Throughout this series we have joined some of our favorite biblical characters in the prayers they once prayed and which God has preserved for us in the Scriptures. As you ponder the variety of prayers from the Great Prayer Book, the Psalms, be enveloped by each word as if it was written directly to and for you…because in fact they were and are a gift from God for you. Praying the Scriptures in this way will bring health and vitality to your heart and soul, and great liberty to your life of prayer.
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The psalms are songs of the heart that invite our prayers and provide a guide for the with-God life here on earth. They are filled with authentic language that promote honesty and integrity in the soul of the believer. Several of the psalms are shout-outs for help in time of need, while others are laced with pleas for God’s intervention. Many are reflections of the heart toward repentance, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. All are designed to promote the praise of God’s people no matter what life may deliver on the doorstep of our souls here on earth. Psalms 100 and 150 are declarative of praise and provide for us the language of prayer we can utilize in public and private places where we offer our whole selves into the embracing arms of God. Praise and worship the Lord continuously, in all situations and circumstances of life, and your prayers of praise will delight the heart of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Today…
Offer your praise to the Lord with gladness of heart. Come to God with your shouts of joy. His greatness and faithfulness is worthy of your adoration. Praise him for who He is and give thanks for as many of his attributes as possible. No power on earth surpasses his mighty deeds. He alone is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Praise the Lord. Alleluia! (Psalms 100 and 150)
Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 150
Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Behold the splendor of the Lord – Believe the promises of his love – Belong to those who unreservedly trust him – Become prayerful in all you are and do.
