Psalm 24

1 The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
    the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
    and established it on the rivers.

3 Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
4 Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
    who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
    and do not swear deceitfully.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord,
    and vindication from the God of their salvation.
6 Such is the company of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
    that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
    and be lifted up, O ancient doors!
    that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord of hosts,
    he is the King of glory. Selah

For a Christian, Psalm 24 celebrates the coming of the King of glory, Jesus Christ, as he enters into God’s world as a tiny child, fully God and fully human. Psalm 24 celebrates Jesus Christ coming to dwell in the hearts and lives of those who follow Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit and in gentleness and glory (John 14.23–26). Psalm 24 celebrates the end of the story: that Jesus Christ will return as Lord and King in all his glory at the end of the age and we will live with Christ for ever.

Offer thanks to God for grace in the coming of Jesus in his birth in Bethlehem, in his coming to dwell in our hearts through faith, and in the promise of his coming at the end of the age.

O Lord of hosts,
purify our hearts
that the King of glory may come in,
your Son, Jesus our redeemer. Amen.

Prayer after Psalm 24