David’s Psalm of Praise

Back to: Stepping into the heart of the Psalms of David: A man after God’s own heart.

Psalm 145 seems to introduce the magnificent crescendo of the final five Psalms of Praise which conclude the whole book of Psalms. Like no other, special mention is made of this being ‘David’s Psalm of Praise’ in the title – so we take extra consideration of this great man’s specific Psalm of praise. Consider below how this Psalm sets the scene for the final five, which shows the progression of praise from the individual to all living! Interestingly, this Psalm is also the last Psalm with an acrostic poetic pattern using the letters of the Hebrew Alphabet (9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, and 145) – more than likely to ease memorisation! In this Psalm, David the king of Israel declares God to be his King. Here King David emboldens us with four reasons to praise God our King. These four reasons are bookended by commitments to continue in praise! (v1 I will, v21 My mouth shall). David makes a commitment to bless God everyday (v2), not just on the good days or when it suits him. Though David’s voice of praise would eventually be put to silence for a time (Ecc 9v5, Psalm 115v17), he speaks in v1-2 & v21 of his confidence in being able to praise God in the Kingdom forever and ever! What is our commitment to praise our King both now and forever? Suggested break-down of this Psalm of Praise could be: Bookend: Commitment and determination to praise. (v1-3)

1. Praise Him for the things he has done (v4-7).
2. Praise Him for who He is (v8-11).
3. Praise Him for His coming Kingdom (v11-13).
4. Praise Him for His goodness towards those in need (v14-20).

Bookend:  Recommitment and determination to praise. (v17-21) Now it is our turn. Let’s join David, saying ‘my mouth shall speak of the praise of the LORD’ in our S.T.E.P. Meditations.

EXAMPLE of S.T.E.P Meditation: 

SCRIPTURE:

Copy out the Psalm, one little section at a time. As an example: I will extol thee, my God, O king;

TRUTH:

Write down as many biblical truths you can think of from these words. As an example: Yahweh is ‘my God’ – I have my own personal relationship with Him. God is my King – I am the daughter of a King. I am to extol, lift up on high my God. I must determine to praise my God.

EXHORTATION:

Meditate on and write down the personal exhortation relevant to you today. As an example: What is my personal relationship with God like? What do I do to stay close to my God? Do I behave myself like a princess, the daughter of a King? Lifting God up on high is a part of my role in life. How determined am I to praise my God and King?

PRAYER:

Start to compose your prayer based on your meditations. As an example: Extol, lift up high – How will you choose to express your relationship with your King? Tell God you want to have a closer relationship with Him – like a daughter and Father. Ask God for the willingness to draw closer to Him. Ask God to reveal any attitudes or behaviour that are not befitting a King’s daughter. Continue to walk in these “S.T.E.P.S” through Psalm 145, composing your prayer as you go. This can take as much time as you need – depending on your life situation.  The important part is that we spend the time sitting quietly in the presence of our God and coming to know Him and the voice of His word. When you have finished your S.T.E.P. Meditation for all the verses of Psalm 145, read through each prayer section in succession as a prayer offering to Yahweh, our God and King. Further Suggestions: 

• Consider having a spiritual friend – who you can do this together with – perhaps not at the same time in the same place but to provide accountability and encouragement.
• Consider sharing your prayer with God in the presence of your faithful friend.
• Copy the Psalm and keep it in a place that you can see during your day.
• Write out your prayer in a prayer journal so that you go back over and pray those words again.