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Devotions from the Psalms – Studying the Songs of Ascent

The Latest from The Mountains Surround

Psalm 134 Devotional - We Continue the Journey

Psalm 134: We Continue the Journey

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

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All Psalms Teachings

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.

Psalm 133 The Gift of Unity
Psalm 132 - 134
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Psalm 133: The Gift of Unity

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

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Stephen Vesolich and Dr. Stephanie Wilsey standing in front of a wooden house with the title “Build My Life Psalm 127,” promoting the Psalm 127 teaching from The Mountains Surround series.
Psalm 126 - 128
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Psalm 127: Work and Relinquishment

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

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Psalm 126 teaching video featuring Stephen Vesolich and Dr. Stephanie Wilsey sitting outdoors with the title From Tears to Joy. Part of The Mountains Surround Songs of Ascent series.
Psalm 126 - 128
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Psalm 126: From Tears to Joy

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

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Stephen Vesolich and his daughter Ella sitting together during the Psalm 125 teaching session for The Mountains Surround Song of Ascent Series
Psalm 123 - 125
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Psalm 125: Trusting in the Refuge of the LORD

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

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Stephen Vesolich and Dr. Stephanie Wilsey teaching Psalm 122 with the title “House of the Lord Psalm 122” displayed above them, alongside students from the recording session.
Psalm 120 - 122
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Psalm 122: Journeying Together

“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

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What Are the Songs of Ascent?

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.

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The Mountains Surround is associated with Centerpoint Community Church in Monaca, PA. Check out our video sermons for more great lessons straight from Scripture.