Psalms in Worship—Psalm 121 For Use at the Beginning and End of Worship

Published February 23, 2026

Updated February 23, 2026

trees by streams of water
By Joyce Borger

Scripture memory seems to have gone out of vogue, but having a library of scripture can be of great use to the Holy Spirit. In tough times, this library can be accessed by the Holy Spirit as the Spirit calls forth passages to bring us comfort. When we are joyful, the Holy Spirit can help us recall psalms of praise to be used for expressing gratitude to the God of all good things. When we need correcting, the Holy Spirit can bring to mind other passages to call us back to righteousness. 

When considering what passages to memorize, Psalm 121 ought to be a strong contender. It helps us align ourselves to God as the sovereign Lord upon whom we ought to fully rely rather than riches, degrees, political parties and agendas, government or even those we love. It reminds us of God’s presence in the current moment no matter what our situation. It reminds us that we belong to God. 

To help your congregation memorize Psalm 121, consider using the first 4 verses at the beginning of worship and the last 4 at the end as laid out below. 

Psalm 121:1–4 For the Beginning of Worship

Leader:

People of God, what is your testimony?

All:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—

Leader:

from where will [your] help come?

All:

My help comes from the Lord,
    who made heaven and earth.

Leader:

He will not let your foot be moved;
    he who keeps you will not slumber.

He who keeps Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.”
—Psalm 121:1–4 NRSVUE

Psalm 121:5–8 For the End of Worship

Leader: 

As you leave this place, be assured that God journeys with you, 
and join with the Psalmist in declaring,

All:

“The Lord is [my] keeper;
    the Lord is [my] shade at [my] right hand.

The sun shall not strike [me] by day
    nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep [me] from all evil;
    he will keep [my] life.

The Lord will keep
    [my] going out and [my] coming in
    from this time on and forevermore.”
—Psalm 121:5–8 NRSVUE

Leader: 

 

No matter what this week brings, 
do not be afraid—
God is with you.
Go in peace! 

Ideas to Support the Memorization and Reflection on Scripture

  • Invite different people who have the scripture passage memorized to serve as leaders (including children and teens)
  • Have a scripture memory contest. Divide people by age/ability to compete with those with whom they are evenly matched.
  • Commission congregants to invent simple movements to help call-to-mind the text. 
  • Invite individuals to share visual art, photos, or even reflections on various parts of the psalm. 

Revised Common Lectionary

Year A: Lent 2
Year C: Proper 24