Feb. 5, 2015: Psalm 24

We encourage you to read this devotion three times a day.  Start in the morning and reflect upon the morning reflection question. Then in the afternoon, read it again and reflect using the noon question for reflection.  For the evening, take time to ponder how this has resonated with you in the day and reflecting using the evening question.  We offer a prayer with each devotion for you to pray or we invite you to pray what is in your heart. 

Psalm 24

¹ The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
   the world, and those who live in it;
² for he has founded it on the seas,
   and established it on the rivers.

³ Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
   And who shall stand in his holy place?
⁴ Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
   who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
   and do not swear deceitfully.
⁵ They will receive blessing from the Lord,
   and vindication from the God of their salvation.
⁶ Such is the company of those who seek him,
   who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
          Selah

⁷ Lift up your heads, O gates!
   and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
   that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is the King of glory?
   The Lord, strong and mighty,
   the Lord, mighty in battle.
⁹ Lift up your heads, O gates!
   and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
   that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is this King of glory?
   The Lord of hosts,
   he is the King of glory.
          Selah

Reflection:
This is a beautiful Psalm that served as a call to worship for Ancient Israel. Larry Broding points out that this Psalm as set up as a responsive reading call to worship, which should feel very familiar to those of us who attend traditional services. It begins with a universal statement about the greatness of God in vs 1-2 and then a question and response continues in verses 3-10. It is very similar to the calls to worship and group praises we use today, in fact there are calls to worship based on this Psalm. I can close my eyes and hear a victorious army of Israel singing this hymn as they returned from battle or the city reciting it in praise at the temple. How are we going to follow the example of this Psalm and offer praise to God today? It is important for us, as Christians, to cultivate a heart of praise for God. It is important for us as humans to cultivate an attitude of praise and thankfulness. It leads to greater contentment and happiness in our lives now and reminds us of all the ways we have been blessed. Shawn Anchor, a Harvard phycologist, and many other psychologists have described happiness is being determined not by what you have, but by your attitude. Anchor argues that if he knew everything about a person’s external life (money, job, wealth, number of friends, etc.) that he would only be able to predict 10% of that person’s happiness. The other 90% is in our heads, hearts and souls. We were created to give praise and be thankful. It is hardwired into who we are as people, and the ways that we do it determine a large part of our happiness. Give thanks to God today, because God is worth giving thanks too. 

Questions for Reflection:
Morning Activity to try today: A breath prayer. It is a simple short prayer that should be no longer than one breathe. I am inviting you to take a few moments to come up with a simple statement of praise. I.E: God has blessed me through……, I am grateful for….., God is an awesome God, be creative. Then, after you have your prayer, say it all day today. Randomly as you are walking to your car. Say it when you feel frustrated, say it as you check your email or wait on hold.

Noon: Write down three things that you are thankful for or have been blessed with

Evening : Take a few moments to reflect on your breathe prayer. How did it feel to say it? Did it help you keep life in perspective today? Do you want to try it again tomorrow?