September 23 — Psalm 145

“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness. They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your faithful shall bless you. They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom, and tell of your power, to make known to all people your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The LORD is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds. The LORD upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.” (Verses 1-15)

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.”

Martin Luther offers these words when he teaches about the blessings that are to be offered at meals: “How the head of the house is to teach members of the household to offer blessing and thanksgiving at meals….

The children and members of the household shall go to the table reverently, fold their hands, and say:

“The eyes of all look to You, [O LORD,] and You give them their food at the proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” (Ps. 145: 15–16)

Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer and the following:

“Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Your gifts which we receive from Your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.”

When we are weary and discouraged our priority should be to acknowledge the greatness and the goodness of G-d. And when we come to the table to partake in the food placed before us, we should also offer words of thanksgiving and acknowledge the blessings we have been given. When we are facing difficult decisions or find our faith is being challenged, we should turn to G-d’s word including the reading of the Psalms to remind us we have a G-d who is to be praised for all G-d has done for us.

Let us Pray:

Loving God, you are faithful in your promises and tender in your compassion. Listen to our hymn of joy, and continue to satisfy the needs of every living thing, that all your creatures may bless your name, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, both now and forever.

Amen.