Monday 19 October 2009

Background

Today's reading forms the majority of the Ashrei - a prayerrecited three times daily by orthodox Jews. Psalm 145 is composedof 21 verses, each starting with a different letter of the Hebrewalphabet, arranged in order. It is both a work of art and an act ofworship, not just a text to be read and admired but a prayer toprayed - and sung even.

Like orthodox Jews, many Christians find it helpful to use the sameprayers daily or in a cycle over a number of days. I try to praythe Lord's Prayer every day. It helps me to ask for the things Ineed in life and reminds me to offer my worship and resources toGod. It also helps me to feel connected to Jesus, who first taughtit to his disciples and knows God as father more deeply than I everwill.

But this psalm is a different kind of prayer - one of complete,unadulterated, uncomplicated praise. The author of today's readingwas clearly having a good hair day. We are reminded that sometimes,in the face of God's incredible grace, all we can do is say "thankyou". The song lists all the wonderful things that God does,starting and ending with a commitment: a promise to speak God'spraise forever and ever.

I always feel encouraged by the fact that the words of this psalmare just as true in the bad times as they are when life is good.When my father-in-law became ill with cancer (see Anna's story of faith), I found it almost impossible to believe thatGod is good, that God cares and God heals. But even when we don'tfeel like celebrating, the psalmist's words still hold true.

To Ponder

When life is good it's easy to be full of praisefor God, but how do you respond to God when life is rough?

Do you have a daily pattern of prayer? If not,what might your pattern look like?

Try praying through Psalm 145 slowly, offeringyour praise to God today.