God’s Word of 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
1Lord, do not forget David
and all the hardships he endured.
2Remember, 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;
4I will not rest or sleep,
5until 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.
7We said, “Let us go to the Lord‘s house;
let us worship before his throne.”
8Come to the Temple, Lord, with the Covenant Box,
the symbol of your power,
and stay here forever.
9May your priests do always what is right;
may your people shout for joy!
10You 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.
12If 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.”
13The 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.
15I will richly provide Zion with all she needs;
I will satisfy her poor with food.
16I 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.
18I 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 lifts up two events in the life of David – David capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites and making the city the capital of a united Israel (2 Samuel 5:6-10), and bringing the Covenant Box to the new capital (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 thankful heart. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 141: An evening prayer