The Rock of Refuge Psalms 61:1-8 07/01/2018

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David. 

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David. 1 Hear my cry, O God;     listen to my prayer. 

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David. 1 Hear my cry, O God;     listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you,     I call as my heart grows faint;     lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalms 61:1-2)  

3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe 3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. (Psalms 61:3)  

3 For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. 4 I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. 5 For you, God, have heard my vows; you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name. (Psalms 61:3-5)

6 Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations 6 Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. 7 May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. 8 Then I will ever sing in praise of your name and fulfill my vows day after day. (Ps 61:6-8)

The main value of this Psalm lies in its metaphorical richness.

The Psalm teaches that prayer suspends the distantness between the supplicant and the deity.

The Psalm teaches that prayer suspends the distantness between the supplicant and the deity. The metaphors assist us to incorporate our own experience into the experience of prayer.

A major function of prayer is to break down a perceived distance and to create a sense of nearness and presence.

PRAYER FOR REFUGE CONNECTS THE FAINT HEARTED WITH THEIR TOWER OF STRENGTH (61:1-4)

PRAYER FOR REFUGE CONNECTS THE FAINT HEARTED WITH THEIR TOWER OF STRENGTH (61:1-4) Prayer Seeks an Audience with God (61:1).

1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. (Ps 61:1 NIV) PRAYER FOR REFUGE CONNECTS THE FAINT HEARTED WITH THEIR TOWER OF STRENGTH (61:1-4) Prayer Seeks an Audience with God (61:1)  1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. (Ps 61:1 NIV)

PRAYER FOR REFUGE CONNECTS THE FAINT HEARTED WITH THEIR TOWER OF STRENGTH (61:1-4) Prayer Seeks an Audience with God (61:1)  1 Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. (Ps 61:1 NIV) 1 Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. (Ps 61:1 NKJV)

God is Never Out of Range of Our Prayers (61:2a)

God is Never Out of Range of Our Prayers (61:2a) God can seem far away from us.

God is Never Out of Range of Our Prayers (61:2a) God can seem far away from us. 2a From the end of the earth I will cry to You,” (Ps 61:2a)

Our faith can seem to be very weak.

Our faith can seem to be very weak. 2b “When my heart is overwhelmed;” (Ps 61:2b)

God Can be a Tower of Strength to Provide Refuge (61:2b-4)

God Can be a Tower of Strength to Provide Refuge (61:2b-4) the Rock that is higher than I

God Can be a Tower of Strength to Provide Refuge (61:2b-4) the Rock that is higher than I a shelter (refuge) for me

God Can be a Tower of Strength to Provide Refuge (61:2b-4) the Rock that is higher than I a shelter (refuge) for me a strong tower (of strength) from (against) the enemy

PRAISE FOR REFUGE MUST BE REINFORCED WITH DAILY FAITHFULNESS (61:5-8)

PRAISE FOR REFUGE MUST BE REINFORCED WITH DAILY FAITHFULNESS (61:5-8) Praise is the Proper Response to Answered Prayer (61:5a)

PRAISE FOR REFUGE MUST BE REINFORCED WITH DAILY FAITHFULNESS (61:5-8) Praise is the Proper Response to Answered Prayer (61:5a) 5 For You, O God, have heard my vows; (Ps 61:5)

Praise is the Proper Response to God’s Gift of Preservation (61:5b-7)

5b You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name 5b You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. (Ps 61:5b)

5b You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. 6 You will prolong the king’s life, His years as many generations. (Ps 61:5b-6)

5b You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. 6 You will prolong the king’s life, His years as many generations. 7 He shall abide before God forever. Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him! (Ps 61:5b-7)

Preservation to enjoy godly posterity

Preservation to enjoy godly posterity Preservation to enjoy a long and successful life

Preservation to enjoy godly posterity Preservation to enjoy a long and successful life. Preservation to enjoy fellowship with God by faith

Preservation to enjoy godly posterity Preservation to enjoy a long and successful life. Preservation to enjoy fellowship with God by faith Preservation through the twin shepherds of lovingkindness and truth

Praise is the Proper Response to the Opportunity for Continued Faithfulness (61:8)

Praise is the Proper Response to the Opportunity for Continued Faithfulness (61:8) 8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows. (Ps 61:8)

The Rock of Refuge Psalms 61:1-8 07/01/2018