Tag Archives: Psalm 119

Oct 10 2014
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The Love of God’s Word

As short as Psalm 117 is, Psalm 119 is long.  I often wonder if it is revered because it is 176 verses long.  But in reality it is a reverential Psalm because it invites us to take a closer look at the Word of God.  Moreover, to delight in greater understanding of God’s laws, decrees, commandments, statutes, precepts, promises, sayings, judgments, testimonies, ways is to realize that God’s Word can and does take on a life of its own within our lives. 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote the following:  Psalm 119 becomes especially difficult for us, perhaps, because of its length and monotony.  In this case a rather slow, quiet, patient advance, is helpful.  Then we recognize that the apparent theme, namely the love of God’s word.  As this love can never cease, so also the words which confess it can never cease.

Take time to read through Psalm 119, and then remember, confess and fall in love again with the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us!  May we see in new light God’s glory which is as of the only Son from the Father,  full of grace and truth (John 1:14).   Amen and amen.

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Sep 12 2014
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Wholehearted Prayer

I have always liked numbers. Therefore, I think Psalm 111 should get as much attention as Psalm 117, which is the shortest, and Psalm 119, which is the longest, because it is the only Psalm with the same 3 digits.

I have always liked praying Psalm 111. It is the one I go to when I feel half-hearted about praying. The voice of the Psalmist energizes and excites me, but more importantly invites me to praise and give thanks to God with my whole heart, as someone who is praying in fellowship with others who have seen the power of God’s works first hand.

See if you agree! Take a few moments and pray through Psalm 111 with wholehearted thanksgiving for the great works of God in your life.

Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!

Martin Luther wrote this about praying the Psalms wholeheartedly:
“Our dear Lord, who has given to us and taught us to pray the Psalms and the Lord’s Prayer, grants to us also the spirit of prayer and of grace so that we pray with enthusiasm and earnest faith, properly and without ceasing, for we need to do this; he has asked for it and therefore wants to have it from us. To him be praise, honor, and thanksgiving. Amen”

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