“Praise the LORD, O my soul ….” Psalm 103:1a
How have you been lately? Think honestly for a moment. Is peace your norm these days or has discouragement, fear, doubt, negativity, or chaos been your usual? We feed our spirits by the things we dwell on in our minds. God knows us so well. He knows the tendency we will have to sometimes settle into a downward spiral. Our lips will give it away.
God gives us five verses in Psalm 103:1-5 to address this very thing. As you read these verses and the accompanying prayers, intentionally turn your thoughts to God’s word and choose to lift your eyes off yourself and raise your voice to Heaven.
“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”
Lord, sometimes it takes everything in us to turn our eyes to Heaven and offer praise from a heavy heart. It truly feels like a sacrifice at times.
“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Lord, please help us move our thoughts from ourselves and our circumstances and look at all you offer as you remind us of the refreshing, life-giving things you ask us not to forget.
“Who FORGIVES all your sins.”
Thank you, Lord, that I am forgiven. Fill me with the wonder of a clean heart. Help me to declare my forgiveness when I am tempted to wallow in the mud of my failures and my weaknesses. I am forgiven!
“And HEALS all your diseases.”
Lord, I bring my physical challenges to you and ask you to touch me with your hand of healing. Give me wisdom and understanding of what to do to be healthier. I also bring the diseases of my heart to you. Lord, remove all bitterness and pride and show me the things that erode my spirit.
“Who REDEEMS your life from the pit.”
Lord, I am amazed at the fact that you reach into the pit that I even sometimes dig myself… and you lift me up. You bring beauty out of ashes as I trust in you. You buy back all the broken pieces and give new life! Thank you!
“And CROWNS you with love and compassion.”
Lord, Your care and tenderness is a constant surprise even though I know you love me. Thank you for the attention you give to the details of my life as I offer them to you.
“Who SATISFIES your desires with good things.”
Thank you that your plans for me are to find my fulfillment in you as I offer myself to You. You made me and you know how to grow me into all I ever wanted to be.
“So that your youth is RENEWED like the eagle’s.”
Lord, when I see how You forgive me, heal me, redeem my life, crown me with Your love, and satisfy me, I am truly renewed in my Spirit. Thank you! Today I choose to let the fruit of my lips be praise to you, my loving God who walks each step of today with me. Amen.
“Praise the Lord O my soul, all my inmost being, praise His holy name.”
