Andy Nagahara
Audio
David’s Recipe for Worship (Psalm 28)
To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.
Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
1. Calling (1,2)
To you I call, O LORD my Rock; do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you remain silent, I will be like those who have gone down to the pit. Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
2. Asking/Expressing (3-5)
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who do evil, who speak cordially with their neighbors but harbor malice in their hearts. Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back upon them what they deserve. Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD and what his hands have done, he will tear them down and never build them up again.
3. Responding (6,7)
Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
4. Thanksgiving (6,7)
Praise be to the LORD, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
5. Proclaiming (8)
The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
6. Blessing (9)
Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.
Summary
This psalm contains the most of the elements of worshipping God. It is like a recipe for worship. Here are some elements of what we do in worship. However, true worship cannot be realized without listening to God’s response to our approach in each element. Let us worship God with not only our mouth but ears as well.
For Discussion
1) What do you ask the Lord for sincerely?
2) What do you want to proclaim in your worship ?