Psalm 145, a daily prayer

A portion of Psalm 145 is appointed for our reading this Sunday. This Psalm is well-loved by Jewish people who have recited it as part of their morning prayers for generations. The Psalm is meant to be recited slowly, lingering on each phrase, tasting the flavor of each word.

Psalm 145 is an acrostic; that is, each verse in Hebrew begins with another letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It weaves back and worth with praise and glory to the all-loving and compassionate God.

This Psalm reminds us especially of the universality of God. Sometimes I think we Christians tend to forget that God is God of the whole creation. "The LORD is loving to everyone and his compassion is over all his works." (v. 9)

God cares for every living thing -- all animals and plants, the whole creation. God loves all that he has made, and his compassion extends to all people: "The Lord is loving to everyone."

Not only that, but the creation responds to God with praise: "All your works praise you, O LORD, and your faithful servants bless you." When we pray this Psalm, we join in the chorus of praise coming from the creation.

I think it's a good idea to emulate the Jewish practice of praying through this Psalm. We can enter the praise of God as we let this Psalm wash over us and fill us with God's love. "Blessed are you, Lord God, King of the universe!"
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