Eastertide

April 19, 2023

Scripture Reading:

Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

I love the Lord, because he has heard
   my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
   therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
The snares of death encompassed me;
   the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
   I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord:
   ‘O Lord, I pray, save my life!’

What shall I return to the Lord
   for all his bounty to me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation
   and call on the name of the Lord,
I will pay my vows to the Lord
   in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
   is the death of his faithful ones.
O Lord, I am your servant;
   I am your servant, the child of your serving-maid.
   You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
   and call on the name of the Lord.
   will pay my vows to the Lord
   in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
   in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

I appreciate the hymn Called as Partners in Christ’s Service*. It reminds us that our relationship with God is a two-way exchange. We are called to make the world a place ruled by love. We are called to follow God’s guidance in our own lives, but we are also expected to expand the ways of God in all aspects of life. The first segment of this Psalm thanks God for doing God’s part. The second part of the Psalm is the writer’s response to receiving the love of God.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with your love. Open our hearts to ways we can further your love among all people. Amen.

*See at https://digitalsongsandhymns.com/songs/6113

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.