Seek God First

Each of the last five Psalms (146 -150)  in the Book of Psalms begins and ends with the words "Praise the Lord,"  which is the translation of the Hebrew word הַ֥לְלוּיָ֨הּ (hallelujah). This final section of the Book of Psalms is an excellent reminder to us not to neglect praise during our times of prayer. 

Psalm 145 is a song of praise. It teaches us that it is always good to begin a time of prayer with praise to God. Further, recalling and praying the truths in Scripture about God is a good practice. 

Psalm 144 is a Psalm of David. In it, David prays for blessing upon God's people. It teaches us that we should always praise God for who he is and what he has done for us. We must always come before God with humility and pray for his power to be displayed to further His Kingdom's purposes. 

In Psalm 143, King David pleads with God for mercy instead of judgment. He prays for guidance from God in the midst of his suffering. God is the source of mercy when we need His restoring grace. 

King David begins Psalm 142 by crying out to the Lord for mercy. He then acknowledges that God is his refuge and makes specific requests of God. It teaches us that even in our lowest and darkest times, we should seek God first. 

Psalm 141 starts with a request for the prayer to ascend before the Lord as worship. It also contains a request for help in controlling speech and having strength in keeping godly discipline. 

In Psalm 140 King David addresses the Lord with confidence. It is great Psalm for those who are afflicted to review and meditate upon.

Psalm 139 can guide us to more effective times of prayer by reminding us that it is always good to begin a time of prayer with a focus on who God is. That helps us to get our eyes off ourselves and onto God. It also reminds us that God knows us intimately. 

Psalm 138 is a Psalm of David. It begins with a commitment to thanking and praising God for his steadfast love and faithfulness. When we turn to God in times of weariness, God can provide "strength of soul."

Psalm 136 is a call to give thanks to the Lord for his goodness. It is also a call to give thanks for his many benefits to his people such as those found in creation and those benefits that are part of salvation.