Thoughts for the Day

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord;
praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time on and for evermore.
From the rising of the sun to its setting
the name of the Lord is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
who looks far down
on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust,
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
 to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Those living in the UK however you get your world news may have noticed the choices that the broadcasters make. On television there needs to be a headline item, usually of some shocking nature, often negative and only occasionally positive. Then their is the scandal item where the names of the seeming culprits are given with a note at the end saying they proclaim their innocence. There will be an interview with a member of the government who beside their expertise will also be cross-questioned on the scandal for the day; and then will come a feel-good item where a child or vulnerable person has done something incredible. Many of the items will include reports of natural disasters or ongoing wars. Negative news batters away at our minds and we forget to look at the positive things in life, or we can give up asking God to rescue those in need.

Psalm 113 starts a little group of psalms that are used at Passover and are known as the Egyptian Hallel. 'Hallel' means 'Praise'. These psalms deal with the theme of raising the downtrodden, and of praising God. Psalm 113 is a call for worshippers throughout the world to praise God, for His blessings. But it also reminds us that this eternal God who is so mighty is not far away from us for he cares for the poor and the needy.

So ask yourself how often our prayers in church or at home are blanket ones: "for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East"? But Psalm 113 says that nothing is too big or too small for God's concern. So we need to ask Him for the little things as well - for the neighbour who is struggling financially; for those bombed out of a their flat in Kiev this morning; for the family of a murdered boy mentioned at an Enquiry on the news; and for the family evicted from their rented house that morning. Oh yes, and continue praying for the big issues like Peace across the world.

Almighty God,
we join the universal worship
of You as Lord of all the world,
and we praise Your holy name.
We bless You that You care for all things
and that nothing is too big or too small,
for Your concern.
Today we pray for global issues on the news:
..........................................................................
and for small local issues:
..........................................................................
Hear our prayers Lord for the things on our heart,
and in Your goodness, answer them.
Amen.