Thoughts for the Day

Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord... heals the broken-hearted,
and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;
make melody to our God on the lyre.
He covers the heavens with clouds,
prepares rain for the earth,
makes grass grow on the hills.
He gives to the animals their food,
and to the young ravens when they cry.
His delight is not in the strength of the horse,
nor his pleasure in the speed of a runner;
but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.

Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
Praise your God, O Zion!
Praise the Lord!

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The psalm appointed for Morning Prayer today is Psalm 147, a great song of praise to God. Ultimately each of us is called to praise God. It should be our first call each day when we wake and our last each night. It should be praise that fills our minds and hearts, rather than our needs and our wishes. It should be praise that comes even before we make our confession or ask His blessing.

We should praise God for all that He gives to us: for ordering our world; caring for those in need; lifting up the downtrodden. All He asks of us is that we 'fear him'. This does not mean that we are terrified of God necessarily, it means having a deep respect, a reverence, and awe for God’s power and authority. Rather than causing someone to be afraid of God, a proper 'fear of the Lord' leads us to love Him with all our heart.

Today perhaps we can make a commitment to praise God each day!

Heavenly Father,
Lord of all,
protector of us Your people,
You call us to worship and honour You
this and every day.
May our first action each morning
be one of heartfelt praise,
and our last each night
of joyful thanks,
as we remember all that You give us,
and Your love for us.
Amen.