Psalm 24: A Prayer for Glory

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, 
the world and those who dwell therein, 
2    for he has founded it upon the seas 
and established it upon the rivers. 
3    Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? 
And who shall stand in his holy place? 
4    He who has clean hands and a pure heart, 
who does not lift up his soul to what is false 
and does not swear deceitfully. 
5    He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 
6    Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
7    Lift up your heads, O gates! 
And be lifted up, O ancient doors, 
that the King of glory may come in. 
8    Who is this King of glory? 
The Lord, strong and mighty, 
the Lord, mighty in battle! 
9    Lift up your heads, O gates! 
And lift them up, O ancient doors, 
that the King of glory may come in. 
10    Who is this King of glory? 
The Lord of hosts, 
he is the King of glory! Selah
 
 
Meditation
Lord, hear our prayer.
 
You are the King of glory, the creator and possessor of all the earth and all her inhabitants (1-2). We confess we have not submitted to your rule and reign.
 
You invite those with clean hands and pure hearts to ascend to your presence (3-4). Our hands are dirty with injustice and our hearts are divided. We need Your mercy.
 
You have called us to seek justice and we have been still. You have called us to be generous and we have closed our hands and hearts. You have called us to speak for those without a voice and we have been silent. You have called us to be united and we have allowed the horizontal heart affections to divide us.
 
Please forgive us, oh mighty King of glory. Through the work of Jesus Christ, the eternal King of glory, give us Your righteousness, Oh God of our salvation (5). Please cleanse our hands and hearts, and by your grace compel us to seek your face (6).
 
Jesus, You are the Creator who cleanses us to worship. You are the glorious King. By Your Spirit, open the ancient doors of our hearts so the King of glory may enter (7). You are strong and mighty (8)- Lift up our heads, that the King of glory may come in (9)! You are the Lord of hosts, ruling over all (10). Your Kingdom come! Your glory advance! In our hearts, homes, cities, and country.
 
We pray in the name of our King of glory, Jesus Christ. AMEN
 
Richly Dwelling
-What stands out to you from today’s Psalm, especially in regards to the imagery of God as King of creation, the one who cleanses His people to worship, and who consecrates temple worship?
 
-Why is praying this Psalm a beneficial thing for you? And how is it significant that it is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus?
 
-How can you grow in using the words of Scripture as language for your prayers?
 
Key Verses
6  Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
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