Psalm 134

The Psalms are 150 songs and prayers, written over many centuries by David and others, and gathered into five books for Israel’s worship. Every human feeling is here: joy, fear, anger, grief, confusion and thanks. Many begin in trouble and end in trust. Jesus prayed them too, even on the cross, where He spoke the opening line of Psalm 22. Read them slowly. They are meant to be prayed, not only read.

The last Song of Ascents, a brief blessing at night. Pilgrims call on the temple servants who serve through the night to lift their hands and bless the LORD, and they answer with a blessing from Zion. It closes the pilgrim collection with praise going both ways.