What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits 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.
Psalm 116:12–14, ESV
Whenever I hear this portion of the Psalms, the music to one of the offertories sung in the liturgy always comes to my mind. This happens with so many Psalms and other portions of Scripture that are commonly sung. The power of the singing Scripture is so deep as it sets the words deep within the spirit. It is amazing how God has created us in His image, and it tells us that our Lord loves our songs and our praises. Which is why humanity has a long history of song. Many of the great spirituals that we hear are centered in Scripture and were sung by people that were imprisoned or enslaved. They would sing to buoy themselves up and not lose hope. Thinking of this Psalm is also a reminder of how much we owe to God. We have been given everything by Him, yet how often do we fail to acknowledge Him in our lives? Our praises are not only meant for when we gather in corporate worship and recite the liturgy together for those who practice a formal liturgy or sing praise songs led by a band. As we sing to God and remember what He has done for us, we are reminded of our great need for Him. God doesn’t do anything because He is lonely or desires us to have a relationship. He does everything so we may be in a relationship with Him because He desires to rid us of sin because of His great love and mercy. When we lift up the cup and eat together, we are reminded of the sacrifice He made and can be thankful. God owes us nothing. We owe God everything. It is a good reminder of His mercy and His care for His creation.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.