Sunday Prayer | Who is the King of Glory?

Psalm 24 declares God as creator (v. 1-2), warrior (v. 8) and describes who can approach the Lord to worship Him (v. 3-6). The psalm states that only those characterized by righteous deeds and pure thoughts may enter into the place where the Mighty King of the Universe dwells. Those who have clean hands and pure hearts are welcome to come and worship Almighty God. The ones who have not lifted their souls to falsehood and not sworn deceitfully and those who seek Him are also invited to worship the King of Glory.

While the exact occasion that inspired David to compose this psalm is not known, biblical scholars believe it may have been written when David returned the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6) or after he and his men returned victoriously from one of the many battles David fought.

Psalm 24 is an important psalm that likely became a liturgical chant uttered by the Levites as worshipers came to celebrate God on a set feast day. While living in exile, the Jewish people started the tradition of reading Psalm 24 every Sunday in celebration of the first day of Creation.

Psalm 24 reminds us that God alone is worthy of worship. Today, we can be grateful that because of our redemption in Jesus Christ through His atoning work on the Cross, we can approach the throne of God and worship the mighty King of Glory!

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for giving Your Son as an atoning blood sacrifice for us so that today we might gather at the foot of Your throne and worship You. We celebrate what You, Almighty God, have done. We sing and shout Your praises in our places of worship today. You are our Creator, Warrior, Redeemer, and Protector. You cleanse our hearts and hands. You have made a way for us to enter into Your Holy Presence. We are overwhelmed by Your Love for us and overcome with Joy as we come to the altar to spend time worshipping You. All praise, honor, and glory belong to You and You alone for You are the Mighty King of Glory! Amen.

Psalm 24

A Psalm of David.

1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein,
2 for he has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to what is false
and does not swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the Lord
and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord of hosts,
he is the King of glory! Selah