Morning Prayer: The City of God

 


Today's morning prayer refers to Jerusalem as the city of God. Just what is Jerusalem in this sense?

Jerusalem is called “the city of God” because it became, across the biblical story, the place where God chose to make His presence dwell — first in history, then in hope. It is both an earthly city with a long, complicated past and a theological symbol of God’s covenant, holiness, and future redemption.

🜁 What “city of God” means

In Scripture, Jerusalem is described as Ir HaKodesh — the Holy City, a place set apart because God established His name, His worship, and His covenant there. Its holiness is not inherent in its stones; it comes from divine election — God choosing Zion as His earthly dwelling. The Psalms call it “the city of the Great King” (Ps 48), celebrating it as the place where God’s presence rests and from which blessing flows.

🜂 A brief history of Jerusalem as God’s city

1. Before David — a Canaanite stronghold Jerusalem began as a Jebusite fortress, strategically perched in the Judean hills. It was not originally Israelite, nor was it yet holy.

2. David’s capture (c. 1000 BC) David seized the fortress and made it his capital. This was a unifying political move — the city sat between tribal territories — but it became theological when David brought the Ark of the Covenant there. The ark, understood as God’s footstool, signified His presence.

3. Solomon’s Temple Solomon built the Temple, and God’s glory filled it. From that moment, Jerusalem became the center of worship, sacrifice, pilgrimage, and national identity. It was the one place where God had chosen to dwell among His people.

4. Prophetic tension — holiness and judgment Prophets warned that Jerusalem’s holiness demanded moral faithfulness. When the people turned to injustice or idolatry, the city was judged — first by Babylon, later by Rome. Yet even in ruin, the idea of Jerusalem as God’s chosen city endured.

5. Post‑exilic restoration After the Babylonian exile, rebuilding Jerusalem and its Temple symbolized renewed covenant life. The city again became the center of worship and identity.

6. The heavenly Jerusalem — the city beyond history New Testament writers speak of a Jerusalem above (Gal 4:26) and the New Jerusalem descending from heaven (Rev 21). This expands the meaning: Jerusalem becomes not just a place on earth but the final dwelling of God with His people, perfected and eternal.

🜃 Why morning prayer calls it “the city of God”

When your prayer refers to Jerusalem this way, it is invoking all these layers at once:

  • the historical city where God placed His name,

  • the spiritual center of worship and covenant,

  • the symbol of God’s presence and protection,

  • and the future, perfected city where God dwells with humanity forever.

Jerusalem is thus history, theology, and hope — the city where God once dwelled, still dwells symbolically, and will dwell eternally.


Read more Morning Prayer posts: MSI Press Blog

Note about Morning Prayer: Each morning prayer post reflects on one phrase from the Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours. which can be found in the iBreviary (a downloadable app), Universalis (website) or Divine Office (publication and website). Post may be assisted by AI in image generation and content (research and/or wording).

Morning Prayer posts inspired by Being Catholic in Troubled Times (Dennis Ortman)

Book Description:

These are times that try our souls. This book is addressed to all, not just Catholics, who search for deeper meaning in tough times. Our age is marked by division and alienation. We long for some message that will bring peace to our world and our hearts.

This book suggests that the Catholic faith can provide strength in these troubled times. The word "catholic" means "all-embracing, universal." Nothing is excluded in the catholic mind. The truth that sets us free can be found everywhere, especially in unexpected places. It is often hidden in plain sight. In our darkest moments, we find new light and life. When we are most despairing, a ray of hope shines through.



Dr. Dennis Ortman, former priest and current psychologist, is the author of Anger Anonymous, Anxiety Anonymous, Depression Anonymous, Being Catholic in Troubled Times, and Life, Liberty, and COVID-19.


For more posts by and about Dennis and his award-winning books, click HERE.



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