Psalm 147: Praying Through The Psalms

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him! The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel (Ps. 147:1-2).

Heavenly Father, you are worthy to receive honor and praise from our lips. For it is fitting and right to praise you. For you have built up Jerusalem. You have gathered the exiles of Israel. You have protected your people from cruel foes who rise up against those who worship you.

There are many people today who do not know of your goodness. Reveal your holiness so that they might turn from their wicked ways and trust in you for salvation. For you are a good Father. Slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and mercy—to a thousand generations.

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground (Ps. 147:3-6).

O Lord, when pain and emotional turmoil strike, your grace heals our wounded hearts. You bind up our wounds and heal us with your mighty hand. Not only are you intimately involved in our lives, but you even determine the number of the stars and call them each by name. If you have a personal name for the billions of stars in our universe, how much more do you have a name for humankind—created in your image?

Your power is everlasting. Your understanding has no boundaries. For your ways are higher than our ways and your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. You are omniscient. Nothing will be hidden from you. That’s why it’s good for us to be honest and transparent. When we humble ourselves, you sustain us. But when we are boastful and wicked, we will be cast away from your presence. O Lord, have mercy on us!

Sing to the Lord with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp. He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes the grass grow on the hills. He provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call (Ps. 147:7-9).

Almighty God, you created us with mouths to praise you. You fashioned a voice box so we can sing of your wonderous deeds. Let us dance, sing, and make music to worship the Lord our God. For you nurture creation with supplying rain and making grass grow in abundance. Thank you for the overabundance you provide on the earth; help us to cultivate and take care of the invaluable resources you have given to us.

O God, you also provide food for the cattle, the ravens, and all the animals on the earth. You care for each one of them. God, you are full of grace and love. You desire that all creatures are full of delight and enjoy their lives. Praise be to your glorious name!

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. Extol the Lord, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion. He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat (Ps. 147:10-14).

Everlasting Father, you do not delight in the strength of the animals or the fierceness of a warrior. Instead, you delight in those who fear you. Your Word tells us that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Also, this fear is in reverence, not out of the fear of harm or rejection. Because we know that perfect love casts out all fear. And you are perfect in love.

As believers, we put our hope in your unfailing love. When circumstances are difficult to bear, remind us of your unfailing love. For you are the God of Zion. You are the God of the heavens and the earth. In fact, there is no other god besides you!

He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow (Ps. 147:15-18).

King of the Universe, when you speak, people listen. When you command, your words run swiftly. For your power and glory is to be obeyed with reverence. Thank you for being patient and kind to us, even when we disobey. Help us to not fall away from your grace.

You spread the snow like wool and scatter the frost like ashes. O Lord, you hurl down hail like pebbles. Your awesome splendor and power in creation is evident. For the heavens declare the glory of God; your handiwork gives you praise. No one can withstand your awesome power. All will bow and give homage to your righteousness. For all generations. Halleluiah.

He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the Lord (Ps. 147:19-20).

Holy Maker, you have revealed your word to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—our forefathers. You sent the laws and decrees to Israel and established them as a mighty nation. For none of the other nations knew of your decrees and your righteousness. They weren’t able to praise you.

However, when you sent your Son Jesus to atone for the sins of the world, both Jews and Gentiles heard the good news. For every nation, tribe, and tongue has the opportunity to know your law; for it has been written on our hearts. O God, teach us to obey your commands.

Implore us to fulfill the great commission by going into all the world and preaching the gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. For we know you are with us, even to the end of the age. Blessings, honor, and glory to you alone. Thanks for hearing our prayers. Amen!

Prayer by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)