20231130

praying for Jerusalem

Psalm 122:1-9 (JDV)

Psalm 122:1 [A song of festival caravans. Of David.] I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of Yahveh.”
Psalm 122:2 Our feet were standing within your gates, Jerusalem–
Psalm 122:3 Jerusalem, built as a city should be, solidly united,
Psalm 122:4 where the tribes, Yahveh’s tribes, go up to give thanks to the name of Yahveh. (This is an ordinance for Israel.)
Psalm 122:5 There, thrones for judgment are placed, thrones of the house of David.
Psalm 122:6 Pray for the well-being of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure;
Psalm 122:7 may there be peace within your walls, security within your fortresses.”
Psalm 122:8 Because of my brothers and friends, I will say, “May peace be in you.”
Psalm 122:9 Because of the house of Yahveh our God, I will pursue your prosperity.

praying for Jerusalem

Jerusalem is a city with a great past, a troubled present, and a glorious future. The psalmist prays for the great city, aware of it all. He chooses to pray for peace, not because of blind allegiance but for his brothers and friends sake, and because the temple is there. The city is worth praying for because people are there, and the LORD’s presence is there. That is reason enough to pray for any city.

LORD, we pray for the place where you live, and the place where you plan to live. Bring peace to the city.