Psalm 145:8-18 (NRSV)
8 The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 The Lord is good to all,
and his compassion is over all that he has made.
10 All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
and all your faithful shall bless you.
11 They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
and tell of your power,
12 to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
13 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.
14 The Lord upholds all who are falling,
and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
16 You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.
17 The Lord is just in all his ways,
and kind in all his doings.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Prayer:
Gracious God, sometimes we can hardly take in your goodness. While we are fickle and flighty, your faithfulness endures from generation to generation. Though we grow impatient and irritable, you are gracious and merciful toward us. Whenever we’re frustrated or caught up in judgment – of ourselves or one another – we’re reminded that you are slow to anger and your steadfast love overflows for all of us. We praise your mighty deeds, and we pray you might draw near to us, making us more and more in your image so that our lives might reflect your glory, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Written by Rev. Rev. Emily Rhodes Hunter, (she/her/hers),
Campus Minister, UKirk Presbyterian Campus Ministry at Virginia Tech
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