Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications.
Verse 2Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Verse 12What shall I return to the Lord for all his bounty to me?
Verse 13I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,
Verse 14I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people.
Verse 15Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
Verse 16O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the child of your serving girl. You have loosed my bonds.
Verse 17I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice and call on the name of the Lord.
Verse 18I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people,
Verse 19in the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!
Devotion
Look what happens when the Lord comes near! The problems of life can cause fear, insecurity, pain or frustration. Crying out to God for deliverance expresses trust that God has the power to help. Pouring out the heart to God expresses faith that the Lord loves us and will show us mercy. The psalmist gives a beautiful response of relief and gratitude when God came near to save from the power of death: "I love the Lord because he heard my voice; he inclined his ear so I will call on him." The whole community is invited to join in praise to God for this great gift of deliverance. The Lord will hear your voice and come near to rescue you. Praise God for answered prayer.
Prayer
God of mercy, come near and hear my cries for help. God of grace, I trust that you will answer my calls with your love and power. You alone are the God of my salvation. Amen.