Psalm 103:1-5
Psalm 103:1-5
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits—who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven
1 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven, evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise the everlasting King!
2 Praise him for his grace and favor to our forebears in distress.
Praise him, still the same forever, slow to chide and swift to bless.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Glorious in his faithfulness!
3 Tenderly he shields and spares us; well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hands he gently bears us, rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Widely as his mercy flows.
4 Angels help us to adore him, who behold him face to face.
Sun and moon bow down before him; all who dwell in time and space.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise with us the God of grace.
Text: Henry F. Lyte, 1793-1847
Henry Francis Lyte, an English pastor, compiled a book of hymn based upon the Psalms that was unlike any previous work. They were not translations or paraphrases, but rather hymns inspired by Psalms.
We are urged not to forget the benefits of God, listed by Lyte as: “ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven” – and also the fact that God is “slow to chide and swift to bless!” Queen Elizabeth II was so taken by this hymn that she chose it to be sung at her wedding to Prince Phillip in 1947.
Prayer: O Lord, remind us of the many benefits of being your people, remind us that you are a God who is slow to anger and swift to forgive. Empower us that we might join with your children of all time and place in singing a glorious “alleluia” for your grace! Amen