Introduction
Psalm 65: Today’s reading is a joyful psalm, and the psalm writer praises the God who does wonderful things, affirming that God answers prayer and cares for the land.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 65:1
O God, it is right for us to praise you in Zion and keep our promises to you.
Reading
65 O God, it is right for us to praise you in Zion
and keep our promises to you,
2 because you answer prayers.
People everywhere will come to you
3 on account of their sins.
Our faults defeat us,
but you forgive them.
4 Happy are those whom you choose,
whom you bring to live in your sanctuary.
We shall be satisfied with the good things of your house,
the blessings of your sacred Temple.
5 You answer us by giving us victory,
and you do wonderful things to save us.
People all over the world
and across the distant seas trust in you.
6 You set the mountains in place by your strength,
showing your mighty power.
7 You calm the roar of the seas
and the noise of the waves;
you calm the uproar of the peoples.
8 The whole world stands in awe
of the great things that you have done.
Your deeds bring shouts of joy
from one end of the earth to the other.
9 You show your care for the land by sending rain;
you make it rich and fertile.
You fill the streams with water;
you provide the earth with crops.
This is how you do it:
10 you send abundant rain on the plowed fields
and soak them with water;
you soften the soil with showers
and cause the young plants to grow.
11 What a rich harvest your goodness provides!
Wherever you go there is plenty.
12 The pastures are filled with flocks;
the hillsides are full of joy.
13 The fields are covered with sheep;
the valleys are full of wheat.
Everything shouts and sings for joy.
Reflect
In verse 1, the writer says that it is right to keep one’s promises to God. For the Israelites, these promises would have included worship by offering prayers of thanks and bringing gifts and sacrifices. How would you define the promises to God that are part of your community of faith? Reread verses 9–13. In what ways does God show care for the land? For what will you thank God today?
Pray
O God, on this day I praise you, remembering all the wonderful things you do and for your steadfast love, mercy, and care. Faithful God, thank you for all your abundant blessings. To you, Lord God, I shout and sing for joy! Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 66: A psalm in praise of God’s goodness.
