Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!
Psalm 146:1, ESV
These words were written during times of exile, during much struggle and strife. The hope in these words is palpable. “Praise the Lord!” the psalmist writes not only with his voice but with his soul. We are called not to just turn to God in praise when things are going well but also in times of difficulty. We praise God because in Him lies all our hope, knowing from His Word that He does not forget us. In our greatest struggles, God does not want us to lose hope but to turn to Him, knowing He is always with us. As followers of the one true God, we can sing His praises and share with those who are struggling or have not known Him. No matter the circumstances, Christ does not forget us or leave us. We are His chosen people. Praise the Lord, O my soul!
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.