Psalm 105:39-43 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for this coming Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” These words find their way into our worship life as they are included in the Old Testament Canticle from the Prayer and Preaching order of service.
The psalmist will recall the acts of God’s mercy as He
protected the children of Israel through the years of their wondering. “Egypt
was glad when they departed…He spread a cloud for a covering and fire to give
light by night. They asked, and he brought quail and gave them bread from
heaven in abundance. He opened the rock and water gushed out; if flowed through
the desert like a river.”
Like Israel, are we quick to give no thought to God’s
miracles? Like Israel, do we often fail to remember God’s many kindnesses and rebel? Like Israel, can we soon forget and grow
impatient in our waiting – especially through trials or suffering?
It does us good to recall and remember the Lord’s
dealings with us in the past. We praise God for His past mercies as we
anticipate further kindnesses to come. As we begin yet another week we pray for
the Lord’s guidance.
Today we pray from the psalms:
Lord, “You word
is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105) Send out your light and your truth; let them
lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling! (Psalm
43:3) You make known to me the path of
life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are
pleasures forevermore. (Psalm 16:11)
For you are my rock and my
fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me. (Psalm 31:3)
Almighty and
eternal God, our refuge in every danger, to whom we turn in our distress; in
faith we pray, look with compassion on the afflicted, grant comfort to
mourners, healing to the sick, peace to the dying, strength to healthcare
workers, wisdom to our leaders, and the courage to reach out to all in love, so
that together we may give glory to your holy name.[1]
Image: Jesus the Christ, copyright Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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