The Daily Office for September 6, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
In Psalm 37 David struggles with the enigma of the prosperity of the wicked and the affliction of the righteous. Other classic treatments of this question are found in Psalm 49, Psalm 73, and the whole book of Job. This is another of the alphabetic, or acrostic, psalms. It was written when David was an old man and is now reflecting upon his years of experience. Although his thoughts do not flow freely because of the acrostic form, the text comes together much like the book of Proverbs.
Throughout it verses, this wonderful psalm perfectly expresses the doctrine of grace. The very essence of the Gospel is the acknowledgement that Salvation belongs to the LORD. The righteous, all those who have been saved by His mercy, come to appreciate that the Lord is the designer, the initiator, and the end of their salvation.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.