Psalm 71 is a proclamation to grandparents (and other saints of, shall I say, “maturity?”).
This particular Psalm was written by an aged David during a time of great trouble. However, David’s focus here is not on his “great trouble.” RATHER he writes this Psalm for the benefit of God’s people, especially those of his same “generational age.”
Notice as you read Psalm 71 that David intentionally does 4 things.
David PRAYS
He begins this Psalm with believing, affirming prayers.
- In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; (vs. 1)
- …for you are my rock and my fortress. (vs. 3)
- For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth. (vs. 5)
- Upon you I have leaned from before my birth; you are he who took me from my mother’s womb. My praise is continually of you. (vs. 6)
- …you are my strong refuge. (vs. 7)
- My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. (vs. 8)
David PREPARES
As we read this Psalm, we see his preparation for the work of proclaiming God’s glory.
- He leaned on God, depending wholly upon Him everything. (vs. 6)
- He relied on God’s protection and help in times of danger. (vs.7)
- He learned from God’s teaching. (vs. 17)
- He filled his mouth with praise to God all the day. (vs. 8 & 14)
- He told others of God’s righteous acts and deeds of salvation. (vs. 15)
- He placed his hope and confidence in God alone. Then he talked the talk and walked the walk. (vs. 14)
David PURPOSES
In verses 17 & 18, David declares what he intends to do in his old age for God.
- Until I proclaim your might to another generation,Your power to all those to come. (vs 18)
How does David fulfill his purpose?
- He shows God’s strength to others by verbally sharing his own experience of it. (vs. 15 & 19)
- He leaves a written record of his personal observations of God’s power in his poems and psalms.
- He praises God continually, both in private and in public. (vs. 6 & 8)
- He acknowledges God’s protection over him. (vs. 7)
- He remembers, rehearsing God’s work in his life. (vs. 9-15)
- He reminds others of the righteousness of God. (vs. 16 & 19)
- He prays for God’s presence and power in his life so that he can fulfill his purposed intention. (vs. 18)
David PRAISES
He concludes Psalm 71 with praises to God.
- Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you? (vs. 19)
- I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praises to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. (vs. 22)
- My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. (vs. 23)
A Psalm filled with words of wisdom for all who are members of the “upper end” generations.
And for those of us who carry the title, “Grandparent,” this Psalm seems to be written just for us.
In following David’s example of Prayer, Preparation, Purpose, and Praise, we, too, can Proclaim the wonder, awe, and glory of our great God to another generation (our grandchildren) leaving them a precious legacy of love.
Grandparent, Are you ready to “proclaim [His] might to another generation?”
If so, take the first steps of Prayer, Preparation, Purpose, and Praise by joining the 30-Day Praying with Purpose Grandparent Challenge. The Challenge provides grandparents a “doable” opportunity to invest in their grandchildren. The Challenge offers daily prayer prompts, tips, and other optional activities for connecting with your grandchildren. It’s also a safe place to find community, encouragement, and supports. Join other grandparents today as we take an intentional step in helping other generations see Him and know Him.
30-day Praying with Purpose Prayer Challenge for Grandparents
Join grandparents from around the world in praying together for our grandchildren. A FREE booklet containing all the materials you need to enter into 30 days of intentional and specific prayer for your grandchildren. About the Challenge Who: The challenge is for any grandparent — grandma, grandpa, young, more mature, one grandchild, twenty, living near grandchildren, or…
