Psalm 111 - A Psalm of Praise (Orientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try entering into praise with this three-part rhythm:

Part 1

Become present to the presence of God:

Every morning I lay out the pieces of my life on your altar and watch for fire to descend. (Psalm 5:3 The Message).

Pause in silence before God. Practice breathing slowly and deeply. As you inhale, invite the Holy Spirit to fill every part of your being- your body, mind, imagination, affections and emotions. As you exhale, release any burdens you are carrying into this time of prayer. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self -‘as is’ -before the presence of God.

Optional prayer of approach: ‘I wake in a world of wonder upon wonder, life coursing through every vein, mercy and grace woven into every thread… You have given us all things: life, death, present, future- all is ours, for we are yours. Your works, words, wisdom are tried, true, timeless, immovable, unchangeable. Now I wake in your word-shaped world, my heart a fountain of praise to you!’ (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 111).

Part 2

Slowly read Psalm 111 (NIV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1  Praise the Lord.

I will extol the Lord with all my heart
    in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

2 Great are the works of the Lord;
    they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;
    the Lord is gracious and compassionate.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
    he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
    giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
    all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are established for ever and ever,
    enacted in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;
    he ordained his covenant forever—
    holy and awesome is his name.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
    all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
    To him belongs eternal praise.

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 111 back to God:

Begin by personalizing the pronouns in the psalm, turning the words about God into a prayer directly to God. For example, v. 2 (‘Great are the works of the Lord’) becomes ‘Great are YOUR works, Lord…’ Pray your way through the psalm in this way.

Then gather these thoughts into your own psalm of praise and thanksgiving:  

“Lord God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit- I praise you, for you are…

“I praise you for what you have done. Specifically, I thank you for…

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, as prayers set to music. Throughout the history of Israel and the church, the people of God have sung the psalms. Song invites us to internalize the Word of God with the whole self- body, mind, imagination, emotions and affections. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 111 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

from the album ‘My Cry Ascends’ (2010) by Michael Card (lyrics by Gregory Wilbur). michaelcard.com