Psalm 32 - 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: “Lord, I have stumbled and staggered, drawn to sin like moth to flame- hands cupped round the flickering wick, that you might not put it out. I have played with fire, too enraptured to feel the burn. Such is sin held in: it ravishes within. Like one bent with grief, I twisted and turned, while grace rapped on the door… I opened my heart, laying it before you: the full weight of my wandering.” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 32).

Part 2

Slowly read from Psalm 32 (NIV) out loud: (for audio versions click here)

1 Blessed is the one

    whose transgressions are forgiven,
    whose sins are covered.
2 Blessed is the one
    whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.

3 When I kept silent,
    my bones wasted away
    through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night
    your hand was heavy on me;
my strength was sapped
    as in the heat of summer.

5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you
    and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
    my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave
    the guilt of my sin.

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
    while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
    will not reach them.
7 You are my hiding place;
    you will protect me from trouble
    and surround me with songs of deliverance.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
9 Do not be like the horse or the mule,
    which have no understanding
but must be controlled by bit and bridle
    or they will not come to you.
10 Many are the woes of the wicked,
    but the Lord’s unfailing love
    surrounds the one who trusts in him.

11 Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous;
    sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Part 3

Use your own words to pray Psalm 32 back to God:

  • Describe an experience of pain, difficulty, or failure…

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

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

From The Psalms Project, Vol I, 2021 by Mike Janzen. mikejanzentrio.com

from the album, ‘Redemption Songs’ (2000) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com