God’s Saving Word: Prayer
Introduction
Psalm 48: As cited in verses 1 and 2, Mount Zion is the sacred hill and refers to Jerusalem, the city of God; and this psalm celebrates Jerusalem as the place where God rules. The psalm may have been sung by pilgrims visiting Jerusalem. Jerusalem and its people had withstood many attacks by enemy armies and even destruction by the Babylonians (586 B.C.) Still, the people believed that God would “keep the city safe forever” (verse 8).
Scripture Reading
Zion, the City of God
48 The Lord is great and is to be highly praised
in the city of our God, on his sacred hill.
2 Zion, the mountain of God, is high and beautiful;
the city of the great king brings joy to all the world.
3 God has shown that there is safety with him
inside the fortresses of the city.
4 The kings gathered together
and came to attack Mount Zion.
5 But when they saw it, they were amazed;
they were afraid and ran away.
6 There they were seized with fear and anguish,
like a woman about to bear a child,
7 like ships tossing in a furious storm.
8 We have heard what God has done,
and now we have seen it
in the city of our God, the Lord Almighty;
he will keep the city safe forever.
9 Inside your Temple, O God,
we think of your constant love.
10 You are praised by people everywhere,
and your fame extends over all the earth.
You rule with justice;
11 let the people of Zion be glad!
You give right judgments;
let there be joy in the cities of Judah!
12 People of God, walk around Zion and count the towers;
13 take notice of the walls and examine the fortresses,
so that you may tell the next generation:
14 “This God is our God forever and ever;
he will lead us for all time to come.”
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 48:14
God is our shelter and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Reflect
In what ways does this psalm express confidence in God? Why does the city bring “joy to all the world” (verse 2)? In verses 12-14, what does the psalm writer instruct the people to do? In what ways do you offer praise to God in your house of worship?
Pray
Lord God, like a fortress, there is safety with you. Day by day you watch over and lead me. You are God forever and ever, and I will praise you always. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 54: A prayer for protection from enemies.