The Daily Office for August 18, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 33
Judges 16:1-14
Acts 7:30-43
John 5:1-18
Reading (Psalm 33)
Reflection
The theme of Psalm 33 is a call to lively and joyous praise to God for His glorious attributes and works. This is one of the orphan psalms. It has no title in Hebrew, and an author is not named. Some manuscripts have Psalm 33 joined to Psalm 32, forming one psalm; but the difference in subject matter and tone render it highly improbable that the two psalms should be joined. The LXX makes David the author, but it has no support from the Hebrew to do this. Psalm 33 does exhibit, however, much Davidic character. The final verse of this delightful psalm is an appeal for mercy, but not just a blanket appeal. The psalmist appeals to the Lord to show mercy on us according as we hope in Him.
Collect for the Day
Let your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions make them to ask such things as shall please you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.