Thoughts for the Day

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart....
and give thanks to your name for
your steadfast love and your faithfulness;
for you have exalted your name
and your word above everything.
On the day I called, you answered me;
you increased my strength of soul.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies.
you stretch out your hand,
and your right hand delivers me.
The Lord will fulfil his purpose for me,
your steadfast love, O Lord, endures for ever.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Each of us can think of people who made an impact on our life. For me there was one man in the 1960s (other than my husband) that left such a mark. He was an RAF Padre at a Base where I was running a large church choir - taking them on singing holidays to the Isle of Man, and producing shows like Toad of Toad Hall, as well as leading Sunday worship. I remember him for the simple reason that whatever happened, every person received a handshake and a heartfelt "thank you", every single time we left church. From the youngest to the eldest, whatever they had done was appreciated. He exuded genuine thankfulness, even when a teenage girl fainted sideways and took three others with her - he thanked everyone for keeping the hymn going!

In Psalm 138 David has been in danger, and appealed to God for help. In his relief at being saved he turns to God, saying "I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart." How often do we send 'Arrow prayers' to God? You know the kind of thing - "Help me to do ..... this day!" When the job or task goes well, how often do we give thanks to God, as David did, acknowledging that He had a hand in helping us?

Then, too, how often do we thank those we rely on in our life? Or those who help to keep our Church active and our worship alive?

Heavenly Father,
we thank you for our world
with all its beauty and diversity.
We thank you for the creatures
that share this planet with us.
We thank you for our climate,
and for the rain and the sun.
We thank you for the gifts
of creativity that You give to Your people,
and we thank you for Your
love and care for each one of us.
Amen.