REFLECT

Jerusalem was the gathering place for all of Israel’s distinct tribes to be united in worship.  What was the psalmist’s outlook about gathering with others in God’s family?  Even though they lived in different parts of the land, what did they hold in common?  How might their shared connections influence them once they dispersed?

RESPOND

The psalmist prays for the city to be a place of justice, peace, security and prosperity – all aspects of the Hebrew concept of wholeness encompassed by the word “shalom”. How can your actions today work to restore shalom in our community?  Ask for God to empower you to bring about his kingdom in large and small ways this week.

¹ I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

² Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem.

³ Jerusalem is built like a city that is closely compacted together.

⁴ That is where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to praise the name of the Lord according to the statute given to Israel.

⁵ There stand the thrones for judgment, the thrones of the house of David.

⁶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.

⁷ May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.”

⁸ For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “Peace be within you.”

⁹ For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.