In Psalm 144, David praises God's power (who uses lightning bolts as arrows), asks for God deliverance from his enemies (who threaten David with their sharp swords and sharp tongues), and asks for God's abundant blessings (families full of children, granaries full of produce, and fields full of livestock).
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Your power is beyond comparison. Lightning bolts go where you tell them to go, the sun stands still in the sky according to your command, and even seas obey your orders. All of creation is subject to your will, O Lord.
In light of your greatness, David muses: "what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him? Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." In the vast cosmos, human beings are quite insignificant. Yet you have crowned us with your love. Let us join your servant David in singing your praise, now and throughout eternity.
In the midst of our praise and wonder, we still find ourselves under attack, so we pray for your deliverance, O Lord. Even though the attacks of our enemies have lost their sting, even though when we think of your love we are unafraid of our enemies, we still pray for your mercy. Though our hope is beyond this life, we still pray for your blessings to flow into our lives even now. Flood this world with your favor. May all who see recognize your hand of blessing behind it all and give you all the glory, honor, and praise you are due. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.
