The First 15

Monday May 22, 2023

by Jan Davis

Today is Monday, May 22 and we are exploring what the Bible says about spiritual pilgrimage.

Opening Prayer

Each day I begin a pilgrim journey in the company of the Lord my God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I quiet my restless thoughts, center myself in his love and prepare to walk in his presence.

Pause and Pray

Father God, give me a glimpse of your holiness and righteousness. Lord Jesus, reveal the futile inadequacies of the world around me. Holy Spirit, guide me upward on the road toward maturity and grant me grace to travel the well-worn path. Amen.

Scripture Reading

I begin my study of the Psalms of Ascent with the words of Psalm 122.

I rejoiced with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” Our feet are standing in your gates, Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1-2

Pause and Pray

The Psalms of Ascent are songs that were sung by ancient pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem for Feast Days. The city and the Temple were built on high ground, so to visit the Holy City meant an upward trek for those who came from the towns and suburbs surrounding it. In Hebrew, the word translated as “ascent” is ma’alah and indicates an upward movement in travel. There are fifteen Psalms of Ascent, Psalms 120 to 134. We will study these Psalms together this summer, embarking on a pilgrimage of our own. These Psalms were memorized and sung as crowds of people and whole families made their journey to Jerusalem. From an early age, Jesus would have traveled to Jerusalem for the annual feasts singing the Psalms of Ascent with his family and neighbors as they went.

In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 2:2-3,5

Reflection

The ancient road from Jericho to Jerusalem was seventeen miles long and steadily increased in altitude. It would take eight to ten hours to walk the distance with an elevation increase of about 3400 feet. This was about a day’s hike for most pilgrims journeying to the Holy City. I imagine families with children traveling together, stopping to enjoy a picnic lunch under a shade tree in the middle of the day, drawing fresh cool water from a local well, and laughing in the companionship of friends. The crowd would increase in number as well as excitement as the climb steepened on the dusty trails. Jerusalem became visible when travelers reached the summit at the Mount of Olives. From there they would receive a sweeping view of the glorious Temple of Almighty God and the sprawling, bustling metroplex of Jerusalem.

Ask: How might studying the Psalms of Ascent become a pilgrimage for me, even without leaving the house? What might God want to teach me on this summer journey?

Pause and Pray

Lord God, you are holy, you are loving, you are mighty, you are God. I hear your voice calling me to step out on a new journey. I am invited on a walk to draw closer to your glory, a pilgrimage to press on in maturity, an expedition with other travelers to pursue holiness of heart and life. Inspire me to grow in faith, persevere in obedience and persist in the direction of righteousness. I read the words from Isaiah again and listen for the message you have for me.

In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 2:2-3,5

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I begin this journey of ascent, I consider where I have been and where God wants me to go. Am I prepared to leave some worldly things behind and join with others in seeking God? Am I ready to press on and climb the mountain, ascending by degree, singing praises to God along the way? Perhaps God wants me to realize that I am not alone on this journey but will have traveling companions. Maybe I should consider what I will take with me on this journey and what I will leave behind. Perhaps God wants me to renounce the ways of the world and learn his ways. Maybe God wants me to discover a new way to walk this summer – walking in his paths and traveling in his light.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, I invite you to direct my time during these summer months. Show me what it means to grow in holiness. Be my travel agent for this spiritual pilgrimage, be my climbing companion as I ascend the hillside of my growing faith, be my tour guide as we sojourn together to the Temple of God. Amen.

And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way. Isaiah 35:8

Closing Prayer

I leave this time of prayer preparing to walk the Way of Holiness, I go to encourage and help others as I journey.

Amen

The First 15

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