This week I’ve been contemplating and praying through the spiritual rhythms of my life. How and when I read Scripture, pray, meditate, rest, etc. This is important for me as a pastor, but it’s also important for every Christian. On that note, one resource I read expressed the importance of praising God as our first daily act. To continue on with the theme of praying the Psalms from last week, let Psalm 103:1-5 guide our praise to God. I am listing three translations, allow the repetition and slight differences guide our praises in new ways:
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.
-NRSV
O my soul, bless God.
From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don’t forget a single blessing!
He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
-The Message
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
-NIV
Amen.
Pastor Drew's Desk 