Psalm 19: Praying Through The Psalms

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the works of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge (Ps 19:1-2).

Heavenly Father, the heavens declare your glory. The word declare in Hebrew, מְֽסַפְּרִ֥ים, means to take account of or reckon. There is this divine assurance that you created the universe—and the created order is unveiling your handiwork. For day after day, your infinite wisdom is revealed.

The word knowledge, דָּֽעַת, also indicates your perception and skill. This is why the apostle Paul pronounced in his epistle to the Romans: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse (Rom. 1:20).”

They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun (Ps 19:3-4).

Gracious Redeemer, though the stars have no speech, words, or sound—their handiwork displays the amazing gifts you have as an artist and intelligent Creator. At night, when I stare into numerous galaxies, I am humbled and delighted by your steadfast love.

For if you pitch a tent for the sun—if you created a tabernacle, אֹ֥הֶל or dwelling for the star in this solar system, how much more have you created a home for us in heaven? Praise be to God.

It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of it’s warm (Ps. 19:5-6).

Sovereign Lord, the picture you have created for us in the solar system is remarkable. For when we see the brilliance of the sun, like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course—all I can think of is the glorious day you will marry your Church.

Prayer commentary by Chad A. Damitz (M.Div)