Psalm 145:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 145:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.
Verse 2Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever.
Verse 3Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable.
Verse 4One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.
Verse 5On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
Verse 6The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness.
Verse 7They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
Verse 8The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Devotion
“Every day will I bless you and praise your name forever and ever.”
My mother began each day by praising God in prayer. She often said that she needed to pause daily to reflect on God’s goodness and give thanks for God’s love. It had to be done before the busyness and responsibilities of life got in her way. Then every evening, she would list what she was thankful for that day. It reminds me of the psalmist listing all that God has done for us, bringing our focus back to God’s grace each day.
The psalmist begins with praise that rises beyond a single moment. Then continues, “Every day will I bless you and praise your name forever and ever.” These words invite us to see praise not as an occasional response when life is easy, but as the daily rhythm of faith. For we have a gracious and merciful God who is not distant, harsh, or quick to discard sinners. God meets us in our need with undeserved love.
Prayer
Lord, you are gracious and merciful. You alone are worthy of my praise. Nothing compares to you. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.