Daily Reading: 8 February
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
Whole hearted praise.
Something to read
I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I 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.
- Psalm 138:1-2 from full reading Psalm 138.
Something to think about
Psalm 138 is a wonderful Psalm of praise with three short movements helping us offer our worship to God.
First we’re reminded of God’s steadfast love for each of us. A love directed towards us; a love enacted by God. A love which Christians see most clearly in Jesus. What aspect of God’s love are you most grateful for today?
Next, we’re reminded that all people should praise God. We’re reminded that the rulers of all nations should praise God. We remember that both the powerful and powerless should praise God. Worship is a global concern. How does your worship echo the praise of Christians around the world?
Finally, we’re reminded that God is with us even when times are hard, even when we feel oppressed. The faithful love of God is unchanging and calls us to live in the light of this love all our lives. How do you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness day by day?
Our worship should be unbound by the constraints we sometimes place on it and it can grow into a defining attitude for our lives which shapes everything we do. The goodness of God’s love means this is the only right response.
Something to do
Have a look at the ‘Our history’ page of the Christian Aid website. Think about all of the good things we’ve done together to demonstrate God’s faithful love. Use this as a springboard for praise and worship, rejoice in all that has been achieved.
Something to pray
Precious God,
Your faithful love is beyond compare,
throughout history you have demonstrated your love for each one of us.
Deepen our gratitude for all that has been achieved by Christian Aid
and grow our expectation of all we can do in your name.
Day by day, let our lives reflect your love as we worship you
and build your kingdom in Jesus name,
Amen.
Today’s contributor is Andy Stinson. A disciple, husband, dad, deacon and priest. At the time of writing, Andy is Rector of Barrow (near Chester) and Worship and Liturgy Missioner for Chester Diocese.