Daily Bread

First, to praise the name of the Lord (1-5). To the people of Israel, the city of Jerusalem represented God's presence among them. It was the city of the temple, the temple where God dwelled with his people. It was the house of the Lord. It is the place where God invited his people to worship him and praise his name. But it was more than just an earthly city. Jerusalem and the temple represented the eternal city, the kingdom where God dwells in majesty for all eternity. To stand in the gates of Jerusalem meant to praise the name of the Lord and to stand before his throne. Second, peace be within you (6-9). The Psalmist prayed for the peace of Jerusalem. He prayed for the security of the city and the temple. It was a prayer for the nation that called itself by the Lord's name. It was also a prayer for the house of the Lord. It was a prayer that the Lord would not take his presence away from his people, but would live in peace among them. It is truly our source of joy to be invited to come to the Lord and pray for peace.

Prayer: Lord, bring my feet to stand before you. Grant peace to your people.

One Word: Come to the Lord, pray for peace