Psalm 48 - 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. 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, give me a heart that longs for New Creation; that clings to the promise of that blessed Not Yet. Here, in this land of shade and shadow, all grows old and grey, lost to the hands of time. I look to the City that is to come. In that eternal dawn, when the last enemy has been destroyed, you will be glorified, Lord- the rightful Ruler of a world made new: the King of New Jerusalem.” (Sheltering Mercy, by Ryan Whitaker Smith and Dan Wilt: Psalm 48).
Part 2
Slowly read Psalm 48 out loud: (for audio versions click here)
Psalm 48 (ESV)
1 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised
in the city of our God!
His holy mountain, 2 beautiful in elevation,
is the joy of all the earth,
Mount Zion, in the far north,
the city of the great King.
3 Within her citadels God
has made himself known as a fortress.
4 For behold, the kings assembled;
they came on together.
5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded;
they were in panic; they took to flight.
6 Trembling took hold of them there,
anguish as of a woman in labor.
7 By the east wind you shattered
the ships of Tarshish.
8 As we have heard, so have we seen
in the city of the Lord of hosts,
in the city of our God,
which God will establish forever. Selah
9 We have thought on your steadfast love, O God,
in the midst of your temple.
10 As your name, O God,
so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth.
Your right hand is filled with righteousness.
11 Let Mount Zion be glad!
Let the daughters of Judah rejoice
because of your judgments!
12 Walk about Zion, go around her,
number her towers,
13 consider well her ramparts,
go through her citadels,
that you may tell the next generation
14 that this is God,
our God forever and ever.
He will guide us forever.
Part 3
Use your own words to pray Psalm 48 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…
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 48 set to music. Try taking the psalm song with you into your day.
By Poor Bishop Hooper. everypsalm.com