Devotion • November 20
Today’s Scripture Reading
Psalm 100:1–12
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits —
who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. (NRSV)
Reflection
Thanksgiving is Thursday! What better way to prepare than to celebrate it with this joyful song of thanksgiving and resounding praise to God. “Make a joyful noise,” the psalmist commands, and he does not want a meek response. He seeks a robust shout-out. Picture the Bears’ fans screaming their devotion when the Bears score a touchdown at Soldier Field.
Psalm 100 — the second most popular after Psalm 23 — is brief, direct, and packed with action verbs that command how to generate our praise. It prepares us for our Thanksgiving Day prayer by advising us how to serve God with our personal abilities — whether they’re our time, talents, service, or gifts.
Our Thanksgiving prayer this year must, of course, address the disturbing and discouraging events around the world and close to home. But for me — and I hope for you — it also will convey what I’m most thankful for. My own blessings that demand a shout-out of gratitude. What are you thankful for?
In praying this Thursday, I also will remember the poem composed by the daughter of the great songwriter Henry Mancini, who set it to music. It is a favorite and goes like this:
“Sometimes — not often enough — we reflect upon the good things,
and those thoughts always center around those we love.
And I think about those people who mean so much to me;
who, for so many years have made me so very happy.
And I count the times I have forgotten to say, ‘Thank You!’
and just how much I love them.”
May you enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving. And, perhaps, find time to hear Karen Carpenter sing the Mancini song “Sometimes.”
Prayer
Loving God, remind us at this time of thanksgiving to serve you with gladness, by practicing random acts of kindness to those in need and those who are struggling. Praise the Lord. Amen.
Written by Tim Schellhardt, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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