Friday, July 3, 2020

July 3 – Friday prior to Proper 9



Psalm 145:1-5 – This Psalm selection is suggested for next Sunday. The key verse “I will extol thee, my God and my King” (v. 1a)

This is the only Psalm which comes with the title “A Song of Praise” This is also an acrostic Psalm  each letter of the Hebrew alphabet is mentioned except for the Hebrew letter “nun” which is mysteriously absent.  This method of writing was intentional. It was an easy way for people to memorize the psalm as they would recite it in unison.

As a Psalm of David, the king of Israel gives homage and praise to the Lord, the King of all creation. This Psalm is also a Mission Psalm as the people of God are called to proclaim to the world the mighty deeds of the Lord.

It’s one thing to believe God exists but another to acknowledge Him as your King, to acknowledge His authority over you.  The Psalmist’s praise will never cease but will continue both now and into eternity. This is an Old Testament example of belief in eternal life.

What God has done is to be told by parents to their children, passed down from one generation to the next. By God’s grace this has happened in our congregation for the past 182 years. May the Lord strengthen our families as we tell the next generation the mighty acts of God.

Collect for Psalm 145Loving Father, you are faithful in your promises and tender in your compassion. Listen to our hymn of joy, and continue to satisfy the need of all your creatures, that all flesh  may bless your name in your everlasting kingdom, where with your Son and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, now and forever.  

A Prayer for families – Almighty God behold the families of our congregation and community. We pray that You might be the ever present yet unseen guest in every home. Daily may we serve You that there might be harmony and peace. Keep us safe from the enemy and may Your blessings fall upon us like gentle rain.

A Prayer for purity– Almighty God unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known, from whom no secrets are hidden, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your holy name.

For humility - Heavenly Father, You resist the proud and give grace to the humble. Grant us true humility after the likeness of Your only Son that we may never be arrogant and prideful and thus provoke Your wrath but in all lowliness be made partakers of the gifts of Your grace.

Lutheran Study Bible © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Prayers from Luther Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
Prayer for Psalm 145, For All the Saints – A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol.1 © 1994 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
God so Loved the Word copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

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