2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Tuesday, July 28
Psalm 145:1-7
1 I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
2 Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
3 Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised;
his greatness is unsearchable.
4 One generation shall extol your works to another
and shall declare your mighty acts.
5 They will recount the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works I will meditate.
6 They will proclaim the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
7 They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.
“… 2 Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever. …”
This psalm is one of the “Hallel” psalms used for morning prayer. It begins with praise of God, giving glory to the Lord for all the blessing God has bestowed. Throughout the history of the church, it along with the other “Hallel” psalms have been sung daily as a reminder of the great and powerful gifts of grace bestowed upon God’s people.
Unfortunately, too many mornings, many of us wake up feeling anxious, Sometimes, it’s the stressers left over from the previous day that continue to plague us in the new dawn. Often, it’s the anxiety present as we consider the day ahead. Whether left-over stresses or the new day’s anxieties, many awake hoping that they can just put one foot in front of the other. Survival becomes the name of the game.
That’s why, from ancient time, the church has encouraged its people to begin each day with prayer. It may be a ritualized time of devotion – perhaps using the ancient rites of morning prayer that include this and the other “Hallel” psalms. Perhaps, it’s a time of silent reflection on the Word, quiet meditation, or a written devotional. Whatever the means, taking the time each morning to blow out the cobwebs and allow the Spirit to blow in can bring refreshment, renewal, and restoration. What better way to start the day than giving glory and praise to the Lord?
Prayer: Lord, every day will I bless You, and praise Your name forever and ever. Amen.