Psalm 65: A Prayer of Gratitude
BECAUSE I HAVE difficulty receiving gifts or compliments from others, I have had to remind myself to look people in the eyes when they offer me a gift or a compliment and say thank you. When we are unable to receive the good things that others offer us, we cheat ourselves, and we cheat them. When we are able to say thank you for gifts given, we are able to take the gift in, enjoy it and engage in a personal, intimate way with the giver of the gift. In the same way, when we express gratitude to God, we enter into a cycle of joyful relating with him. We take in his love, feel a deeper connection with him and experience joy. This psalm invites us to express gratitude to God for his good gifts.
Warming Up to God
What is it like for you to receive a gift or a compliment? What is it like for you to be on the receiving end of someone else's gratitude?
Read Psalm 65. »
Discovering the Word
- God's great power is acknowledged in this psalm. How is God's power a gift to us?
- In verse 5 God is called "our Savior, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas." In what ways is God the hope of all the earth and seas?
- The psalmist mentions several of God's awesome deeds in verses 6 and 7. What other awesome deeds might you add to the list?
- Verse 8 offers a picture of the fears and joys common to all people of the earth. How do God's wonders cause us to experience fear?
- How do God's wonders call forth songs of joy?
Applying the Word
- Verses 9-13 describe the specific ways in which God tenderly loves and cares for the earth. What thoughts and feelings does this description evoke for you?
- What implications does God's care for the earth have for the ways in which we treat the earth?
- What personal value does expressing gratitude to God have for you?
Responding in Prayer
What are you grateful for today? Express your thanks to God.
For Further Study
The Care of Creation by R. J. Berry