Psalm 138 (NRSV)
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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
Emily was 105 when I served as chaplain at the long-term care facility she called home. Emily practiced thankfulness every day. Having attained such a great age, she had few living relatives and they lived too far away to visit very often. But Emily was thankful for lollipops, for the chance to get her hair done, and for every recreational activity that was offered – even if she couldn’t participate. Emily was the embodiment of graciousness. Maybe her attitude of gratitude was a key to her longevity. I remember one Sunday when the volunteers came around to transport residents to worship after breakfast. Emily declared in a clear strong voice, to no one and everyone: “This is a great place. The food is good and they give us spiritual nourishment, too.”
Prayer
Help me, Lord, to practice thankfulness, so that I might live into the abundant life you want me to know and to enjoy. Amen.