JENNY'S PSALM REFLECTIONS: 72 VERSE 1

This week’s verse is Psalm 72 verse 1.

    "Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. ”

Background:

Psalm 72 is a prayer for guidance and support for the king who in this case was King Solomon. It highlights qualities which a king should have such as being just (verse 2) and especially treating the poor with justice, providing proper social and health policies (verse 4) and defence policies (verse 4). Oh, for a government to have such an agenda!

As I was reading this Psalm, I couldn’t help thinking about Queen Elizabeth, especially just after the celebration of her Platinum Jubilee. Powerless in many ways to drive government decisions, she nevertheless meets for weekly audiences with the current Prime Minister and she has been in most of our lives for as along as we can remember. A steadfast, wise person, with a strong faith, she is the glue that cements our British society, and the family’s influence in the Commonwealth and with other issues such as the environment, proper buildings and architecture, and influence in certain political situations is extremely valuable. The royals, of course, a considerable source of revenue for the British tourist industry as their lives and the homes the royals have lived in over the centuries are a fascinating topic. However, there is no doubt that the Queen, in particular, with her selfless sense of duty and service, has earned unparalleled respect and admiration around the world.

So, were the prayers for King Solomon answered? Wisdom was certainly a feature that characterised his reign and he gave the poor access to law courts, began international trade, built the Temple in Jerusalem and secured relative peace. 

The Psalm also came later to be seen as vision of Jesus Christ, someone who is eternal, righteous and triumphant in a way that no human could ever be, not even kings or queens. 

In today’s meditation we turn away from ourselves and reflect on the life of Queen Elizabeth, an amazing person, who has continued her work despite the sad loss of her husband, Prince Philip. Prime ministers have come and gone, celebrities have come and gone, life continues to change, yet she has been a constant in all our lives, and I think the country will not be the same place when she is no longer here. 

Meditation

1. FIND A QUIET PLACE. 

Make sure that you are in a quiet place. Sit comfortably but alert – feet flat on the floor, back pushed hard against the back of the chair. Start your reflection by being open and ready to God’s presence.

2. Focus on your breathing.

Pay attention to in-breaths and out-breaths. You may think of breathing in God’s life and peace and breathing out any tension.

3. Be aware of your body.

Let your aches and pains be there. Rest your hands in your lap; you don’t need to be doing anything with them now. Rest your feet on the floor; you don’t need to go anywhere. Shrug your shoulders, ease your neck. Take time to become still and repeat verse 1 to yourself. Think of the Queen, give thanks for her reign and ponder on what qualities she has that we can all aspire to.

4. Say the verses aloud to yourself

 In the stillness, listen to what God might be saying to you. Finish with the prayer below.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the life of Queen Elizabeth, who offers us an example of service and prayer. Help us likewise to give sacrificially and to pray without ceasing that your will may be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen