Blessed are You O Lord!

Blessed are You, O Lord, 

the God of our fathers,

praiseworthy and exalted

above all forever;

and blessed is Your 

holy and glorious name,

praiseworthy and exalted 

above all for all ages.

(Daniel 3:52)

The act of praising God is also an act of gratitude. The repeated phrase “Blessed are you” is a form of praise, and the descriptions that follow are forms of worship that acknowledge God’s greatness. The repeated phrase “praiseworthy and exalted above all forever” underscores the eternal nature of God who is everlasting, without beginning or end. God’s presence is everywhere. Let us be thankful for God’s blessings and His presence in our lives. These lessons remind us to maintain a heart of worship, recognize God’s omnipresence, understand His eternality, submit to His sovereignty, and express gratitude in our daily lives.

"Blessed are You," we sing and shout,

In praise and worship, without a doubt.

An act of gratitude, a heart's outpour,

To the One who's worthy of so much more.

"Blessed are You," a phrase so dear,

Echoes in the heavens, far and near.

Acknowledging greatness, a divine nod,

To the eternal, everlasting God.

"Praiseworthy and exalted above all forever,"

A truth we hold, that wavers never.

God's presence is everywhere, in all we see,

In every moment, in every glee.

Thankful we are for blessings received,

For His presence in lives intricately weaved.

Lessons learned, wisdom embraced,

In our daily lives, they're interlaced.

Maintain a heart of worship, let it be your song,

Recognize His omnipresence, all day long.

Understand His eternality, His time knows no end,

Submit to His sovereignty, on Him you can depend.

Express gratitude in life, in big and small,

For He is the One who orchestrates it all.

"Blessed are You," we'll continue to say,

Today, tomorrow, every single day.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

We come before You with hearts full of gratitude, praising You, saying "Blessed are You," in multitude. Your greatness we acknowledge, Your love we embrace, in every corner of our lives, we see Your grace.

"Praiseworthy and exalted above all forever," we proclaim, Your eternal nature, Your everlasting fame. You are the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, in every moment, on You, we depend. 

Your presence is everywhere, in every space, In every challenge, in every grace. We are thankful for Your blessings, for Your love so divine,

For Your presence in our lives, for Your design.

Help us maintain a heart of worship, pure and true, recognize Your omnipresence, in everything we do. Help us understand Your eternality, Your time without end, and submit to Your sovereignty, on You, we depend. Teach us to express gratitude, in our daily lives, in our joys and in our strife. These lessons we carry in our hearts, as we journey on, with You by our side, from dusk till dawn.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

I: Daniel and the Kings of Babylon

THE FIERY FURNACE

Daniel 3:44-56

Responsorial Psalm | Daniel 3:52, 53, 54, 55, 56

R: Glory and praise forever!

52 “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever; And blessed is your holy and glorious name, praiseworthy and exalted above all for all ages.” 53 “Blessed are you in the temple of your holy glory, praiseworthy and glorious above all forever.” (R) 54 “Blessed are you on the throne of your kingdom, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” (R) 55 “Blessed are you who look into the depths from your throne upon the cherubim, praiseworthy and exalted above all forever.” (R) 56 “Blessed are you in the firmament of heaven, praiseworthy and glorious forever.” 

Learning Lessons

These verses from Daniel 3:52-56 are a hymn of praise and offer several lessons:

Praise and Worship: These verses teach us about the importance of praising and worshiping God. The repeated phrase “Blessed are you” is a form of praise, and the descriptions that follow are forms of worship that acknowledge God’s greatness.

God’s Omnipresence: The verses highlight God’s presence everywhere - in the temple, on His throne, in the depths of the earth, and in the firmament of heaven. This teaches us that God is omnipresent and is with us everywhere we go.

God’s Eternality: The repeated phrase “praiseworthy and exalted above all forever” underscores the eternal nature of God. This teaches us that God is everlasting, without beginning or end.

God’s Sovereignty: The verses acknowledge God’s authority over all things. This teaches us about God’s sovereignty and reminds us to submit to His will.

Gratitude: The act of praising God is also an act of gratitude. This teaches us to be thankful for God’s blessings and His presence in our lives.

Background:

This is a beautiful hymn of praise from the Book of Daniel. It’s part of the prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Jews, which is found in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, but is not present in the Protestant Bible or the Masoretic Text.

This hymn is a profound expression of faith and reverence, praising God’s glory, His eternal nature, and His divine authority. It acknowledges God’s presence in the temple, on His heavenly throne, and in the depths of the earth. It also recognizes God’s exalted position in the firmament of heaven.

Each verse begins with “Blessed are you,” emphasizing the speaker’s admiration and respect for God. The repeated phrase “praiseworthy and exalted above all forever” underscores the eternal and supreme nature of God.

This hymn can inspire us to reflect on God’s omnipresence, His majesty, and our relationship with Him.

These lessons remind us to maintain a heart of worship, recognize God’s omnipresence, understand His eternality, submit to His sovereignty, and express gratitude in our daily lives.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Published:

March 20, 2024, 10:13 AM

Praise the Lord!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia 

PSALM 150:6

Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Col 3:17). Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Col 3:16). 

Jesus said, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” (Lk 6:5). "No disciple is superior to the teacher; but when fully trained, every disciple will be like his teacher" (Lk 6:40). "Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” (Lk 6:38)

Praise the Lord in His sanctuary, praise Him in the firmament of His strength. Praise Him for His mighty deeds, praise Him for His sovereign majesty (Ps 150:1-2). Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Alleluia (Ps 150:6). 

You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds (Col 1:21). God has now reconciled in His fleshly Body of Christ through His death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before Him (Col 1:22). Persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard (Col 1:23)

If I preach the Gospel, this is no reason for me to boast, for an obligation has been imposed on me, and woe to me if I do not preach it! (1 Cor 9:16) If I do so willingly, I have a recompense; but if unwillingly, then I have been entrusted with a stewardship (1 Cor 9:17). What then is my recompense? That when I preach, I offer the Gospel free of charge so as not to make full use of my right in the Gospel (1 Cor 9:18). All this I do for the sake of the Gospel, so that I too may have a share in it (1 Cor 9:23). 

O God, by your name save me, and by your might defend my cause (Ps 54:3). O God, hear my prayer; hearken to the words of my mouth (Ps 54:4). Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life (Ps 54:6). Freely will I offer you sacrifice; I will praise your name, O Lord, for its goodness (Ps 54:8).

Published:

September 09, 2023, 11:40 AM

Blessed Dwelling

Blessed they who dwell in Your house! 

Continually they praise You. 

(Psalm 84:5)

God Blesses those who love Him enough to worship Him. Leaders in God’s house today should prioritize creating spaces where people can genuinely encounter the living God. Our focus when coming to God’s house should be on meeting Him, not merely on programs or entertainment.

Our desire for God’s fellowship should surpass all else. Those who dwell with God in His house are blessed. This extends beyond physical temples to our eternal home with Jesus. Even in the wilderness, hope is found as pilgrims journey toward God’s presence. Our strength comes from God. We’re like pilgrims passing through this world, relying on Him. 

God withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity and trust in Him. Trusting God brings His abundant blessings. Let us seek God wholeheartedly, find strength in Him, and prioritize fellowship with our living God.

Blessed Dwelling

In God’s house, where sacred echoes ring, 

Leaders pave the way for hearts to sing. 

Not mere programs or fleeting shows, 

But spaces where His presence flows.

Seek Him there, with love and awe, 

Beyond the walls, beyond the law. 

For in His dwelling, blessings bloom, 

A refuge from life’s desert gloom.

Pilgrims journey, seeking grace, 

Through wilderness, they find their place. 

Strength drawn from the Source above, 

Guided by unwavering love.

Integrity and trust their guide, 

God’s abundant blessings abide. 

No good withheld, no need denied, 

In fellowship with Him, we bide.

So let us seek, wholehearted, true, 

Our living God, our hope renewed. 

For in His house, where spirits soar, 

We find our home forevermore.

Prayer for true worship and fellowship with the Lord

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts open wide, seeking Your presence and guidance. You are the living God, and we long to encounter You genuinely. May our focus, when we gather in Your house, be solely on meeting You—not distracted by programs or entertainment.

Lord, we desire fellowship with You, a fellowship that surpasses all else. Whether within the walls of a physical temple or in the quiet of our hearts, we yearn for communion with You. Bless those who dwell in Your house, extending this blessing to our eternal home with Jesus.

Even in the wilderness, as pilgrims on a sacred journey, we find hope. Our strength comes from You, our Provider and Sustainer. Like travelers passing through this world, we rely on Your grace and mercy.

You withhold no good thing, for those who walk with integrity and trust in You. We choose to trust, knowing that Your abundant blessings flow to those who seek You wholeheartedly. May we prioritize fellowship with our living God above all else.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Pericope:

Third Book of Psalms 73-89

PRAYER OF A PILGRIM TO JERUSALEM

Psalm 84:1-13

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 84:3, 4, 5-6, 8, 11

R: How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

3 My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (R) 4 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young—Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God! (R) 5 Blessed they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you. 6 Blessed the men whose strength you are! 8 They go from strength to strength. (R) 11 I had rather one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. 

Background:

Psalm 84 is a beautiful expression of longing for God’s presence and the joy found in worshiping Him. 

Longing for God’s House (Psalm 84:1-2): The psalmist declares the loveliness of God’s tabernacle (or temple). Whether it was a tent or a permanent structure, he cherished it. His soul longed for God’s house, even fainting when denied the privilege of meeting with God among His people. The psalmist’s heart and flesh cried out for the living God, emphasizing his deep desire to be in God’s presence.

Satisfaction in God’s House (Psalm 84:3-4): The psalmist draws a beautiful comparison: Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest near God’s altars. How much more blessed are those who dwell in God’s house! They continually praise Him.

God’s Grace and Glory (Psalm 84:11): The psalmist affirms that the Lord gives grace and glory freely. Those who humbly seek God will find both earthly blessings and eternal glory.

In summary, Psalm 84 expresses a deep longing for God’s presence and the joy of worshiping Him. It reminds us that being near God is our greatest blessing. 

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 84 offers valuable lessons for leading a life full of God’s blessings. 

Love: God Blesses Those Who Love Him Enough to Worship Him (Psalm 84:1-2): The psalmist expresses deep longing for God’s dwelling places, yearning to worship Him with joy. Leaders in God’s house today should prioritize creating spaces where people can genuinely encounter the living God. Our focus when coming to God’s house should be on meeting Him, not merely on programs or entertainment.

Dwelling with God (Psalm 84:3-4): Those who dwell with God in His house are blessed. This extends beyond physical temples to our eternal home with Jesus. Even in the wilderness (symbolized by the Valley of Baka), hope is found as pilgrims journey toward God’s presence.

Strength and Integrity (Psalm 84:5-6): Our strength comes from God. We’re like pilgrims passing through this world, relying on Him. The Valley of Baka becomes an oasis for those who trust in God and draw strength from Him.

Fellowship and Integrity (Psalm 84:8): “A day in Your courtyards is better than a thousand elsewhere.” Our desire for God’s fellowship should surpass all else. Living with integrity, seeking His presence, and valuing fellowship lead to blessings.

Trust (Psalm 84:11): God withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity and trust in Him. Trusting God brings His abundant blessings. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Praise Reaches to the Ends of the Earth

True joy and fulfillment, a divine embrace,

Found in God’s presence, His glorious grace.

We honor His sovereignty, His will we revere,

In every moment, His guidance is clear.

In God, we find safety, a shelter so warm,

Comfort in His arms, through every storm.

Security and peace, His protection provides,

From all harm and danger, He faithfully guides.

Let’s celebrate His justice, His ways always right,

In His fairness and truth, we find pure delight.

Share the message of His greatness, His love so profound,

Encouraging others, in His grace to be found.

Experience His love, His protection so grand,

In God’s faithful embrace, forever we stand.

REFLECTION:

As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full. (Psalm 48:11) 

True joy and fulfillment comes from being close to God and experiencing His glory. We should always recognize and honor God’s sovereignty in our lives. 

We can always seek safety and comfort in God, no matter the circumstances. Security and peace comes from His protection and ability to safeguard us from all harm. 

Let us celebrate and trust in God’s justice, knowing that His ways are always right and fair and share the message of God’s greatness and faithfulness with others, encouraging them to experience His love and protection.

Heavenly Father,

True joy and fulfillment come from being close to You and experiencing Your glory. We recognize and honor Your sovereignty in our lives, knowing that Your wisdom and guidance are perfect.

In every circumstance, we seek safety and comfort in You. Your protection brings us security and peace, safeguarding us from all harm. We celebrate and trust in Your justice, confident that Your ways are always right and fair.

Help us to share the message of Your greatness and faithfulness with others, encouraging them to experience Your love and protection. May we always find our strength and hope in You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

The Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE SPLENDOR OF THE INVINCIBLE CITY

Psalm 48:1-15

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 48:2-3, 3-4, 10-11

R: God upholds his city forever. 

2 Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, 3 fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth. (R) Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,” is the city of the great King. 4 God is with her castles; renowned is he as a stronghold. (R) 10 O God, we ponder your kindness within your temple. 11 As your name, O God, so also your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Of justice your right hand is full. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 48 is a song of praise celebrating God’s greatness and His protection over Jerusalem, often referred to as Zion. This psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites involved in temple worship.

Verses 2-3

These verses describe the beauty and significance of Mount Zion, the city of the great King (God). It highlights Jerusalem’s elevated position and its role as a place of joy for the whole earth. The psalmist emphasizes that God is present in the city’s palaces and is known as a refuge.

Verses 3-4

These verses continue to praise God’s presence in Jerusalem, portraying it as a secure and holy place. The imagery of God being in the palaces and known as a refuge underscores His protective and sovereign role over the city.

Verses 10-11

These verses shift to a broader perspective, praising God’s name and deeds throughout the earth. The psalmist calls for rejoicing in God’s judgments and righteousness, which bring joy to the people of Zion and the surrounding regions.

Psalm 48 beautifully illustrates the themes of God’s sovereignty, protection, and the joy that comes from His presence. It encourages believers to trust in God’s strength and to find refuge in Him, reflecting the eternal perspective that prioritizes faith over material possessions.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 48 offers several profound lessons that can enrich our spiritual journey:

Verses 2-3

God’s Sovereignty and Majesty: These verses highlight the beauty and elevation of Mount Zion, symbolizing God’s supreme authority and the splendor of His dwelling place. It reminds us to recognize and honor God’s sovereignty in our lives.

Joy in God’s Presence: The description of Zion as the “joy of the whole earth” encourages us to find joy and fulfillment in God’s presence. It teaches us that true joy comes from being close to God and experiencing His glory.

Verses 3-4

God as Our Refuge: The imagery of God being known as a refuge in the palaces of Jerusalem emphasizes His role as our protector and stronghold. This reassures us that we can always seek safety and comfort in God, no matter the circumstances.

Security in God’s Protection: The mention of God being present in the city’s palaces signifies the security and peace that come from His protection. It encourages us to trust in God’s ability to safeguard us from all harm.

Verses 10-11

Praise for God’s Righteousness: These verses call for rejoicing in God’s righteous judgments. It teaches us to celebrate and trust in God’s justice, knowing that His ways are always right and fair.

Global Recognition of God’s Greatness: The psalmist’s call for God’s praise to reach the ends of the earth reminds us of the universal nature of God’s greatness. It encourages us to spread the message of God’s goodness and faithfulness to all people.

Personal Application

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Recognize God’s supreme authority in every aspect of your life and find peace in His control.

Seek Joy in God’s Presence: Make it a priority to spend time in God’s presence, finding joy and fulfillment in your relationship with Him.

Rely on God’s Protection: In times of trouble, remember that God is your refuge and stronghold. Trust in His protection and care.

Celebrate God’s Righteousness: Rejoice in God’s just and fair nature, and strive to live according to His righteous standards.

Spread God’s Praise: Share the message of God’s greatness and faithfulness with others, encouraging them to experience His love and protection.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Thanksgiving and Praise

In worship, we find not duty, but joy,

In songs of praise, our voices employ.

With gladness, we come before His throne,

Acknowledging His goodness, in every tone.

The Lord, our Maker, to whom we belong,

In His creation, we find our song.

A sense of humility, gratitude in our heart,

For it is He who made us, in His art.

The Lord is good, His love, forever it stays,

His faithfulness endures, through all our days.

Through generations, His truth remains,

In His unchanging character, our hope sustains.

So let us trust, in His steadfast love,

And in His faithfulness, sent from above.

For He is our God, in Him we trust,

In His unchanging character and love so just.

REFLECTION:

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; give thanks to him; bless his name. (Psalm 100:4)

Worship is not a duty but a joy. We should worship the Lord with gladness and come before Him with an attitude of gratitude, acknowledging His goodness in our lives. 

It is the Lord who made us, and we are His. Recognizing God as our Creator leads to a sense of humility and gratitude. 

The Lord is good, His love endures forever, and His faithfulness continues through all generations. Let us trust in God’s unchanging character and His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You not out of duty, but with joy in our hearts. We worship You with gladness, acknowledging Your goodness in our lives. We are grateful for every blessing, every lesson, and every moment of grace.

We recognize that You are our Creator. It is You who made us, and we are Yours. This understanding fills us with humility and gratitude. We are Your children, crafted by Your hands, loved by Your heart.

We proclaim that You are good. Your love endures forever, unfailing and unchanging. Your faithfulness is a constant through all generations, a beacon of hope in a changing world.

We place our trust in Your unchanging character and Your steadfast love. We have faith in Your promises, for we know that You are faithful to fulfill them.

In all things, we seek to honor You, to live according to Your will, and to reflect Your love to the world.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Fourth Book of Psalms 90-106

PROCESSIONAL HYMN

Psalm 100:1-5

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 100:2, 3, 4, 5

R: Come with joy into the presence of the Lord. 

2 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song. (R) 3 Know that the Lord is God; he made us, his we are; his people, the flock he tends. (R) 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise; give thanks to him; bless his name. (R) 5 The Lord is good: his kindness endures forever, and his faithfulness, to all generations. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God, inviting all lands to worship Him. It is the only psalm in the collection to bear the title "A Psalm of Thanksgiving". The psalm was likely used in temple worship, and it emphasizes the joy and gladness that should accompany worship.

The specific verses you mentioned (Psalm 100:2, 3, 4, 5) contain several key themes:

Verse 2 calls for worshiping the Lord with gladness and singing. This verse emphasizes the joy that should accompany worship.

Verse 3 acknowledges that the Lord is God, and it is He who made us. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture. This verse emphasizes our relationship with God as His creation and His people.

Verse 4 invites us to enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. It calls for giving thanks to God and blessing His name. This verse emphasizes gratitude and praise in our relationship with God.

Verse 5 affirms that the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. This verse emphasizes God’s goodness, mercy, and truth.

The psalm as a whole, and these verses in particular, provide a model of joyful and thankful worship, acknowledging God as our Creator and Shepherd. They remind us of our identity as God’s people and call us to express our gratitude and praise to Him. 

Learning Lessons:

These verses from Psalm 100:2, 3, 4, 5 offer several spiritual lessons for believers:

Joyful Worship (Psalm 100:2): This verse teaches us to worship the Lord with gladness and come before Him with joyful songs. It reminds us that worship is not a duty but a joy.

Acknowledging God as Creator (Psalm 100:3): This verse reminds us that it is the Lord who made us, and we are His. Recognizing God as our Creator leads to a sense of humility and gratitude.

Entering God’s Presence with Thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4): We are invited to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. This teaches us to approach God with an attitude of gratitude, acknowledging His goodness in our lives.

God’s Enduring Love and Faithfulness (Psalm 100:5): This verse affirms that the Lord is good, His love endures forever, and His faithfulness continues through all generations. It encourages us to trust in God’s unchanging character and His steadfast love and faithfulness.

These lessons remind us of the importance of joyful worship, recognizing God as our Creator, approaching God with thanksgiving, and trusting in His enduring love and faithfulness.  (Conversation with Copilot)

Lifting Up My Hands

In every situation, near or far,

Let prayer be our guiding star.

Not waiting for a time that's right,

But turning to God with all our might.

Our prayers are more than just requests,

They're acts of worship, of love professed.

To the Lord our God, we lift our voice,

In His presence, our hearts rejoice.

Mindful of our words, we strive,

To speak only what's pleasing in God's eyes.

With every word, may we impart,

A reflection of His love in our heart.

In times of trouble, on Him we fix our gaze,

Trusting in His love, lost in His grace.

Guiding and protecting us through the fray,

In His presence, we choose to stay.

REFLECTION:

Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2)

We should make prayer our first response in every situation and not wait for a convenient time but immediately turned to God in his time of need. Our prayers are not just requests, but they are also acts of worship to the Lord our God. Let us be mindful of our words and striving to speak only what is pleasing to God, fix our eyes on Him especially in times of trouble, and to trust Him to guide and protect us.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, recognizing that in every situation, prayer should be our first response. We understand the urgency of turning to You, not waiting for a convenient time but immediately seeking Your presence in our time of need.

We acknowledge that our prayers are not just requests, but they are also acts of worship to You, our Lord and God. As we lift our hands and hearts to You, may our prayers rise like a pleasing sacrifice, reflecting our love and devotion to You.

Help us to be mindful of our words, striving to speak only what is pleasing to You. Set a guard over our mouths, Lord, and keep watch over the door of our lips. May our words be a reflection of Your love and grace.

In times of trouble, we choose to fix our eyes on You. We trust in Your unfailing love and Your power to protect and guide us. Even when we walk through the darkest valley, we will fear no evil, for You are with us.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE FROM THE WICKED

Psalm 141:1-10

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 141:1-2, 3, 8

R: Let my prayer come like incense before you. 

1 O Lord, to you I call; hasten to me; hearken to my voice when I call upon you. 2 Let my prayer come like incense before you; the lifting up of my hands, like the evening sacrifice. (R) 3 O Lord, set a watch before my mouth, a guard at the door of my lips. 8 For toward you, O God, my Lord, my eyes are turned; in you I take refuge; strip me not of life. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 141 is a psalm of David, who was a man of tender conscience. He asked God to deal with his own sin and weakness before addressing the wicked men who fought against him. This psalm shows that David was even more concerned about evil inside himself than he was about evil from others.

The psalm is a prayer against insincerity and compromise, and a plea for survival under the savage attacks which such an attitude has invited. The great preacher of the early church, John Chrysostom, said this psalm was used in his era (A.D. 349-407) as part of the evening liturgy in the Greek Church, due to the reference in verse 2 to the evening sacrifice.

The verses you mentioned (Psalm 141:1-2, 3, 8) are part of David’s prayer. In verses 1-2, David’s need was urgent, so he directed his prayer to the true God (Yahweh, the LORD) and begged him to help with haste. He used the smoke and smell of incense as a representation of his prayer to God. His posture of prayer (the lifting up of his hands) was a gift to God even as the evening sacrifice was a gift to God.

In verse 3, David asked God to set a guard over his mouth and keep watch over the door of his lips. This shows his desire to avoid sinning with his words and to speak only what is pleasing to God.

In verse 8, David expressed his trust in God, saying, "But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge—do not give me over to death". This shows his reliance on God for protection and deliverance.

In summary, Psalm 141 is a fervent plea of David, a prayer to God for protection from wicked influences and guidance in the path of righteousness. Amidst the tumult of his life, David seeks solace and divine intervention, expressing his commitment to righteousness and yearning for God’s presence.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 141:1-2, 3, 8 offers several important lessons for believers:

Urgency in Prayer: David’s prayer to God was urgent. He didn’t wait for a convenient time but immediately turned to God in his time of need. This teaches us to make prayer our first response in every situation.

Prayer as a Pleasing Sacrifice: David likened his prayer and the lifting up of his hands to the evening sacrifice. This shows that our prayers are not just requests, but they are also acts of worship that are pleasing to God.

Guarding Our Words: In verse 3, David asked God to set a guard over his mouth and keep watch over the door of his lips. This teaches us the importance of being mindful of our words and striving to speak only what is pleasing to God.

Trust in God: In verse 8, David expressed his trust in God and his reliance on Him for protection and deliverance. This teaches us to fix our eyes on God, especially in times of trouble, and to trust Him to guide and protect us.

In summary, Psalm 141 teaches us about the importance of urgent and sincere prayer, the value of our words, and the necessity of trust in God. These lessons can guide us in our faith journey. (Conversation with Copilot)

Praise Jesus!

Sing praise to God, sing praise; 

sing praise to our king, sing praise. 

For the king of all the earth is God; 

sing hymns of praise. 

(Psalm 47:7-8)

Praise Jesus! He is our good and all-powerful King, omnipotent, sovereign over all things, and a just and holy ruler. He has chosen us out of love and grace despite our many sins. Jesus has defeated evil and will return to allow the dead to rise and live with Him in heaven. Our hope and deliverance is with Jesus. Let us recognize and praise Jesus, the glory of God for redeeming and uniting us to be with Him.

In the realm of the divine, a chorus rings,

"Praise Jesus!" the creation sings.

Our King, all-powerful, good and true,

Omnipotent, sovereign, His grace we pursue.

Chosen by love, by grace we stand,

Despite our sins, by His command.

He, the holy ruler, just and pure,

In His kingdom, we are secure.

Evil defeated, the victory won,

By Jesus, God's own precious Son.

He will return, the dead shall rise,

To live with Him in heavenly skies.

Our hope, our deliverance, in Jesus we find,

His love and mercy, forever entwined.

Let us recognize, let us praise His name,

The glory of God, forever the same.

Redeemed, united, in His love we bask,

To be with Him, our eternal task.

So let our voices in unison sing,

"Praise Jesus, our Savior, our King!"

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You with hearts full of praise. Praise to Jesus, our good and all-powerful King. He is omnipotent, sovereign over all things, a just and holy ruler. We are in awe of His majesty and power.

We thank You for choosing us out of love and grace, despite our many sins. We are humbled by Your mercy and Your forgiveness. We acknowledge that we are sinners, and yet You have chosen us to be Your children.

We celebrate the victory of Jesus over evil. He has defeated the powers of darkness and brought us into Your marvelous light. We eagerly await His return, when the dead will rise and live with Him in heaven. Our hope and deliverance is with Jesus.

Help us to recognize and praise Jesus, the glory of God. Let our lives reflect His love and grace. Let our words and actions bring honor to His name.

We thank You for redeeming us and uniting us in Christ. We were once lost, but now we are found. We were once divided, but now we are one in Christ.

We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Background and Learning Lessons

Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 is part of the Book of Psalms in the Bible, which is a collection of religious songs, prayers, and other compositions. This particular Psalm is a song of praise, celebrating the reign of God over all the earth.

The authorship of this Psalm is attributed to the sons of Korah. The Korahites were a group of Levites, who, according to the Bible, served in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The sons of Korah mentioned here were likely Levitical singers involved in the temple ceremonies.

This Psalm is believed to have been written to celebrate a great victory of a king. While some believe it may have been occasioned by the victory of a king such as Jehoshaphat (as in 2 Chronicles 20:15-23), there is a consensus that it prophetically refers to the ascension of the Messiah to His throne and celebrates His reign over the whole earth.

In later Jewish usage, Psalm 47 was utilized as part of the New Year’s service. It is also used in the liturgy of the Ascension of the Lord in the Christian tradition.

The verses you mentioned (2-3, 6-7, 8-9) specifically exalt God’s majesty and His sovereign and universal dominion. They call on all peoples to clap their hands and shout to God with cries of gladness, acknowledging His rule over all the earth. The Psalm ends with a recognition of God’s reign from His holy throne and the assembly of the leaders of nations as His people. The shields of the earth belong to God, further emphasizing His supreme authority and reign.

There are several lessons we can learn from Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9:

Omnipotence: Praise Jesus for being your good, all-powerful King. The psalmist urged all the people of the Earth to celebrate God, the King of the Earth1. This teaches us to recognize and praise the omnipotence of God.

Sovereignty: Praise Jesus for being sovereign and defeating evil. The psalmist prophesied that the Messiah will one day subdue the evil nations. This reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all things.

Grace and Love: Praise Jesus for choosing you out of love and grace despite your many sins. As a measure of God’s grace and love, the psalmist praised God for selecting the people of Jacob to be His chosen people. This teaches us about God’s unconditional love and grace.

Deliverance: Praise Jesus for His deliverance. The psalmist praised the Messiah for His triumphant arrival with the blowing of the shofar (a trumpet). This foreshadows when Jesus will return and allow the dead to rise and live with Him in heaven. This teaches us about the hope and deliverance we have in Jesus.

Glory: Praise Jesus for His glory. The psalmist repeated five times his command for the people of the Earth to praise God for His glory. This teaches us to recognize and praise the glory of God.

Holiness: Praise Jesus for being a just and holy ruler. The psalmist praised the Messiah for ruling the nations from a holy throne1. This teaches us about the holiness of God.

Redemption: Praise Jesus for redeeming and uniting His lost sheep, both Jews and gentiles, to be with Him1. The psalmist prophesied that the Messiah would one day unite the gentiles and Jews in a holy assembly before God. This teaches us about the redemption we have in Jesus.

These lessons from Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9 remind us of the importance of recognizing and praising the omnipotence, sovereignty, grace, love, deliverance, glory, holiness, and redemption of God.