Soulfood

I originally wrote these out while attending the 50th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America. I am leaving in these specifics as an example of how to apply the words of the psalms in prayer for specific situations. I hope it is helpful!

The Psalms of the Day for the fifteenth day of the month are 15, 45, 75, 105, and 135.

Please pray Psalm 15 for all our leaders, and especially for the men of the General Assembly, that we would be like the Righteous Man who shall dwell on God’s holy hill – walking blamelessly, doing what is right, speaking truth with our tongues, not slandering, doing no evil to one another, not taking up reproaches against each other, despising evil, honoring those who fear YHWH, keeping our vows, not seeking unjust gain, and not perverting justice for personal gain. Pray that we would not be moved from the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Psalm 45 is a psalm of triumph about our King. We pray it with thanksgiving and joy that Jesus is on the throne and he subdues all peoples and nations to himself. He brings us (his bride) into the palace with joy and gladness! Indeed, this GA has been a time of great joy and gladness not only as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the PCA’s founding but also as we have moved past some of the tumult of controversies from the past 2-3 years to new unity of purpose in showing forth the truth of the gospel that raises dead people to life. Pray that our work will aid the psalmist’s aim to cause Jesus’ name to be remembered in all generations, so that nations will praise him forever and ever!

Psalm 75 is a psalm of thanksgiving to the God Who judges the earth with true equity. We pray it with humility, aware that we in ourselves could not stand in the day of judgement, with hearts thankful that God has shed His spirit abroad in our hearts so that we are no longer like the wicked who boast in themselves and set themselves up against God. May our judgements be in accord with the righteous judgement of Him Who makes the nations to drink His cup of judgment, as we hope in Jesus who drank that cup for us so that we are saved from the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin. 

Psalm 105 is a psalm of remembering YHWH’s covenant faithfulness to His people. Pray the words of the psalm substituting in the things God has done for you – deliverance from sin, healing from illnesses, provision of employment and all that is needed for life and godliness, help in times of trouble, etc. Truly God is good to His people!

In much the same theme, Psalm 135 praises God for His mighty deeds but also because He is the true and living God, not a product of human fashioning. Let us bless YHWH together with thanksgiving and praise!