Psalm 124 - 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- 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: “Lord, where would I be without your faithfulness, your providence, your grace? If not for your guiding hand, I would be lost in this world- a wanderer in the dark, prey for every enemy of the light. In your mercy, you have sheltered me., defended me, delivered me…” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 124).

Part 2

Slowly read from Psalm 124 (NIV) out loud: (for an audio version click here)

1  If the Lord had not been on our side—

    let Israel say—
2 if the Lord had not been on our side
    when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive
    when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us,
    the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters
    would have swept us away.

6 Praise be to the Lord,
    who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird
    from the fowler’s snare;
the snare has been broken,
    and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 124 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 124 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

From the album, Fractures (2017) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com

From the album, Come to Me (2018) by Wendell Kimbrough. wendellk.com