THE VALUE OF BREVITY

This, the shortest psalm, proves conclusively that any particular act of worship does not have to be long-winded. One of the dangers facing those who become accustomed to leading in public prayer is that they lose the art of brevity. Of course, there is a place for prolonged praise. The next psalm but one is the longest in the Book, and its 176 verses celebrating the varied excellencies of God’s Word are neither tedious nor redundant. The Lord Jesus Himself set us a challenging example by spending much time alone with His Father in prayer, Luke 6. 12, and few of us would deny that our personal communion with God could profitably be extended and enriched. Too often the Lord has to say to us, “could ye not watch with me one hour?”, Matt. 26. 40. But in corporate worship we must ever bear in mind the weakness of the flesh and the very real possibility of wearying our brethren by over-lengthy prayers. It is perhaps significant that all the expressions of public worship recorded in Scripture are remarkably concise. Even Solomon’s marvellous prayer at the dedication of the temple takes no longer than six minutes to read slowly, 1 Kings 8. 22-53.

Psalm 117, then, says much in little—whereas, alas, many of our prayers do quite the opposite, as did those of the heathen, Matt. 6. 7. Notice, it encourages worship by calling the nations of the earth to exalt Jehovah’s name, v. 1. Do we encourage or extinguish praise amongst God’s people? Remember, the spiritual state of each believer will either aid or hinder the worship of the local assembly. It explains worship by rejoicing in those delightful divine attributes of “merciful kindness” and “truth”, v. 2, both of which are blessedly directed “toward us”, for God’s goodness is ever poured out on the unworthy, Matt. 5. 44, 45. It exemplifies worship by practising what it teaches. Too often we talk about praise instead of doing it. Yet, though our words be few (and there is wisdom in that, Eccl. 5. 2) they can be full of matter. Surely even the youngest believer can say with Thomas, “My Lord and my God”, John 20. 28.

“When ye pray, use not vain repetitions …for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking’, Matt. 6. 7.