night after night they reveal knowledge. 
They have no speech, they use no words; 
    no sound is heard from them. 
Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, 
    their words to the ends of the world. 
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. 
It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, 
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 
It rises at one end of the heavens 
    and makes its circuit to the other; 
    nothing is deprived of its warmth. 

The law of the Lord is perfect, 
    refreshing the soul. 
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, 
    making wise the simple. 
The precepts of the Lord are right, 
    giving joy to the heart. 
The commands of the Lord are radiant, 
    giving light to the eyes. 
The fear of the Lord is pure, 
    enduring forever. 
The decrees of the Lord are firm, 
    and all of them are righteous. 

They are more precious than gold, 
    than much pure gold; 
they are sweeter than honey, 
    than honey from the honeycomb. 
By them your servant is warned; 
    in keeping them there is great reward. 
But who can discern their own errors? 
    Forgive my hidden faults. 
Keep your servant also from willful sins; 
    may they not rule over me. 
Then I will be blameless, 
    innocent of great transgression. 

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart 
    be pleasing in your sight, 
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

FIELD NOTES

If we are to pray well, we too must discover the Lord to whom we speak, and if we use the Psalms in our prayer we will stand a better chance of sharing in the discovery which lies hidden in their words for all generations. For God has willed to make Himself known to us in the mystery of the Psalms.” [Thomas Merton, Praying the Psalms]  

[The Psalms are] a Little Bible, wherein everything contained in the entire Bible is beautifully and briefly comprehended. [Martin Luther] 

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD 

Consider these questions as you reread the psalm:

• Is there a promise to claim?
• Is there a lesson to learn?
• Is there a blessing to enjoy?
• Is there a command to obey?
• Is there a sin to avoid?
• Is there a new thought to carry with me?

PRAYER GUIDE

Majesty, Lord of all Creation, what human words can describe who you are?  We have only deep love, overwhelming gratitude, tears of joy… small expressions of your magnitude and glory.  This day I hold my life as a precious gift…honoring you in every way I know how in my prayer, experiences, interactions and relationships. To you, O God, be the glory! Amen.