Awesome!
Opening Prayer
What are the things about God that make you want to burst into song? Thank God for them now.
Read Psalm 66:1-20
[1]For the director of music. A song. A psalm. Shout for joy to God, all the earth! [2] Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious. [3] Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you. [4] All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you, they sing the praises of your name.” [5] Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! [6] He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the waters on foot- come, let us rejoice in him. [7] He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations- let not the rebellious rise up against him. [8] Praise our God, all peoples, let the sound of his praise be heard; [9] he has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping. [10] For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver. [11] You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. [12] You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance. [13] I will come to your temple with burnt offerings and fulfill my vows to you- [14] vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble. [15] I will sacrifice fat animals to you and an offering of rams; I will offer bulls and goats. [16] Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. [17] I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. [18] If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; [19] but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer. [20] Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What are the reasons the psalmist praises the Lord?This psalm may have been written to celebrate the end of Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem. The psalmist calls everyone to praise God (1,2). He invites us to see what God has done: redeemed (5,6) and protected his people (9). Even God’s chastisement is cause for praise because, ultimately, he forgives and restores (12). The psalmist’s words mirror God’s call to his people in Micah 6:3-5. Our memories form a significant part of our lives. We look back to our school days, childhood vacations, and the start of a romance. Similarly, we can hear the psalmist’s call and look back at what God has done. We have so much more to reflect on: not only can we consider God’s dealings with Israel, we can look at what he has done through Jesus’ death and resurrection. And in looking back on 2,000 years of church history, we can bring it up to date by looking at what God has done, and is doing, in our own lives. The psalmist’s response is to want everyone to know (16). How much more should we want to say to friends and neighbors: “Let me tell you what God has done for me!”
Apply
What is God doing in your life and in your church? Whatever you’re experiencing, thank God and celebrate his love (20).
Closing prayer
Good Lord, You have done so very much for me. May I always be eager to tell others about You.
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