Pastoral Prayer from Psalm 149

Pastoral Prayer from

Psalm 149 HCSB

1 Hallelujah! Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly. 2 Let Israel celebrate its Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King. 3 Let them praise His name with dancing and make music to Him with tambourine and lyre. 4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation. 5 Let the godly celebrate in triumphal glory; let them shout for joy on their beds. 6 Let the exaltation of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands, 7 inflicting vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, 8 binding their kings with chains and their dignitaries with iron shackles, 9 carrying out the judgment decreed against them. This honor is for all His godly people. Hallelujah!

Our Father, our God,

Our prayer this morning is focused heavenward and considering the majestic theme of worship of You, our Lord.

We add our voices to the eternal choir in praise to Your holy name for You are our Creator and our King. We celebrate your glory for You alone are exalted forever. Your glory is above heaven and earth, far above everything You created.

This prompts us to sing with Your people a new song — a song of redemption. You enjoy the lively spirited praise of Your people who employ every means — stringed, wind, and percussion instruments — but mostly our hearts and minds to sing of Your wonder and Your glory.

We have no merit. We are fallen, sinful, helpless, and needy sinners with no ability to free ourselves from the dreadful bondages of sin. But You made a way through Jesus Christ our Lord. Your Word promises that all who call on His name will be saved.

We are profoundly blessed and grateful to rest in Your promises in Christ that they are Yea and amen.

And so we this morning offer You our praise with profound yet humble thanksgiving.

So we sing! We sing! from our hearts because of the greatness of Your salvation You have given us in Your Son, in whose name we pray.

Amen