Psalm 122 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try entering into gratitude with this three-part rhythm:

Part 1

Become present to the presence of God:

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. (Psalm 9:1 ESV).

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 God, when your people gather- the children of the King united in worship and wonder- we are filled with the fullness of your joy. We have tasted and seen your goodness, walked in the light of your radiance, glimpsed the coming kingdom in the here and now. New Jerusalem, heaven’s holy city, whose gates are never shut- … You will be called the Place of New Beginnings, for the old things will be forgotten when all is made new. As we long for that day, may we walk in unity and in peace….” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 122).

Part 2

Slowly read from Psalm 122 (ESV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1  I was glad when they said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
2 Our feet have been standing
    within your gates, O Jerusalem!

3 Jerusalem—built as a city
    that is bound firmly together,
4 to which the tribes go up,
    the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
    to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
5 There thrones for judgment were set,
    the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
    “May they be secure who love you!
7 Peace be within your walls
    and security within your towers!”
8 For my brothers and companions' sake
    I will say, “Peace be within you!”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your good.

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 122 back to God:

  • Describe an experience of pain or difficulty…

  • What reminded you to call on the Lord?

  • Describe your experience of God’s deliverance, provision, or guidance. Give him thanks!

  • With whom can you share this story?

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 122 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

From the album, ‘Songs for the Sojourn, Vol 1’ (2019) by Cardiphonia Music. cardiphonia.bandcamp.com