The following is from an article I wrote for The MorningStar Journal. This is an excerpt from my book, The Open Door. If you’d like to fully learn about Psalmistry, the history, the method, the aspects of prophecy and healing, and the spiritual benefits, order The Open Door. This is a superb resource for musicians, who desire to not only go deeper with God, but also, to reach those they play for in a way that uses music to actually connect their listeners with God.
Prophetic Psalming
King David was a warrior, prophet, king and, no less importantly, a psalmist. Near the end of his reign, he established an orchestra and choir of 4000 Levitical musicians (I Chronicles 23:1-5).
Of this number, 288 were specifically anointed to prophesy “according to the order of the king” and were “instructed in the songs of the Lord” (I Chronicles 25:2, 7). These were the psalmists, a group who carried on David’s ministry of worship to the Lord and for the people.
Where are the people called and anointed for this ministry today? How are they prepared and trained? What are some characteristics of psalmist worship and praise? What effect will greater restoration of this ministry have on the body of Christ and the world?
This is an exciting time for the church. We are in preparation for the Harvest, and prophetic worship is one of the keys that will bring it about. Just as God is restoring the prophetic ministry in general, the time has come for the church to regain the awesome power of prophetic psalming.
The Key of David Opens the Door
“These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth” (Revelation 3:7).
The Key of David is in the Lord’s hand. He entrusts it to those who are open to prophetic worship and psalming. Whether they realized it or not, the people of Israel continually proclaimed God’s prophecies concerning the coming Messiah when they sang the Psalms of David. They were “door openers” who voiced prophetic preparation before the birth of Jesus. With greater revelation than the Jews of the Old Testament, today’s psalmists are called to lead a procession in the Spirit which prepares the way for the Second Coming of our Lord. Through worship and intercession, the Key of David is still available for those who will receive this treasure in their hearts and use it skillfully with their hands.
An open door is the means of entrance. Jesus said, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (John 10:9). The psalmist is called to lead the body of Christ to and through the open door. One door is inward, the door of salvation for an individual. Psalmist ministry can open the door of evangelism (I Corinthians 16:9) and people will be gloriously saved.
Once we come to know the Lord, the greatest door for the Key of David to open is the door in heaven (Revelation 4:1). This is the door through which we enter the heavenly realm through worship, intercession and psalming. Although God is always present, there are times when we enter His very throne room. We don’t often stay there long because our mortal bodies can’t handle it. However, in that place, psalmists can fulfill their highest call—singing to the Lord Himself. “Come, let us go up!” (Micah 4:2)
This article is an excerpt from Robyn’s book “The Open Door” which can be ordered directly from this page.
Payment options coming soon!
Selah
There often comes a moment in a worship service when there is a special sense of God’s presence. David described these moments with the notation “Selah.” “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psalm 32:5; for other examples, see Psalm 3:2; 3:4; 3:8; 4:2; 7:5; 9:16; 20:3; 32:4; 39:5).
Selah is the time when the Key of David has opened the door into heaven. Musically, it is generally a time of silence or instrumental ministry to the Lord between the singing or playing of previously written songs or hymns. David used this term to denote a time of quiet introspection or reflective thought, a time to meditate on the goodness of the Lord. It is likely that David usually continued playing during times of Selah as he ministered to the Lord.
Selah is not only a time to meditate on the Lord’s presence; it is also a time to receive revelation and direction for what is to follow. It is a time to scan or see in the Spirit. It is a time to let music alone do the work of the ministry. It is a time to let a new melody develop in the worship team. It is a time for everyone to pray quietly in the Spirit. Such periods of Selah are largely uncharted waters for today’s church.
In order for times of Selah to come, the level of control that is maintained in most churches will need to be lifted. To let a spontaneous new song arise generally takes time, and it cannot be “screened” ahead of time by those in leadership. If someone brings forth something questionable or soulish, it can normally be dealt with later in private. The opportunity to receive fresh manna is worth the risk.
Read the rest of the Prophetic Psalming article, written for The Morningstar Journal.
MannaFestDimensions 