A SONG PRAYER

A Song Prayer

by T. L. Wiens

We often sing songs that use words from the Psalms. Many of these are prayers—the heart’s cry from God’s people. I don’t always think about that as I follow the words and attach them to melody. But today, as I was humming to myself, it hit me—this is a prayer.

I know several songs based on Psalms 63. Some are upbeat and lively while others are solemn and filled with minor chords. I’ve sang them often but for some reason, today is the first time I’ve prayed them.

Psalm 63

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah.

Verse One

“O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;”

This is my heart’s cry. I live in a place where true fellowship is hard to find. It’s very lonely and at times, I get discouraged.

Verse two

“To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.”

My sanctuary is a bit different than the one David may have been referring to but I can see God all around me. He’s in the beauty of nature that surrounds where I live. I can hear the water roar when the wind blows and I know it’s by His word that it blows and the waters move.

Verses 3-5

“Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:”

How often I forget to praise God! It’s so easy to become bogged down with life’s worries. Lord, let me remember who You are and all You’ve done for me. Keep Your praises on my lips.

Verses 6-7

“When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.
Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.”

Is there a better place than in the shadow of God’s wings? As a child, where did I feel safer than in my Daddy’s arms? I rest now in the arms of my Heavenly Father, knowing how much He loves me.

Verse 8

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.”

I believe your promises and stand on them. Forgive me for my hatred, jealousy and anger. Restore me to the creation I became when I died in You.

Verses 9-11

“But those that seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth. They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.”

My enemies cannot hurt me. They try but You know their hearts and they will reap as they sow.

Help me to remain steadfast in your love. Amen.

Here is a video of Michael W. Smith – Step by Step, based on Psalm 62

Tammy Wiens

Tammy lives in Saskatchewan with her husband. They have four children. She enjoys gardening, walks along the beach and being on the farm. She has a passion for her faith, studying the Bible and prayer.

She has published two books; Where a Little Rain Comes Down and Making the Bitter Sweet. A short story, “May’s First Christmas” appeared in Christmas Chaos, a collection of stories about Christmas experiences that don’t make the fronts of Christmas cards. “Careful What You Whisper” is another short story about Tammy’s experiences after breaking her back. It can be found in A Second Cup of Hot Apple Cider. Visit her website for more information about Tammy’s books and workshops.

Facebooktwitterpinterestlinkedinmail

I love to connect with you.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

%d