That word signaled the musicians to do one of two things: play more loudly or play on alone while the singers stop.

I can feature the singers stopping when they got to the end of this verse:

“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).

The song wasn’t over but this was such a tremendous truth that the singing itself stopped so people could give focused thought on what they had just heard.

I won’t try to hide my sin and wrongdoing. I will say to God, “I did it. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. And help me not to do it again.”

Then God forgives! Wow!

Selah for sure — be sure you think about that, Mark.

Now you may continue singing.

“In Jesus’ name, amen.”

That’s how many Christian prayers end. I have no quibble with that. (Good thing, too, since most of mine tend to end that way also.)

But how often do I present my requests as appeals to God’s own character?

In other words, “Because of Who You are, Father, please . . . .”

Notice how the psalmist does that in these three verses:

“In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness” (Psalm 31:1).

“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me” (Psalm 31:3).

“Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies’ sake” (Psalm 31:16).