It is our custom to recite each weekday morning the 67th chapter of Tehillim, "Lamenase’ah Bi’nginot Mizmor Shir." This Psalm is recited just before the recitation of Baruch She’amar.
The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909) writes that it is proper during the recitation of this Psalm to think in one’s mind the shape of the seven-branch Menorah that stood in the Bet Ha’mikdash. The chapter of "Lamenase’ah Bi’nginot" is comprised of seven verses, which correspond to the seven branches of the Menorah. Furthermore, it contains 49 words (after the introductory first verse), which correspond to the ornaments on the Menorah. The Menorah in the Temple featured 22 Gebi’im (cup-shaped designs), 9 Kaftorim (decorative balls), 11 Perahim (flowers) and 7 branches, amounting to a total of 49.
It is preferable for one to have a piece of parchment on which the Psalm is written in the shape of a Menorah, as many synagogues have on their walls and is printed in many Siddurim. One should look upon this piece of parchment while reciting the text of "Lamenase’ah Bi’nginot."
This Psalm is not recited on Shabbat, when we recite instead the chapters of "Lamenase’ah Mizmor Le’David," "Ranenu Sadikim" and "Le’David." The Ben Ish Hai emphasized the importance of ensuring to recite each and every letter of these Psalms. He writes that according to Kabbalistic teaching, these Psalms contain specific amounts of words and letters that allude to certain Names of God, and these references are lost if one does not properly pronounce each word. Therefore, it is critical to recite these chapters carefully, pronouncing each word properly.
Summary: When reciting "Lamenase’ah Bi’nginot Mizmor Shir" in the morning before Baruch She’amar, one should think in his mind the shape of the Menorah in the Temple, as this Psalm alludes to the Menorah. Preferably, one should acquire a piece of parchment with this Psalm written in the shape of a Menorah and look at the image while reciting this chapter.
