Psalms – Prayers of Honesty and Praise

When we packed for a four month stay in Bolivia on mission for God, we wondered, what WILL we pack? We can only take a limited amount, so what is the most important. It took us several trial runs to pack our priorities for this journey. We left a lot behind.
All of life is like that experience. Think spiritually. What will we take with us and what will we leave behind today? Fortunately, as believers, we have help with our “packing” for this temporary pass through earth in preparation for our forever home in heaven. If we ask and let God, He will step in and do the packing for us. If we put Him first and get out of the way, He slips in all that we will need. How can we say thanks? Often. It doesn’t take fancy words or super sermons of thanks. It just takes a sincere, humble heart of praise all day long. It takes living a life in gratitude for the One and Only God who saves, protects, guides, and provides.
Yes, the Psalmist says it well…
Psalm 138, The Message
A David Psalm

Angels listen as I sing my thanks.
I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
you made my life large with strength.
4-6 When they hear what you have to say, God,
all earth’s kings will say “Thank you.”
They’ll sing of what you’ve done:
“How great the glory of God!”
And here’s why: God, high above, sees far below;
no matter the distance, he knows everything about us.
7-8 When I walk into the thick of trouble,
keep me alive in the angry turmoil.
With one hand
strike my foes,
With your other hand
save me.
Finish what you started in me, God.
Your love is eternal—don’t quit on me now.

O Father,
Finish what you started in me, too.
Thank you!
In Jesus Name, Amen