Psalm 45 - A Psalm of Enthronement (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- 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: “You are exalted: King of all the earth; the One to whom every knee will bow, every tongue confess your lordship… We have counted everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing you, my Lord. Old ways have been forgotten. Old paths forsaken. We were bedridden with regret; lost in hopeless fear; until you breathed new life into us. With gentleness you healed our brokenness, restored the years stolen by fear and worry. You have arrayed us in truth, righteousness, readiness. Guarded us with faith, salvation, the sword of your Spirit. We wake in the house of God, at peace in your presence, each day a new adventure of trusting you…” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 45).
Part 2
Slowly read Psalm 45 out loud: (for audio versions click here)
Psalm 45 (NIV)
1 My heart is stirred by a noble theme
as I recite my verses for the king;
my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.
2 You are the most excellent of men
and your lips have been anointed with grace,
since God has blessed you forever.
3 Gird your sword on your side, you mighty one;
clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.
4 In your majesty ride forth victoriously
in the cause of truth, humility and justice;
let your right hand achieve awesome deeds.
5 Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies;
let the nations fall beneath your feet.
6 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.
7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.
8 All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia;
from palaces adorned with ivory
the music of the strings makes you glad.
9 Daughters of kings are among your honored women;
at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.
10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention:
Forget your people and your father’s house.
11 Let the king be enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord.
12 The city of Tyre will come with a gift,
people of wealth will seek your favor.
13 All glorious is the princess within her chamber;
her gown is interwoven with gold.
14 In embroidered garments she is led to the king;
her virgin companions follow her—
those brought to be with her.
15 Led in with joy and gladness,
they enter the palace of the king.
16 Your sons will take the place of your fathers;
you will make them princes throughout the land.
17 I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;
therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
Part 3
Use your own words to pray Psalm 45 back to God:
“Lord God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit- I praise you, for you are…
“I praise you for what you have done. Specifically, I thank you for…
How is the rule of King Jesus different from that of human rulers?
Restate the words of Psalm 45 as addressed to King Jesus.
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 45 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.
from the album ‘Psalms II’ (2015) by Shane and Shane. shaneandshane.com