Pray for Jerusalem

I think I struggle with the modern worship movement because I fear we’ve confused it with what someone else is saying versus what needs to be said. 

We are afraid of modern politics.

If you listen to any legitimate news source today and/or those in power you get the feeling that a select few elites are calling the shots out there saying things like, “The economy should be great, I don’t understand what people are so upset about?”

We hear feel-good songs that we can sing along to in our churches. But where is the opportunity to say what needs to be said today within the church about Israel?

For real.

Leadership in the church today is scared to even say anything about it anymore. Meanwhile, we’re still content singing, “I am who you say I am, I’m a child of God, yes I am.” While the people of God, the Jews, find themselves abandoned by their allies. 

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.

- Romans 11:17-18

So here is a verse from the Bible. It is speaking of the tendency we have as humans to see the fallen and broken person and walk around. Like the others who came before the Good Samaritan. Here, in Romans 11, God gives us a strict warning, a “how dare you,” to anyone who would consider themselves so arrogant as to not speak up on behalf of Israel. 

But again, this is political. We can’t sing this in church. 

Since when? 

Someone else is writing the songs of the modern church and it is not lining up with the word of God. 

I wrote a song called Pray for Jerusalem. It is Psalm 122. I don’t have any church that I can sing this in today. So I decided to sing it for you. It goes beyond my original intentions for my Worship with the Word Project which was intended to take popular worship songs and put scripture songs right up next to them so you could sing them at your church. But I admit. This doesn’t fit the stereotypical worship set song. It is a song the Jews would sing as they went to church (the temple). It is part of the collection of Psalms called the Song of Ascents. And it is a prayer. A Prayer of Shalom (peace). To end the war and return hostages. For justice to be done and good to return to the land.  

I don’t want you to listen to this song and simply think, “O what a nice song.” What I want is for you to take a moment and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Pray for the Jewish people. Read Romans 11. Humble yourself lest you be wise in your own eyes and do not be unaware of the mystery. 

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”

“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

- Romans 11:33-36 ESV

Artwork: Bethany Bootsma

If you like what you hear consider making a contribution. Trent & Siobhán Ministries exists because of your support. 

Give