Psalm 113 Prayer

Psalms 113–118 are known as The Great Hallel. They comprise Israel’s “Hallelujah Chorus,” so to speak. They were sung repeatedly throughout the year and in their entirety at the annual feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. They were sung at the time of the new moon, except when the moon heralded a new year.

They teach us that God would have His people be preeminently a praising people. The word praise and its synonyms occur in the psalms no less than 186 times. So, no matter now sad and sorrowful some of our life situations along the way, we should learn to praise the Lord. John Phillips, Exploring Psalms 89–150: An Expository Commentary, vol. 2, The John Phillips Commentary Series (Kregel Publications; WORDsearch Corp., 2012), Ps 113.

Verse 1 - To my majestic Father above, Hallelujah to your eternal Lordship. I thank you for this new found life in Jesus Christ who has shaped me into your servant. O how I am humbled and thankful to wait on You and do Your will. O Lord, please help me to never forget my place as your servant to praise Your name.

Verse 2 - To our eternal Lord. What joy it is to carry the new name you have given me the moment I placed my faith in the risen Christ. There is never a moment when my new name brings me shame. There is never a time I can’t carry Your name with dignity and respect. Only You have bought me and recovered my lost dignity. Help me to ever keep Your name before me.

Verse 3 - Father in Heaven. O how marvelous is the fact that the praise of Your name has spread across the globe. How amazing it is that you have allowed me through my local church to be a conduit to spread this praise in different parts of the world through missionary efforts. Help me to maintain a zeal to be missional and keep your praise spread from north to south and east to west.

Verse 4 - To my eternal King. It sorrows my heart to be surrounded by a culture where many man made kingdoms of darkness are being built. Some of which are extremely opposed to my faith. O how I look forward to the day when you glorious and eternal kingdom descends to overthrow every kingdom of darkness. Help to walk with anticipation of living in a kingdom of radiant beauty while I praise Your name.

Verse 5 - Heavenly Father. Out of all the names of earthly giants, none can attempt to tower over your greatness! Every earthly name is dwarfed in comparison to Yours. Lead my heart to become so lost in your greatness that doubt nor worry can find its way into my heart.

Verse 6 - Most gracious Lord. The thoughts of, while in Your majesty, You continue to stoop down to this planet to be near me and care for me. How marvelous it is to ponder the fact that while you sit on your heavenly throne you see me and all that I am enduring. I am unworthy of the ultimate manifestation of Your grace; the incarnation of Jesus Christ. Praise Your name!

Verse 7-8 - To my compassionate Father. You are to be praised for never overlooking the outcast and less fortunate. You never offer more to those of a higher class than that of a lower class. There has never been a time nor will ever be when the Bread of Life is not available to those the world cares little about. O Lord, help me to extend grace as you do.

Verse 9 - To my loving Lord. Out of all of the heartbreaking experiences you take notice of, You speak of how you will care and bless the women in who’s barrenness have become a reproach to her. You provide a joy for their heart that can only come from You and be sustained by You. How awesome it is that you are the answer to every part of our brokenness. Praise You holy name!

AMEN