Psalm 115 A Psalm of Wisdom (Orientation)
by Pastor Paul Dugan
Try entering into prayer 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. 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: “Father, to your name be all honor; to you be all acclaim! Gather up the praise of this bustling world: creation thriving, humanity flourishing, galaxies expanding- praise! Though our hearts are fickle, tongues loose, though we hoard glory for ourselves- may we learn to look to you King of Glory.” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 115).
Part 2
Slowly read Psalm 115 (CEB) out loud: (for audio versions click here)
1 Not to us, Lord, not to us—
no, but to your own name give glory
because of your loyal love and faithfulness!
2 Why do the nations say,
“Where’s their God now?”
3 Our God is in heaven—
he can do whatever he wants!
4 Their idols are just silver and gold—
things made by human hands.
5 They have mouths, but they can’t speak.
They have eyes, but they can’t see.
6 They have ears, but they can’t hear.
They have noses, but they can’t smell.
7 They have hands, but they can’t feel.
They have feet, but they can’t walk.
They can’t even make a noise in their throats!
8 Let the people who made these idols
and all who trust in them
become just like them!
9 But you, Israel, trust in the Lord!
God is their help and shield.
10 Trust in the Lord, house of Aaron!
God is their help and shield.
11 You who honor the Lord, trust in the Lord!
God is their help and shield.
12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
God will bless the house of Israel;
God will bless the house of Aaron;
13 God will bless those who honor the Lord—
from the smallest to the greatest.
14 May the Lord add to your numbers -
both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
the maker of heaven and earth!
16 The highest heaven belongs to the Lord,
but he gave the earth to all people.
17 The dead don’t praise the Lord,
nor do those who go down to silence.
18 But us? We will bless the Lord
from now until forever from now!
Part 3
Use your own words to pray Psalm 115 back to God:
"Lord Jesus, show me the ways I have been making my own ‘little gods’…
I reject the lie that ….. (name your god) can deliver real fulfillment.
Dethrone every false object of worship in my life. You alone deserve that central place.
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 115 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.
From the album ‘Psalms from the Well’ (2023) by The Worship Initiative. theworshipinitiative.com
from the album ‘Man of Sorrows’ (2023) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com
from the album Hallel Psalms (2013) by Cardiphonia Music. cardiphonia.com