Read
(A song for worship.)
Praising the Lord at Night
1Everyone who serves the Lord,
come and offer praises.
Everyone who has gathered
in his temple tonight,
2lift your hands in prayer
toward his holy place
and praise the Lord.
3The Lord is the Creator
of heaven and earth,
and I pray that the Lord
will bless you from Zion.
Reflect
Darkness is a test of character. To honour God throughout the day when everything is visible is an easier task than to be faithful in the nighttime hours when darkness creates doubts and hides our actions. Songs of praise come quickly to mind when the sun shines, but when shadows deepen it is a challenge to trust in the goodness of God.
Traditionally the Israelite priests did not leave the temple unattended so they could guard and sustain the holy things of God. Worshippers had access to the sanctuary at all times. In this psalm the writer encourages the people to raise their voices in praise to God through the long watches of the night as a sign of wholehearted devotion. The exhortation ends with a word of blessing, reminding the readers that God will continue to demonstrate his faithfulness to his people.
Centuries later a woman named Anna spent her life meditating on these words and many other companion scriptures. Through the dark times following the loss of her husband Anna remained committed to God, and the gospel of Luke records that at the age of 84 she worshiped day and night in the temple. After long years, to her great joy, a young couple placed a baby in her arms. Jesus, the infant saviour, fulfilled the promise of a blessing to the faithful.
God remains true to his promises to us. Renew your commitment to praise him in the face of trouble, temptation and fatigue. Bless the Lord, for in Christ we have received his blessing.
Respond
Faithful God, thank you that we are treasured and you keep guard over us at all times. May we sing your praises through the long watches of the night and even in the darkness may we see your blessing in the gift of Christ. Amen.
Miriam Wickett
Miriam Wickett works as an occupational therapist in the Greater Vancouver area but has thoroughly enjoyed being the author of daily online prayer compilations on her Blue Stone City site, and collaborating with Scripture Union Canada as a result. She shares a vision for the city with her community at Tenth Church, serving as the refugee support ministry co-ordinator, and spends summers as a volunteer camp director on beautiful Thetis Island, B.C.