Two Prayers for Blessing: one Holy, the other ungodly

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us..."  (Psalms 67:1)

The first part of this snippet from Psalm 67 is one that preaches well, is encouraging, is upbeat, and is just what our narcissistic nature craves. Face it, we ALL want to hear/say/pray and hopefully experience God's bounty and blessing in our lives. But what I see is that while we would jump all over any of the "prosperity preachers" for selling this from their pulpits the psalmist is writing with an entirely different purpose in mind. The psalmist qualifies the hoped for blessing, "...that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations."  (Psalms 67:2) The psalmist's prayer is not anthropocentric (self-centered) but Theocentric (Christ centered). 

The RCV (Revised Cripe Version) might read: "God, take note of us, and bless us with all good things, most of all, the blessing of your hallowed Presence. Furthermore, bless us us in all things, in all ways "SO THAT we may be equipped, energized and supplied with everything we need TO EXPAND THY KINGDOM COME." Isn't this the very reason for our existence?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I AM with you always, to the end of the age.”"  (Matthew 28:19-20)

This is NOT a missionary verse!  This is a Christ follower verse. So, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."  (Colossians 3:23-24)

Consequently, Psalm 67:1 is a perfectly excellent prayer if prayed biblically.