Psalm 103:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 103:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Verse 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits-
Verse 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
Verse 4who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Verse 5who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Verse 6The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
Verse 7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
Verse 8The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Devotion
Gratitude is the attitude of those who experience God’s touch. When prayers for forgiveness, healing and rescue are answered, one’s very being becomes a hymn of thanksgiving. Its melody captures the nature of God’s character. Its cadence beats out the rhythm of God’s steadfastness. Its lyrics express the poetry of God’s love, grace and mercy.
The psalmist, as indeed all who know the saving love of God, gratefully and confidently sings through life knowing that it is neither one’s voice nor musical ability that makes the hymn lovely. The beauty of the hymn is the one who inspires it – the God who is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.”
Prayer
God, your mercy and love overwhelm me. Thank you for the ways you have interceded and continue to intercede in my life, hearing my prayers, guiding my decisions and ministering to my needs. Amen.