Psalm 72

Psalm 72 can be understood on two levels. It is a prophetic psalm pointing to the future when God’s redemption of His creation is complete. In this sense, the psalmist is pointing to Jesus, who is the King of Kings that fulfills all the prayers in this psalm. It is a helpful psalm for those seeking to live life in Christ as it paints a portrait of the living Christ, loving and caring for his people. As we are co-laborers with Christ, building for the coming Kingdom of God, we keep our eyes on this “Jesus, the originator and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Presidential inaugurations usually include a clergy person offering a prayer for the President. As you read this psalm, imagine a presidential prayer modeled after Psalm 72. Surely, it needs editing since we don’t have a monarch and we don’t refer to the reign of our presidents. But, the heart of the psalm reflects God’s will for leaders. Even if the inauguration doesn’t include prayers modeled after this psalm, we can pray this way for our leaders.

Here’s my first draft of a prayer fashioned after Psalm 72:

Give your love of justice to our president, O God. Help him govern your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly. May the mountains yield prosperity for all, and may the hills be fruitful. Help him to defend the poor, to rescue the children of the needy, and to deal justly with their oppressors. May the president’s administration be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. May all the godly flourish during his term. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more. May his enemies fall before him in the dust and all nations respect and honor him. May the people always pray for him and bless him all day long. May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise. Praise the Lord God, the God of all creation, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

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Reading for July 13, 2012          Psalm 73