Psalm 65: Praying Through The Psalms

Praise eagerly awaits you, God, in Zion; vows shall be fulfilled unto you. (Ps. 65:1-2)

Heavenly Father, you are worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. The word תְּהִלָּה (tehillah) means praise, and דֹּמֶמֶת (domemet) carries the sense of waiting or being silent. As we stand before you in silence, we are conveying the holiness and power of your presence.

O God, there is no one else in this world that understands our deepest need and desires. Our covenant and vows belong to you. We commit to devoting our lives to your will. For your kingdom come and your will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.

You, who hearken to prayers, draw all people unto yourself. In moments when sins overwhelmed me, your atonement became the redemption for our transgressions. (Ps. 65:2-3)

Creator of the universe, hear our prayers. Listen to the heartbroken speeches we make before your majestic throne. Your word tells us that when we lift your name up, you will draw all people to yourself. God, your steadfast love and mercy gravitates all of your creation to your unconditional grace.

Almighty God, my sins are ever before me. My transgressions, פָּשַׂע and rebellion against your commands is evident. Praise be to your marvelous grace that you have atoned my sins through the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Through your son Jesus, you פָּשַׂע “covered” my iniquities. You clothed me in your righteousness. Praise be to the Triune God!

Blessed is the one chosen and brought near by you, that they may dwell in your courts, filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple. (Ps. 65:4)

Righteous King, we are blessed to know you as our Lord and Savior. You have chosen us before the foundation of this world. You have brought us near that we may dwell in your heavenly courts. I rejoice in בָּרוּךְ, being blessed and favored by you.

No longer do we need to go to Solomon’s temple, or the second temple built after the Babylonian exile. For all of these temples have been destroyed by man, but the temple you are speaking with is spiritual. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us believers are temples of God’s presence. You live within us, and we are overjoyed by your power and awe.

Through awe-inspiring deeds of righteousness, you answer us, O God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, of those who are far away on the sea. (Ps. 65:5-6)

Prince of peace, you listen to our prayers. You answer us from your holy mountain, O God of our salvation. The Hebrew word here אָמַן highlights “answering” our prayers with steadfastness and perfect reliability. King Jesus, we can rely on you every step of the way.

King of kings, you are the hope for humankind. The world is full of fear, pain, and suffering, and yet we can come to you for comfort and healing. No matter how near or far, you will always find a way to connect with our hearts. May we continue to trust in you.