Let Us Kneel Before the Lord Our Maker

Psalms 90-106

Prayer is mysterious and difficult. Souls are nourished by prayer. Communities are strengthened and history is shaped by prayer. Yet those who pray find barriers to authenticity, perceptions of failure, and unanswered questions on every side. For countless generations the Psalms have been the prayer book of the people of God. In this sermon series we will give attention to a section of the psalms for help with our questions and for encouragement to persevere.

The large majority of psalms are recorded prayers, enlivened by music, intended for both individuals and congregations. They were written throughout Israel's history, from the exodus to the years following exile in Babylon--though roughly half of them belong to David.

The psalms are also gathered into five "books" or collections and our focus in these messages will be on book four (psalms 90-106), which is centered on a resounding word of faith, "The Lord reigns." Psalms 90-106 are carefully set in order to help worshippers move from questions to confidence, from struggle to strength as they pray.

This Week:

A Safe Place to Rest

Psalm 91

Psalm 90 stresses the distant holiness of God, and 91 follows with a declaration of his tenderness and welcome. These themes are placed together on purpose. Prayer that begins with “Our Father in heaven whose name is holy” also speaks with confidence about the need for bread and forgiveness. In Ps. 91 here are numerous images used for our encouragement-–a mighty shield, a fledgling’s nest, an antidote for plague, the work of angels. How great it is to speak of the myriad protections of God.