Praise

May 23, 2022

DAILY READING

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 24

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.

Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD?
Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.

They will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from God their Savior.
Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.

Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The LORD Almighty—
he is the King of glory.

FIELD NOTES

At the Center of the Bible is the book of Psalms.  This great collection of songs and prayers expresses the heart and soul of humanity. In them the whole range of human experiences is expressed…David and the other writers honestly pour out their true feelings, reflecting a dynamic, powerful and life-changing friendship with God. The psalmists confess their sins, express their doubts and fears, ask God for help in times of trouble, and praise and worship him.

In reality it is only when honest feelings and emotions are shared that real people can be known, loved and helped…by limiting the depth [despair] and height [celebration] of our communication [with God], we become shallow in our relationship with him.  But God knows us and wants to have genuine communication with us. [Life Application Bible, Forward to the Book of Psalms]

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?

[Adapted from a list by Adrian Rogers in What Christians Want to Know]

PRAYER GUIDE

Lord, God. We praise you as the Creator of all that is, seen and unseen. You are the sunlight dancing on the morning lawn; you are the blue in the summer sky; you are the twill of the calling bird; you are the breath in my nostrils! Thank you for a community in which my life can be shared! Hallelujah! Amen!