God’s Saving Word: Prayer

Introduction

Psalm 132: Today’s reading is considered a “royal psalm” that celebrates David and his descendants as God’s anointed rulers. As a song used in worship, the psalm also celebrates the reason people made pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem (Zion), God’s chosen home (verse 13).

Scripture Reading

In Praise of the Temple

132 Lord, do not forget David
    and all the hardships he endured.
2 Remember, Lord, what he promised,
    the vow he made to you, the Mighty God of Jacob:
3 “I will not go home or go to bed;
4     I will not rest or sleep,
5     until I provide a place for the Lord,
    a home for the Mighty God of Jacob.”

6 In Bethlehem we heard about the Covenant Box,
    and we found it in the fields of Jearim.
7 We said, “Let us go to the Lord’s house;
    let us worship before his throne.”

8 Come to the Temple, Lord, with the Covenant Box,
    the symbol of your power,
    and stay here forever.
9 May your priests do always what is right;
    may your people shout for joy!

10 You made a promise to your servant David;
    do not reject your chosen king, Lord.
11 You made a solemn promise to David—
    a promise you will not take back:
“I will make one of your sons king,
    and he will rule after you.
12 If your sons are true to my covenant
    and to the commands I give them,
    their sons, also, will succeed you for all time as kings.”

13 The Lord has chosen Zion;
    he wants to make it his home:
14 “This is where I will live forever;
    this is where I want to rule.
15 I will richly provide Zion with all she needs;
    I will satisfy her poor with food.
16 I will bless her priests in all they do,
    and her people will sing and shout for joy.
17 Here I will make one of David’s descendants a great king;
    here I will preserve the rule of my chosen king.
18 I will cover his enemies with shame,
    but his kingdom will prosper and flourish.”

Today’s Key Verse:  Psalm 132:13

The LORD has chosen Zion; he wants to make it his home.

Reflect

Today’s reading highlights two events in the life of David – David capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites and making the city the capital of a united Israel (see 2 Samuel 5:6-10), and bringing the Covenant Box to the new capital (see 2 Samuel 6).  What was the vow that David made to God (verses 2-5)? Reread verses 10-12. What was the promise God made to David? What else did God promise (verses 13-18)?

Pray

Ever-Faithful God, your promise of love is eternal. With joy I sing your praises and worship you with a humble and thankful heart. Amen.

And now, join us in praising God that more than one million Bibles and New Testaments were distributed to people in 31 African countries during the past year. Loving God, thank you that pastors from impoverished regions received Bibles for members of their congregations who had none. School children were also given Bibles of their own, which stirred a great deal of excitement. Once they start reading Scripture, children in Ghana and Eswatini have said they want to get nearer to you, Lord God, and want to get to know Jesus better. Thank you that the generosity of Bible Society partners is helping to share your Word, dear God, in so many countries. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 139: A psalm affirming God’s complete knowledge and care.