Psalm 139 - 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. 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, may I take comfort in the knowledge that I am known by you. My rest, rising, ruminations, are known by you. My direction and digressions are known by you. My pondering and pontificating are known by you. I am encircled, enveloped, embraced, lost in wonder at the thought that I am loved by you, seen by you…” (Endless Grace, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 139).
Part 2
Slowly read Psalm 139:1-14 (ESV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)
1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.
7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
9 If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,”
12 even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
13 For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well…
…
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Part 3
Use your own words to pray Psalm 139 back to God:
“Lord God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit- I praise you, for who you are…
“I praise you for what you have done. Specifically, I thank you for…
Psalm 139 begins with ‘O Lord, you have searched me and known me!’ (v. 1), and yet concludes with, ‘Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts’ (v. 23)
How do you make sense of this paradox in the heart of the psalmist? Can you identify with this struggle?
What part of your life have you tried to hide from God? Are you willing to open the door, saying ‘Search me, O God’? Why not start right now?
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 139 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.
Music from Shane and Shane from the album Psalms II (2015). shaneandshane.com
Psalm 139A, from the album "Psalm Songs, Volume 2." (2018) by Corner Room. cornerroommusic.com.
Psalm 139B, from the album "Psalm Songs, Volume 2." (2018) by Corner Room. cornerroommusic.com.
from the album, ‘Heaven and Earth’ (2023) by Aaron Shust. aaronshust.com.