The pilgrim had been on his journey for quite some time and had reached the city's gates. Inside, there is the temple in all its golden beauty. Around him are others like himself who have come to this specific place, at this specific time, to go up together to the house of the Lord. Standing there in awe after the long journey, with the weariness of the road behind him and the dangers the Lord kept him from, he likely would have been ready to move forward when someone nearby said, “Let us go up to the house of the Lord.”
Standing at the gates would have made him happy to finally reach Jerusalem. But that was not the purpose of the long journey. The beauty and activity of the city was not the main goal. It’s wonderful to be with the people of God and enjoy fellowship. Hymns, good conversation, and discussions about God are good and bring us joy. But our true goal is to be where God dwells. We move with reverence and worship into His holy presence, singing songs of praise to Him, not just songs about Him. Sharing thoughts of our Lord with others is beneficial, but being together, opening our hearts to Him, and having the Holy Spirit guide us to do and say what is right brings a joy that cannot be found in any other way. There may be a lump in our throat and tears in our eyes, but that is a holy silence that flows as we sing, “There is a fountain filled with blood, drawn from Emmanuel’s veins.” “When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gains, I count but loss. And pour contempt on all my pride.”
There are first impressions that stay with us when we visit a special place or meet new people. The pilgrim’s words were, “Jerusalem… compact together.” It was a place where the people of God could be united, even though they came from different locations and backgrounds. There would have been, as there are now, tribal differences, family uniqueness, and perhaps different accents as they spoke, but they gathered in fellowship to be where God dwelt with His people. That unifying center brought them closer together because He was “in the midst of them.”
There was unity among those who were strangers to each other as they gathered “to the place of His name” and the Person of the place. The worship of united saints has a power that cannot be experienced alone. It cleanses, warming the soul and spirit of those who draw near to the Lord. There are thoughts unexpressed audibly that are sublime expressions of praise that stir within us because of being together at the house of the Lord. Our attitude toward God will determine how we worship and why.
The reason Jerusalem was attractive to people wasn’t just because it was the capital city set on a hill or because the king lived there. What drew the people of God to come there was the temple, the dwelling place of God. Jerusalem means “city of peace,” but there has been no peace in Jerusalem yet. That will come when the Lord Jesus Christ is there as the Great King in the city of the Great King. When we “pray for the peace of Jerusalem,” we say, “Even so, come Lord Jesus.” Then, there will be the peace for which we pray.
I imagine the pilgrim prayed for the peace of Jerusalem as he journeyed toward it through dangers and snares. When he reached the city gate, he would pray for the peace of Jerusalem so the gates could stay open. Before returning home, he would pray for the peace of Jerusalem as a prayer of fellowship and encouragement to those living there. If they were at peace, it would be possible for people from afar to come to that place of peace amid the turmoil of life in the ungodly world.
Such a prayer would be for peace and safety. It would be a prayer for continued unity in the bond of peace. It would include a desire for spiritual prosperity, such as that which will someday extend throughout the world. Intercessory prayer is an essential part of a believer's prayer life. Pray for people and places. Pray for needed help on others' behalf. Pray for justice, protection, and sometimes, prosperity for those in need. Peace and comfort can only come from “the God of peace.”
PSALM 122 PRAY FOR PEACE v.1-2. Joy in the Pilgrimage. “I was glad when they said… let us go…” v.3-5. Impressions of Jerusalem. “Jerusalem… compassed together…” v.6-9. Prayer for Jerusalem. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”