Messianic Psalms

Messianic Psalms

Messianic Psalms are Psalms that talk about the Messiah, the Anointed One.

Often, these Psalms were written about the current ruler at the time. But even then, there are almost always hints about a coming Anointed One who will bring justice and make everything right.

Although many Psalms have hints of this, these Psalms are primarily Messianic: Psalms 2, 45, 72, 110, and 132.

I would never presume to say that my own prayer is prophecy. But I've read prophecies, and I do believe that in the end, God will make everything right. When I try to write a Messianic Psalm, I think of it as a Happy Ending Psalm. They are a good response to evils we see in the world around us, as they remind us that in the end, God will defend the afflicted among the people and crush the oppressor.

I find four key concepts in the Messianic Psalms that we can put into our own prayers:

Human governments fail us, and one day tyrants will fall.

This kind of justice is summed up in the verse above - defending the oppressed and defeating the oppressor. The wicked will not always win, and that can give us hope.

The powerful may believe they will never be called to account, but the Lord laughs at them.

Evil will not have the last word. When God makes things right, it will last for ever and ever.

Yes, I confess: These are the type of psalms I attempt when I'm thinking about politics. (Well, these and Laments.) I do try to pray in general ways, asking God to solve the problems, rather than trying to tell God exactly which politician should be elected. I think praying for a more just world is something we can all get behind, whatever our particular politics.

You'll find some examples of Messianic psalms on my Sonderjourneys blog. I'd love to see your own examples in the comments!