Psalm 127

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.

"1 Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. 2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
3 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. 4 Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. 5 How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates."

When inquiring about what psalm to post as a prayer in the "praying the psalms" series, I thought what an unlikely "song" for a prayer. Then I read it again, and it definitely speaks to a spiritual need in our daily walk of faith and in practical living. Let's pray...

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for the privilege of prayer because of your grace extended to us by our faith in Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son. We reverence your holiness and worship you just because you are the Sovereign God, the Most High God. Father God, we agree that the welfare of our household and our family is under your control. You are our security, not personal toil and exhaustion, so we ask you to forgive us for our arrogance in acting as though we are achieving and accomplishing great feats on our own abilities and capabilities. You are the great Watchman. Thank you! We recognize that our children are gifts from you, and adds true wealth to our home. We thank for them. Forgive us for complaining and becoming so frustrated with them that we are disrespectful and ungrateful for the gift you have bestowed upon us ... the miracle of life. Father, help us to be godly parents who teach our young children your principles, which will sustain them through life's challenges.

We ask that you build our house, watch over and protect our city, let your favor surround our children, and continue to bless us. Oh! How will exalt your name and give you praise, and most of all, we rest in you. We pray this prayer with thanksgiving in Jesus' name. Amen.

Prayer to Escape - Psalm 55

One commonality we find in the Book of Psalms is that the writer shares openly and expresses his emotions just like we do even in the 21st Century. Although the times have changed from centuries ago (biblical times), and we're living in a different culture, there are some things that don't change when it comes to human beings—our need to express our feelings, whether good, bad, right or wrong. "It is what it is..."

The writer is expressing his feelings in Psalm 55 in no uncertain terms. Have you ever felt as though God didn't hear your prayers; that He is ignoring your cry for help. Everything is falling apart. All that could go wrong did... you were in a "panic" mode. All you wanted to do was "escape" the madness. But where could you go... but to the Lord (oh, yeah; that's a song, right) At that time, it is an opportune time to pray Psalm 55. Let's pray:

Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down.
My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can’t stop shaking. Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness.

Hear this; this is written just for you reading this right now. Hear what the Lord says to you in verse 22:

Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.

Be encouraged! Be thankful! Be prayerful! Don't stop praying!