Devotions from the Psalms – Studying the Songs of Ascent
A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord who minister by night in the house of the Lord.2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the Lord. 3 May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who is the Maker of heaven and earth. Studying Psalm 134 C.S. Lewis said, “The most valuable thing the Psalms do
All devotions include a video in partnership with Word FM. The devotionals are written by Stephen Vesolich and the prayers are written by Stephanie Wilsey.
A Song of Ascents. Of David. 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the
https://youtu.be/aUu4Nn-ULa0 About Psalm 133 Psalm 133 is a song of celebration, a joyful declaration of the beauty of community within the family of God. David
A Song of Ascents 1 Lord, remember David and all his self-denial. 2 He swore an oath to the Lord, he made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:3 “I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmbN6Kb2ZWg About Psalm 132 Psalm 132 shows us that when the LORD blesses, He gives far more than we could ever ask for. David wanted
A song of ascents.1 My heart is not proud, Lord, my eyes are not haughty;I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.2 But I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SphyZAtdEY About Psalm 131 Psalm 131 is a quiet and humble prayer, a song that invites us into the rare gift of contentment before the
A song of ascents. 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;2 Lord, hear my voice.Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3 If you, Lord, kept
https://youtu.be/JSZJm0PjFmo?si=YnsMwUvOU2q9Tp5M About Psalm 130 Psalm 130 is a psalm of deep lament, a cry from someone who knows the weight of sin and feels it
A song of ascents. 1 “They have greatly oppressed me from my youth,” let Israel say;2 “they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3osXeRy4fA About Psalm 129 Psalm 129 is one of the imprecatory psalms, the prayers in Scripture that deal honestly with anger, injustice, and the wounds
A song of ascents. 1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.2 You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymP7nuut3jw About Psalm 128 Psalm 128 shows the kind of life the LORD blesses, a life shaped by reverence for God and daily obedience to
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. 1 Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.2 In vain you rise early and
https://youtu.be/UGJHD7muqAo About Psalm 127 Psalm 127 is a psalm of wisdom written by Solomon. It teaches that every part of life, our homes, our work,
A song of ascents. 1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed.2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.Then it
https://youtu.be/RXr5kukJhxc?si=7SckiVT6L0xbF3p5 About Psalm 126 Psalm 126 is a song of restoration and joy. It looks back to a time when the LORD brought His people
A song of ascents. 1 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever.2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and
https://youtu.be/hRpDmygjn_g About Psalm 125 Psalm 125 is a song of confidence in the LORD’s protection. It begins with a vivid image: “As the mountains surround
A song of ascents. Of David. 1 If the Lord had not been on our side— let Israel say—2 if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,3 they would
https://youtu.be/970HCrBF8gI?si=2B4BDFMGRpi1cHLs About Psalm 124 Psalm 124 is a psalm of thanksgiving, a song of gratitude for the LORD’s rescue. David begins, “If the LORD had
https://youtu.be/Mr8jzN0BY4M About Psalm 123 Psalm 123 is a prayer of lament, a cry for mercy from the LORD. The psalmist begins by lifting their eyes
“1 I lift up my eyes to you, to you who sit enthroned in heaven.2 As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes
https://youtu.be/qOco67Ir85A About Psalm 122 Psalm 122 is a psalm of David. David, the giant-slayer and warrior-king, was also a poet, a musician, and a man
“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
“I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? 2My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not
https://youtu.be/adLFfYlUIX8 About Psalm 121 – The Traveler’s Song Psalm 121, arguably the most well-known of the Songs of Ascent, is often referred to as the
“1 I call on the LORD in my distress, and He answers me.2 Save me, LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues. 3 What will He do to you, and what more besides, you
https://youtu.be/oY0l8JOVIi8?si=F-Q_D50KYKtHb0aZ About Psalm 120 Psalm 120, the first Song of Ascent, begins in lament, a deep expression of sorrow in the presence of God. The
What are the Songs of Ascent? The Songs of Ascents were sung while traveling to the three major Jewish pilgrimage festivals: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles),
Over the centuries the Songs of Ascent (Psalms 120–134) have been called many things: traveler songs, pilgrim songs, a dog-eared songbook, and even a hitchhiker’s guide to spiritual formation. For thousands of years they have been a steady companion, like a walking stick on rocky terrain.
As families journeyed to Jerusalem three times a year for the great feasts of Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles, they would recite these psalms to prepare their hearts and minds for worship.
These are the very psalms Jesus sang throughout His life, from His childhood trips to Passover with Mary and Joseph, to His journeys with the disciples during the great feasts, and finally as He walked toward the cross. When we sing and pray them today, we echo the words of Jesus and walk the road with Him.
As we worship, these psalms meet us where we are – in fear and hope, in anger and joy, in loneliness and longing, in despair and praise. They usher us into the presence of the LORD and help us truly encounter His immeasurable grace and love.
The Mountains Surround is associated with Centerpoint Community Church in Monaca, PA. Check out our video sermons for more great lessons straight from Scripture.