Praying in the Darkness of Despair (Psalm 88, Part 1)

In the darkness of our despair may we turn to God, freely sharing our frustrations. In this world of suffering and pain, in our misery and sorrow we can be honest about our feelings to God, expressing our sorrow as carefully as we express our praise.

Pleading for Life (verses 1-8a)

In faith we can plead with God day and night knowing that since God has given us salvation He will hear our prayers. When we most need friends in our times of despondency, we have the consolation that our Lord Jesus knows our experience. Therefore we may patiently wait for God’s deliverance with hope.

O Lord, God of our salvation, let our prayers come before You. Incline Your ear to our cries! Our souls are full of troubles, and we feel we are counted among those who go down to the pit. We have no strength. We feel we have become repulsive to our closest friends. Draw us closer to You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

http://genevanpsalter.com/attachments/GenPs088_vocal_homoph_BoP84.MP3

Citizens of God's City, Zion (Psalm 87, Part 3)

The Fountain of Zion (verse 7)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2087:7&version=NIV

What began as a nationalistic focus on Israel’s capital city becomes an open invitation to celebrate the glory of God. We look forward to God’s “new Jerusalem” we find in Christ, from which all the fountains of Zion flow. Our true comfort comes from Christ.

As we gather together in Your church, O God, we sing and praise You. Thank You for Your flowing fountains of blessing.

God will make Zion the spiritual metropolis of the world. All peoples who have experienced God’s grace will be welcomed there.

Glorious things of thee are spoken,

Zion, city of our God;

He whose word cannot be broken

Formed thee for His own abode:

On the Rock of Ages founded,

What can shake thy sure repose?

With salvation’s walls surrounded,

Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.

John Newton (1725-1807)

Citizens of God's City, Zion (Psalm 87, Part 2)

The Citizens of Zion (4-6)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2087:4-6&version=NIV

God has gathered into His kingdom all the kingdoms of the earth, making all people one, members of His family. The nations of the world will become citizens of spiritual Zion. In God’s glorious metropolis all will experience the love of Christ and join in one holy fellowship.

Thank You, loving God, for giving citizenship to people from all nations in Your holy city. We pray for the adoption and regeneration that Jesus Christ secured for all peoples, a place among the heaven-born. We ascribe glory to our Redeemer, through his Body, the Church, which You have ordained.

Citizens of God's City, Zion (Psalm 87, Part 1)

God graciously welcomes all to citizenship in Zion, His holy city. Zion is the seat of God’s special presence for the universal worship of God.

The Foundation of Zion (verses 1-3)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2087:1-3&version=NIV

God established Zion by His covenant relationship with Israel. Though omnipresent, God met His people particularly at Zion. From the time of David to the time of Christ, Jerusalem (Zion) was God’s special city. Christ founded the new Zion, the church. There God calls His people together for praise, prayer and hearing His Word. Through the church we approach God’s permanent residence, the scene of blessings.

Thank You, omnipresent God, for founding Your City, Zion, on the holy mountain. We worship together in Your church, speaking glorious things of you, city of God.  

http://genevanpsalter.com/attachments/GenPs087_vocal_homoph_BoP84.MP3