Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem
There is a little pond (actually a swamp) in the woods near my home, which is visible from my deck. On many a morning, while having my coffee, I see a little deer brave the dogs, coyotes, foxes, bicycles, and cars to sneak a sip of water from the pond. There is no alternative. She MUST get to that life-giving water.
This is one of the most well-known settings of this Psalm.
I am sure that there are many more! The Psalm is so personal and lyrical that it practically sets ITSELF to music.
This is a Psalm of David, written in time of distress, perhaps even exile when he was on the run from Absalom. It is assigned to the Music Director for "The Sons of Korah". These were the Levitical Choir in the Tabernacle Service, and were descendants of Levi. This is the first Psalm in the second "Song Book" and is the first of a smaller group of seven Psalms in a row assigned to "The Sons of Korah". So, even though it is incredibly personal, it is meant to be shared as Liturgy.
David's longing for the connection to God is the theme of this Psalm, as he reminisces about his enthusiasm in the early days of his relationship with the Almighty. He waxes nostalgic about leading Worship, celebrating God's presence, and being a part of a worshiping community. But now he is no longer in a position of Leadership, is in exile, and is longing for God, like the little thirsty deer.
He asks the question:
5 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
This rhetorical question is answered right away, and becomes the repeating chorus of this song.
And so, whether you are a new convert, making a huge splash with all kinds of attention from the Christian Community, or a older widow who has been teaching Sunday School for twenty years, the only important thing is the Presence of God in your life. And while I sometimes wax nostalgic about the days when I was in a Contemporary Christian Band, touring the northeast, going on local TV and cutting albums, I can actually encounter the Presence of God just as dramatically sitting on my deck with my Bible, getting ready to post the day's thread, and watching the little deer drink her water.
Come and Pray For the Peace of Jerusalem, For Our FRiends in Need, For Persecuted Believers, and For Our Beloved Nation.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
God Bless America!
Blessings To All Who Visit This Garden of Prayer.
This Symbol Represents Christians in The Middle East, who desperately need our Prayers.
Hallelujah and Amen
ML/LTOS
