Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

Psalm 122 Devotional

Glad to Go Up Together

“For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your prosperity.”Psalm 122:9 (BSB)

This song of ascents, headed as David's, begins with gladness when others invite the psalmist to go up to the LORD's house (122:1). Then the pilgrims are standing inside Jerusalem's gates (122:2). The city is built closely together, and the tribes go up there to give thanks to the name of the LORD (122:3-4).

Worship here is something God's people go up to together, and the joy begins with the invitation. The psalm then calls the pilgrims to pray for the city's peace (122:6-7). The reasons are personal: for the sake of brothers and friends, and for the sake of the LORD's house (122:8-9). Love for God and love for his people are bound together. Hebrews says that believers have already arrived at the heavenly Zion, the city of the living God (Hebrews 12:22). Every gathering of believers is a small taste of that arrival. You can pray today for the peace of your own church family, for the sake of its people and its Lord.

To think about: Who in your church family could you pray for by name today, asking God for their peace?

About Psalm 122: Joy in Going Up to Jerusalem

David recalls his gladness at the call to worship at the LORD's house and the pilgrims' arrival in Jerusalem, where the tribes gather to give thanks and David's royal line sits in judgment. He urges prayer for the city's peace out of love for his people and God's house.

Take the Psalm 122 quiz →Study notes

Get the next chapter and its devotional in your inbox each morning

One short email a day, no account needed. Stop anytime.