The Psalms Pray for Us

Psalm 42-77

This weeks reading may feel very familiar, as the Psalmist has written what many modern worship leaders have used to write songs. I can remember when I was in college at a Passion Conference with 40,000 other college students, singing Psalm 42… “As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee…”

Talk about bringing the psalms to the next generation, even in King James English! The psalmist has a way of cutting to the heart of where we are living. Who hasn’t longed for the heart of God, or asked God for peace, or prayed for an intervention in a tough situation? When Dr. Sandy Richter was at First Methodist a couple of years ago speaking, she talked on a Wednesday evening about how the Psalms pray for us…I loved that. When we are at a loss for words, the Psalms lead us and guide us, helping us to find the words.

Psalm 46:2 says, “we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” Even when things seem to fall apart, when the world around us seems to crumble under our feet, fear will not overtake us because our God is with us and will let no harm come to us.

Psalm 51 is part of our communion liturgy: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.” That’s where it comes from!

Psalm 69 begins, “Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.” Who hasn’t felt this overwhelmed feeling in their lives. The psalmist helps us cry out to God and gives us permission to say hard things! It reminds us that God can take it, he wants your prayers, and he desires you stay connected with him.

Psalm 76 says “You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game.” We are reminded of the vastness and the majesty of God. His nature and character are glorious. I am reminded of Moses asking the Lord, show me your glory.” The Lord told Moses, he would not show his face. It would have ended his life, but hidden in the cleft of the rock, Moses catches just a glimpse God’s glory. When he comes down from the mountain, Moses is radiant, from having encountered God!

As you read this week, let these psalms take you places your heart needs to go. Let them pray for you, let them remind you of God’s faithfulness, his glory, his love, and that when we are in need, we too can reach up to our Heavenly Father.