Scripture for Today | Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14 (with Pastor Tom)

About this Episode

Opening Song: 

Instrument of Peace by Isaac Wardell, Jessica Fox, Liz Vice, Orlando Palmer, and Paul Zach

Lyrics:

Lord make me

An instrument of peace

An instrument of peace 

 

Where is there hatred let me sow love

Where there is darkness let me sow light

For in the giving we shall receive

And in the dying we’re given life

 

Lord make me

An instrument of peace

An instrument of peace

 

Where there is sorrow let me sow hope

Where there is doubt let me sow faith

Where is injury your pardon give

Your consolation to those in pain

 

Lord make me

An instrument of peace

An instrument of peace 

Passage: 

1   Give the king your justice, O God,

and your righteousness to the royal son!

2 May he judge your people with righteousness,

and your poor with justice!

3 Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,

and the hills, in righteousness!

4 May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

give deliverance to the children of the needy,

and crush the oppressor!

 

5 May they fear you while the sun endures,

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!

6 May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,

like showers that water the earth!

7 In his days may the righteous flourish,

and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands

render him tribute;

may the kings of Sheba and Seba

bring gifts!

11 May all kings fall down before him,

all nations serve him!

 

12 For he delivers the needy when he calls,

the poor and him who has no helper.

13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,

and saves the lives of the needy.

14 From oppression and violence he redeems their life,

and precious is their blood in his sight.

(Psalm 72:1–7, 10–14 ESV)

Musical Reflection: 

Prelude in C Major, BWV 846 by J.S. Bach 

Reflection Notes: 

Bach’s well-known prelude spins out a series of modulations, almost imperceptible at first. The new harmonies continually unfold in a way that intrigues but never shocks.

Prayer: 
O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.