November 6th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Psalm 146

Praise for God’s Help


Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord, O my soul!
I will praise the Lord as long as I live;
   I will sing praises to my God all my life long.


Do not put your trust in princes,
   in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
   on that very day their plans perish.


Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
   whose hope is in the Lord their God,
who made heaven and earth,
   the sea, and all that is in them;
who keeps faith for ever;
   who executes justice for the oppressed;
   who gives food to the hungry.


The Lord sets the prisoners free;
   the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.
The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;
   the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the strangers;
   he upholds the orphan and the widow,
   but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.


The Lord will reign for ever,
   your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the Lord!

Psalm Reflection by Bill Lynch

Who qualifies for life?
Why is there life?
How did God select me to live?

Surely it's not because I deserve life.
Surely life is for God.
I didn't bring forth anything to live.

But, just the same, God brings life.
God brings me into being.
God decided that he wants me.

Yet, I spoil this life God gives.
I turn from God.
But God chooses to save me.

I will praise God with all of my being.
For God has chosen me and called me.
God has loved me with life.

I will praise God for he is mighty.
God can create and destroy.
God can rebuild and save.

God is lord over all that exists.
Praise God for his love of the needy.
Praise God for everything!

Prayer
Lord, as I turn and look inward, praise streams outward towards you and all you have done in my life. You alone have chosen to save me with your gracious act of love through Jesus Christ. You are my Savior, my King and my God. Hear my praise, love and thanksgiving... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen