Thursday, November 23, 2017

Today’s Scripture Reading  |  Psalm 95:1–7

O come, let us sing to the Lord;
   let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
   let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
For the Lord is a great God,
   and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
   the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
   and the dry land, which his hands have formed.

O come, let us worship and bow down,
   let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
   and we are the people of his pasture,
   and the sheep of his hand.

O that today you would listen to his voice! (NRSV)

Reflection
Psalm 95 is a fitting way to begin this Thanksgiving morning, as our hearts collectively sing out in praise of all that God has done in our lives. The psalmist stands in awe, not just of God’s act of creation, but also of the way that God continues to shepherd and shape creation as “the people of his pasture; the sheep of his hand.” God’s presence is ever with us, this psalm proclaims—and it is from that hope that we receive our call to live our lives in ways that proclaim God’s promises.

While Thanksgiving is a time for each of us to reflect on our varied blessings in our lives, it is also an opportunity for us to consider how we might be blessings to others—to use the gifts that God has given us for the benefit of all God’s creation. As we share food around tables today with family and friends, may we remember all those who do not have enough food to eat—sharing what we have in the days to come as our response to the cries of this world. As we share food around tables today with family and friends, may we remember all those who are lonely on this day—sharing time with all those around us who might need to see a smiling face or hear a friendly voice. As we head once more into a season of giving and generosity, may we indeed be inspired to make an impact on this world.

Prayer
Great and wondrous God, I give you thanks today for all of the innumerable blessings that you have placed into my life, and ask that you might help make me a blessing in the lives of others. Amen.

Written by Matt Helms, Associate Pastor for Children and Family Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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