God’s Renewing Word of Prayer
Introduction
Psalm 68:19-35: Today’s reading concludes the psalm and describes a joyful procession into God’s sanctuary—the Temple in Jerusalem. Verses 21-23 include a description of enemies being defeated by God, and the psalm concludes with songs in praise of God’s power.
Scripture Reading
19Praise the Lord,
who carries our burdens day after day;
he is the God who saves us.
20Our God is a God who saves;
he is the Lord, our Lord,
who rescues us from death.
21God will surely break the heads of his enemies,
of those who persist in their sinful ways.
22The Lord has said, “I will bring your enemies back from Bashan;
I will bring them back from the depths of the ocean,
23so that you may wade in their blood,
and your dogs may lap up as much as they want.”
24O God, your march of triumph is seen by all,
the procession of God, my king, into his sanctuary.
25The singers are in front, the musicians are behind,
in between are the young women beating the tambourines.
26“Praise God in the meeting of his people;
praise the Lord, all you descendants of Jacob!”
27First comes Benjamin, the smallest tribe,
then the leaders of Judah with their group,
followed by the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali.
28Show your power, O God,
the power you have used on our behalf
29from your Temple in Jerusalem,
where kings bring gifts to you.
30Rebuke Egypt, that wild animal in the reeds;
rebuke the nations, that herd of bulls with their calves,
until they all bow down and offer you their silver.
Scatter those people who love to make war!
31Ambassadors will come from Egypt;
the Ethiopians will raise their hands in prayer to God.
32Sing to God, kingdoms of the world,
sing praise to the Lord,
33to him who rides in the sky,
the ancient sky.
Listen to him shout with a mighty roar.
34Proclaim God’s power;
his majesty is over Israel,
his might is in the skies.
35How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—
the God of Israel!
He gives strength and power to his people.
Praise God!
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 68:35
How awesome is God as he comes from his sanctuary—the God of Israel! He gives strength and power to his people. Praise God!
Reflect
Verse 19 affirms that God “carries our burdens day after day.” Are there burdens weighing heavily on your heart today? How do you envision the procession that is described in verses 24-27? What verses in today’s reading speak of God’s power? When have you sensed God’s power at work in your life?
Pray
Lord God, when I feel weighed down by life’s burdens, I know I can turn to you. You hear my prayers, and you surround me with your comforting presence. Thank you for your steadfast love and care. You are indeed awesome, and you renew and strengthen me in my faith journey. I sing praises to you and will proclaim your mighty power every day. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 71: The prayer of an elderly person.