Psalm 128 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: ‘’Lord, to follow you, to know you, is life; to love you is to lean into reality; to swim downstream, tread downhill, run unhindered. Your commands are freedoms. You discipline is kindness. In light of your grace, everything is a blessing… May we remember that we are yours.” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 128).

Part 2

Slowly read Psalm 128 (ESV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
    who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
    you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
    who fears the Lord.

5 The Lord bless you from Zion!
    May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children's children!
    Peace be upon Israel!

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 128 back to God:

Pray about your legacy. What do you most and least want to pass on to the next generation?

Finish these statements…
"I lament the sorrow and pain in my life and world that has resulted from unwise choices... (my choices and the choices of others)

“I thank you God for giving us clear boundaries, for defining for us what is true and false, good and evil, wise and foolish. And thank you for giving us the freedom to choose the good. I bring to you the choices that are before me today…

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

From the album ‘Sing Psalms- Let Joy Resound’ (2021) by Brian Sauve. briansauve.com