Songs from the Heart Day 10

Pray the Psalm

Psalm 122

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. 

A psalm of David.

1 I was glad when they said to me,

    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

2 And now here we are,

    standing inside your gates, O Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is a well-built city;

    its seamless walls cannot be breached.

4 All the tribes of Israel—the Lord’s people—

    make their pilgrimage here.

They come to give thanks to the name of the Lord,

    as the law requires of Israel.

5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given,

    the thrones of the dynasty of David.

6 Pray for peace in Jerusalem.

    May all who love this city prosper.

7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls

    and prosperity in your palaces.

8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say,

    “May you have peace.”

9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,

    I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.

—New Living Translation

Pray Psalm 122 back to God. Feel free to use the translation you connect with most, but you may want to write the psalm in your own words and use it as your prayer. As you pray, express your joy in being a child of God and being among his people. Take time to worship him, as the psalm invites you to, giving thanks and praise to God alone. End your prayer by praying for peace — in Jerusalem, but also in your own life and in the lives of those you know need to experience the peace only God can give.