Thursday, January 7, 2016

Today’s Reading  |  Psalm 113

Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord;
    praise the name of the Lord.

Blessed be the name of the Lord
    from this time on and forevermore.
From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of
    the Lord is to be praised.
The Lord is high above all nations,
    and his glory above the heavens.

Who is like the Lord our God,
    who is seated on high,
who looks far down
    on the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust,
    and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
    with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
   making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord! (NRSV)

Reflection
One of the first things I learned as a Deacon is that this office meant being a “servant.” Like many church volunteers, I was given responsibilities to serve the good of our congregation and community. I was able to reach out to others in a variety of ways, through the Volunteer Table, Intercessory Prayer, and Sunday Night Supper. Many people sought ways in which they could serve. Some wanted to share their joys or concerns. Others gathered for a weekly hot meal and fellowship. In these acts, and myriad other ways, I continue to witness the blessings of our congregants’ service to the needs of others. But we don’t act alone. Praise our Lord, God, Helper of the Needy.

I must admit, this psalm does not come without challenge. The first few verses, for instance, are essentially telling me (a servant), to praise God now and forever and, well, basically all hours of daylight. Really, God? Every Sunday, our worship service begins with “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. . . .” Isn’t this enough? I suspect it is not. For though this psalm illustrates God’s willingness and power to “lift the needy . . . to make them sit with princes” and give the “barren woman a home,” as well as make her the joyous mother of children, I believe we’re being asked, first, to praise the Lord.

There have been many times in my life that I have been that “person in need.” By faith and prayer, I feel that God has given me the help I needed—whether by human hands or through my heart, from heaven. So I do praise the name of the Lord, forever!

Prayer
Almighty God on high, I will bless your name, always, in praise and thanksgiving. Lord, teach me to be your servant and how to faithfully serve the needs of my fellow brothers and sisters. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Written by Daniel Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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