A Psalm of David.
Ascribe to the LORD, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array. (Psalm 29:1-2 NASB-U)
In the prayer acrostic “ACTS”, the first ingredient to prayer is Adoration. This is a fancy word for praise (in case you weren’t aware), in much the same way “Ascribe” is a fancy word for “give”. It’s just that “Ascribe” has the additional meaning of “to give to someone a quality when speaking to a third party”. In other words, ascribe in these verses means to give something to God while speaking to others (the congregation in this case).
In these two verses which begin the “Storm Psalm”, the mighty are to declare the glory and strength of God. Those considered strong are to praise God for His strength. Those considered to be exemplary in a quality are to worship God for His over-abundance of that quality. If these do so, then God must be so much more so. It makes God look even better, and it ensures the humility of those who for whom these qualities can usurp God’s position.
Then the quality of the glory of God’s name is to be declared by those wearing Hadrath-Qoresh (holy clothing). From 1 Chronicles 16, 2 Chronicles 20, and Psalm 96, it seems this is a reference to a select group within the temple worship, like the choir in robes or something. But a “group” set apart for the purpose of praise is called on to declare the quality of God’s glory, bowing themselves to the ground to do so. Again, a humble act of those who might otherwise have become caught up in their appearance or position. Those in special robes are to hit the ground before the One truly displaying splendor and radiance.
These are only two examples of the Adoration element to prayer. In each, I find that I’m supposed to praise my Master. First off, He’s the only One truly worthy of such attention. But second, such activity draws me out of myself and into Him. What could possibly compete for such a result? To be closer to the Creator, the One sustaining the entire universe, from massive to infinitesimal, has to be the greatest of all human endeavors. What else accomplishes something so impossible or unimaginable? In fact we doubt its effectiveness because we cannot imagine what’s actually happening when we worship. It makes no sense, so we blur the event to make it seem less impressive and overwhelming.
Let me stop hindering my prayer and worship, and let Him have all of me as I let myself be drawn to the foot of the throne of God Almighty, Lord of the armies of heaven.
What has the Spirit taught you from the beginning of this Psalm?
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