2026 Pentecost Devotions II
Wednesday, August 26
Psalm 26:1-8
1 Vindicate me, O Lord,
for I have walked in my integrity,
and I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.
2 Prove me, O Lord, and try me;
test my heart and mind.
3 For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in faithfulness to you.
4 I do not sit with the worthless,
nor do I consort with hypocrites;
5 I hate the company of evildoers
and will not sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence
and go around your altar, O Lord,
7 singing aloud a song of thanksgiving
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
8 O Lord, I love the house in which you dwell
and the place where your glory abides.
“… 6 I wash my hands in innocence and go around your altar, O Lord, singing aloud a song of thanksgiving and telling all your wondrous deeds. …”
When we dedicated the new church building for St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Newtown, Liberia, I was part of a community procession from the old church building to the new. Led by a cross and candle, the group didn’t stop at the front door to the church but processed around the entire structure, all the time singing songs of thanksgiving and praise. It was a joyous and blessed day.
The author relates such a procession in today’s Psalm. Rather than just come before the Lord with singing and celebration, the worshippers process around the altar of the Lord, giving thanks for all God’s blessings. They recognized that offering songs of gratitude and blessings are a way of acknowledging God’s hand in their lives and in their worship.
Sometime, I’d like to see our church members do the same. Arising from their pews, joining together as one, and processing up into the chancel and around the altar would be breathtaking in its witness to God’s presence and power. Singing songs of thanksgiving and praise, their voices would be raised to the Most High, giving honor and glory and blessing to the Lord. O what a glorious day that would be.
Prayer: Lord, you are worthy of receiving glory and honor and praise. Unite me with Your people in every land and inspire me this day to stand up and sing songs of praise and thanksgiving. Amen.