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Opening Prayer
Father, as I read your Word today, encourage me as I see the greatness of who you are that challenges me to follow you with greater devotion.
Read PSALM 136
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Psalm 136
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
13 to him who divided the Red Sea[a] asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
Footnotes
- Psalm 136:13 Or the Sea of Reeds; also in verse 15
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
If ever you need reminding that God’s love is everlasting, then this is your psalm! As you read, consider who God is and what he has done to show you his great love.In Jewish tradition this psalm, intended for congregational singing, is known as the Great Psalm of Praise (Hallel in Hebrew). Like Psalm 135, this joyful prayer of praise and thanksgiving has repetitive phrases which emphasize again and again the nature and character of God. We recognize his goodness and sovereignty with thankfulness (vv. 1–3), before reflecting on all that he has made, and done. The psalm concludes with reference to all that God continues to do as he meets our needs (vv. 23–25).
So, we see the God of heaven as our creator (vv. 4–9), rescuer (vv. 10–16), and victor throughout history (vv. 17–22), working miraculously to bring about his purposes. Why? Because of his steadfast and never-ending love for us. How tragic that the Ninevites, having turned to God in response to his message through Jonah, face his wrath and judgment when they subsequently reject him and the great love he offers them despite their wickedness.
This is our opportunity to praise Almighty God, who has reigned supreme throughout history, but also cares for us and loves us forever. Hallelujah!
Apply
Read through this psalm again slowly, and aloud if possible. Pause every few verses to give thanks to God.
Closing prayer
There is nothing about me for which I do not owe you my gratitude—who you have made me, what I have, or what I have accomplished. Help me to be more mindful of your goodness to me, Father, and quick to give thanks.
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