Praying For God’s Favor

What joy for those whose strength comes from the LORD,

who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. . . .

O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer.

Listen, O God of Jacob.

O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield!

Show favor to the one you have anointed.

A single day in your courts

is better than a thousand anywhere else!

I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God

than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

Psalm 84:5, 8-10

When we describe the “good life,” we usually don’t start talking about “joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord,” as the psalmist did in this prayer. Instead, we describe happy families, cozy homes, world travel, or a satisfying career. None of these visions is entirely wrong. But if our visions of the good life exclude God, they are wicked. In this prayer, the psalmist reminded himself that worshipping God with the Lord’s people was much better than enjoying the “good life” with the wicked. The psalmist understood that God knew perfectly what the “good life” was and would certainly grant it to his obedient children. What a good God we have! He showers blessings and rewards on those who follow him.

Thank God today for the blessings you have experienced.

• O God, look with favor upon us . . .