The Daily Office for August 26, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 113
Job 4:1-21
Revelation 4:1-11
Mark 6:1-6a
Reading (Psalm 113)
Reflection
This psalm is one of praise to the unique God of Israel. Like the two preceding it, this psalm is without title. Some scholars have said it was writen by Samuel, others say David, still others to a post-exilic writer. The authorship is unknown, but with this psalm begins The Hallel (from the Hebrew halal, which is used seventy-six times in the Psalter and means praise). The Hallel Consists of Psalms 113–118 and was reserved for use at the great feasts of the Jews and for both the New Moon celebration and Dedication. It is also a wonderful psalm to read aloud during a time or personal or corporate worship and prayer.
Collect for the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray and to give more than either we desire or deserve: pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask but through the merits and mediation of 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.