Psalm 30 - 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 God, as much as this feeble heart can manage, may it exalt you today. I am numbered with the redeemed; an heir of endless grace- lifted from the well; drawn from death’s door. The enemy longed to have me, but you heard the cry of my heart. In your mercy, you wrestled me from his hands- restored me; renewed me; annulled death’s claim on me. You have raised me up- a new creation, one with Christ.” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 30).

Part 2

Slowly read from Psalm 30 (ESV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up

    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you have healed me.

3 O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.

4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,
    “I shall never be moved.”
7 By your favor, O Lord,
    you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face; I was dismayed.

8 To you, O Lord, I cry,
    and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
9 “What profit is there in my death,
    if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it tell of your faithfulness?
10 Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me! O Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
    you have loosed my sackcloth
    and clothed me with gladness,
12 that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 30 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 30 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.

From the album “Songs for the Journey, Vol. 3” (2019) by the Shiyr Poets. theshiyrpoets.com

from the album ‘Psalm Songs Vol. 1’ (2015) by Corner Room. cornerroommusic.com