A PSALM. A SONG FOR THE SABBATH.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,
to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.
For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!
The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:
that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish,
they are doomed to destruction forever; but you, O LORD, are on high forever.
For behold, your enemies, O LORD, for behold, your enemies shall perish;
all evildoers shall be scattered.
But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox;
you have poured over me fresh oil.
My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;
my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.
The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
They are planted in the house of the LORD;
they flourish in the courts of our God.
They still bear fruit in old age;
they are ever full of sap and green,
to declare that the LORD is upright;
he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
You are faithful and mighty to save, both Almighty God and loving Father. What a wonderful gift it is to be able to worship you in your sanctuary every Lord’s Day. It is our safe and happy place where we can sing praises to you and hear your word. We are refreshed and strengthened as we leave church on Sunday. And what a joy to have fellowship with other believers who encourage us.
You have created us, kept your covenant promises, sent your Son to die in our place for our sins, and you continue to sustain your people through the ages. Thank you, LORD! We know that though the wicked seem to flourish, they are like the grass that will wither and die, but the righteous are like the cedars of Lebanon that are solid and strong. We can bear fruit even when we are old when we belong to the Lord by being faithful and kind. Our strength comes from our faith in a loving and merciful Lord and from hearing his gospel every week.
Be with us this week, LORD. Keep us from temptation, guide us in all that we do, and help us to be kind encouragers, so that we might build your kingdom and bring glory to your name.
In Christ’s name. AMEN.