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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

The Tabernacle in Psalms


I recently read the book The Priority of Knowing God (by Peter Deison) with a wonderful view of the Tabernacle: it showed it as a symbol of our prayer and worship, with different purposes for each section. The author divided it simply, giving a clean, nice structure for prayer. While this need not be the only way we pray, it is certainly useful.

From this same book, I learned the value of using the Psalms in prayer. While, again, not necessary, it is a beautiful and fulfilling method of worship: using God's own word to glorify Him. So, I have put together a sample template of using the Psalms for Tabernacle prayer. While you should not feel a need to use this specifically, I intend it to show just how powerful a well-organized prayer of the Psalms can be.

Gates: Thanksgiving

"We give thanks to You, God;
we give thanks to You, for Your name is near.
People tell about Your wonderful works."
– Psalm 75:1

"Then we, Your people, the sheep of Your pasture,
will thank You forever;"
– Psalm 79:13a

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving"
– Psalm 100:4a

"Hallelujah!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His faithful love endures forever."
– Psalm 106:1

Courts: Praise

"Therefore I will praise You, Lord, among the nations;
I will sing about Your name."
– Psalm 18:49

"Sing to the Lord, you His faithful ones,
and praise His holy name."
– Psalm 30:4

"And my tongue will proclaim Your righteousness,
Your praise all day long."
– Psalm 35:28

"Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare Your praise."
– Psalm 51:15

Altar of Sacrifice: Offer Self to God

Hands: "I will lift up my hands to Your commands,
which I love…"
– Psalm 119:48a

Feet: "Your word is a lamp for my feet"
– Psalm 119:105a

Lips: "Lord, set up a guard for my mouth,
keep watch at the door of my lips."
– Psalm 141:3

Heart: "But I have trusted in Your faithful love;
my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance."
– Psalm 13:5

Eyes: "But my eyes [look] to You, Lord God."
– Psalm 141:8a

Laver: Cleansing of Sin

"Do not remember the sins of my youth
or the acts of my rebellion;"
– Psalm 25:7

"Then I acknowledged my sin to You
and did not conceal my iniquity.
I said,
'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,'
and You took away the guilt of my sin.
Selah"
– Psalm 32:5

"Wash away my guilt,
and cleanse me from my sin."
– Psalm 51:2

Lampstand: Guidance from the Holy Spirit

"Guide me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation;
I wait for You all day long."
– Psalm 25:5

"Do not banish me from Your presence
or take Your Holy Spirit from me."
– Psalm 51:11

"Teach me to do Your will,
for You are my God.
May Your gracious Spirit
lead me on level ground."
– Psalm 143:10

Table of Showbread: Thanks for Provision

"They are filled from the abundance of Your house;
You let them drink from Your refreshing stream,
for with You is life's fountain."
– Psalm 36:8-9a

"When You give it to them,
they gather it;
when You open Your hand,
they are satisfied with good things."
– Psalm 104:28

"He gives food to every creature.
His love is eternal."
– Psalm 136:25

"All eyes look to You,
and You give them their food in due time."
– Psalm 145:15

Altar of Incense: Intercession for Others

"But let all who take refuge in You rejoice;
let them shout for joy forever.
May You shelter them,
and may those who love Your name boast about You."
– Psalm 5:11

"Save Your people, bless Your possession,
shepherd them, and carry them forever."
– Psalm 28:9

"Spread Your faithful love over those who know You,
and Your righteousness over the upright in heart."
– Psalm 36:10

"Rescue the poor and needy;
save them from the hand of the wicked."
– Psalm 82:6

Holy of Holies: Personal Prayer

"Rise up, Lord!
Save me, my God!"
– Psalm 3:7a

"Answer me when I call,
God, who vindicated me.
You freed me from affliction;
be gracious to me and hear my prayer."
– Psalm 4:1

"Guard me as the apple of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings"
– Psalm 17:8

"Lord, hear my prayer;
let my cry for help come before You."
– Psalm 102:1

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible® Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.