The Prayer of a WorshiperSample

Prayers of Song and Praise

Have you ever thought about how songs can take on a new meaning? We step into our services of worship, we hear the band playing the recognizable tunes and we take our familiar places.

We can grow numb to the music that we hear week-in and week-out. We know the melody, the words of verse and chorus sections and all the music by heart. But, when was the last time that you really focused on the words of the song - not the melody, not the music, but just the text?

God is serious about our words in songs and our words in worship. We find this importance in the verses of the oldest, yet freshest, book of them all: The Book of Psalms. This portion of the Scriptures contains the most original writing for songs in worship.

Look at the heart of David as he gives what is called a “Poetic Psalm,” expressing the value of living life by the instructions of God preserved in the Old Testament. Listen to the sung prayer words of David in Psalm 119:172 "May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous." Also, hear his plea in verse 175 "Let me live that I may praise you,"

David’s lips overflow with praise in thanking God for his decrees. The Lord’s commands are so treasured that David sings of His word. He makes a request for protection, forgiveness and redemption. If you were to set this text to melody and music, it would literally be a sung prayer to God. Such honest and biblical expressions can move the heart of the worshiper.

Personally, my heart is moved to prayer by the lyrics of a good, biblical song. The song itself becomes a tool or a vehicle of worship to God. Just as we have seen from Scripture, we can agree with the Psalmist. When a good song expresses sound theology, it is easy to agree and recite the words back to God.

Songs take on a richer meaning when we are able to identify with them. Worship takes on a deeper meaning to God because of the authentic expressions of our heart, mind and spirit.

Our prayer today: Praise to the God who hears our prayers and songs! May they be full of life and faithfulness! Nothing compares to You, our Great King, and no other praise shall we resound to the highest of heavens. The Lord reigns, and let His people sing and shout for joy!