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Wisdom Prayer

Shouts of Joy?

Shouts of Joy?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who know the Lord has done great things for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The great things God has done are a reason to shout for joy.

There is stark contrast between weeping and shouts of joy, yet scripture connects the two.

In Psalm 126:1-6 (ESV) the psalmist mentions the tears. Scripture also says what follows are the “shouts of joy.” Joyful shouts are mentioned three times in six verses.

Restoration would make a people rejoice and shout for joy!

The notes in the English Standard Version related to Psalm 126 refer to the idea that “Some scholars think that this is specifically ‘returned from exile’ (cf. Deut. 30:3), but the expression is more general than that…vv. 5-6 of Psalm 126 refer to the more general type of restoration.”

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.

Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.”

In life, people weep for a season and can later experience joy.

If you are in a season of weeping, it may be wise and appropriate to talk to a pastor or other trusted advisor. Prayer is also important. Hebrews 10:25 is about gathering together. Talk, pray, and gather together.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Categories
Wisdom Prayer

The Peace of Jerusalem?

The Peace of Jerusalem?

Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The notes related to Psalm 122 in the English Standard Version of the Bible say,

“This Psalm celebrates Zion as God’s chosen city. (Psalm 46, 48, 76, 87), and specifically the privilege of going their on a pilgrimage. (c.f. Psalm 84) Not only is ‘the house of the Lord’ there, but so are ‘the thrones of the house of David.’ Christians who sing this recognize that in their gathered worship they are carrying out the task of the temple, and their Davidic king (Jesus) is present with them (1 Pet. 2:4-5; cf. Eph. 2:19-22).”

Psalm 122:1-9 (ESV) references the peace of Jerusalem.

“I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord!”
Our feet have been standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem!

Jerusalem—built as a city
that is bound firmly together,
to which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the Lord,
as was decreed for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
There thrones for judgment were set,
the thrones of the house of David.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
‘May they be secure who love you!
Peace be within your walls
and security within your towers!’
For my brothers and companions’ sake
I will say, ‘Peace be within you!’
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your good.”

Imagine being on a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem. The excitement would grow as the time to go in was getting closer and closer. It was The Place to worship God.

Still today, God is in control, and prayer changes things. Stop and say a prayer for the peace of Jerusalem.

Tell me what you think in the comments below.