Psalm 147:1-6 (NRSV)
1 Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
3 He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
4 He determines the number of the stars;
he gives to all of them their names.
5 Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
his understanding is beyond measure.
6 The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
he casts the wicked to the ground.
Prayer:
What a miracle it is that the same God who numbered the stars, the One who created the world in intricate detail, knows the burdens and brokenness that we carry. Who are we that you are mindful of us, O God? And yet, your compassion never fails. Help us to rest in your love. Teach us to use our power like you do – not over others but for them and with them. Show us how to welcome the outcast and heal the hurting and stand in solidarity with the suffering, that your kin-dom may come, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Written by Rev. Rev. Emily Rhodes Hunter, (she/her/hers),
Campus Minister, UKirk Presbyterian Campus Ministry at Virginia Tech
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