One of the most intriguing interpretive dynamics of the Psalms is their inspiration. These are the songs and prayers of people. The Psalms don’t fall in the same category of the prophets who regularly declare, “Thus says Yahweh…”. Rather, these words flow from human experience—and they are inspired. The Psalms don’t fall in the same category as historical narrative where we find human authors and editors recounting a divine perspective of historical events. The psalmist is no inspired storyteller or chronicler. The psalmist is no prophet claiming to be God’s messenger. The psalmist praises and prays out of the depth of his (or her heart) to the Holy One.
So what makes this intriguing? This fact tells us two things: first, that our prayers, like the prayers of the psalmist, can be the very word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit to pour forth the glory of God at the end of a pen. The Holy Spirit helps us choose our words. The Holy Spirit chooses to enter into those moments of deep need, hurt, threat, joy and praise, and pours forth speech on God’s behalf. Have you ever considered that when you pray, it is God praying through you?
Second, in much the same vein, this means that the Holy Spirit can speak through us. If the Holy Spirit can speak to us through our own prayers, or through the prayers of another, then is it possible for the Holy Spirit to inspire our words in the midst of a regular old day? Can the Holy Spirit inspire our words when we’re out having coffee with a friend, or chatting on Facebook? I believe He can. Our waking day, I believe, God wishes to fill with His words and inspire for sanctification.
This day, the psalmist makes me want to pray, if only to have the joy of hearing the voice of God.