Today marks the second consecutive Sunday that I am missing church because I have to work. In this day and age, this is a reality for many people, my experience is hardly unique but I hate missing church. But as I look at the Lectionary for today I am greeted by the opening of the Psalm 111: “Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.” Despite not being there in body I am there in Spirit and I am thankful for the truth of the rest of this psalm which proclaims all the God has done on behalf of his people, his covenant faithfulness to them and exhorts us to practice the ‘fear of the Lord’ (reverent awe and deference to God in how you live your life). This prayer is my own meditation on this psalm.
Creator, Sustainer and Lover of My Soul–
As your people gather today and lift their voice as one in praise for your name,
count my voice among their chorus. I give thanks to You!
It is your mighty work and righteousness that endures forever,
And you are famous for your wondrous deeds and abundant mercy.
Look at all you have done!
Thank you that you have blessed us with an inheritance among the nations,
we are your people and we live in light of All you have done for us.
We have seen your faithfulness in all that you have done–
in your mighty works,
in your tender love towards us,
in all your judgments and precepts.
Teach us to walk in your ways, ever following the paths you have laid out.
You are are Redeemer, our Savior and the one that has brought us into Covenant-Relationship with You!
All praise to Your Name for all You are, and all You do.
Teach me to follow and honor You in all I do.
Praise to You Forever.
Amen.
thoughts, prayers & songs: 