Psalm 138 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 138 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
Verse 2I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.
Verse 3On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.
Verse 4All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
Verse 5They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.
Verse 6For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.
Verse 7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.
Verse 8The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Devotion
I am a cautious fan of Oprah Winfrey. On one episode she introduced something I like: the “Gratitude Journal.” Journal writing has been a daily practice of mine since I was a teenager. Since following Winfrey’s advice to give thanks and name the things in my life for which I am grateful, my prayer life has changed.
My husband calls me a “sad Dane,” as I tend to see the proverbial cup as half empty rather than half full. But focusing on the things for which I am grateful has changed my outlook and my prayer life. I first give thanks to God for what I have rather than focusing on what I don’t have. Then I leave the rest up to God.
Prayer
Lord, help us to be grateful for all that you have given us and continue to give. Amen.