The Daily Office for September 9, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Psalm 103 is a heartfelt expression of praise for God’s mercy in forgiving sin. It's been said that this Psalm of David is so beautiful it could fill an entire hymnbook. The psalm consists of 22 verses, the exact number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet. It concludes with the words with which it began, "Bless the LORD, O my soul." It is, therefore, a composition of praise by the psalmist to the covenant of God of Israel whom he loved so dearly. In the end David invites the entire universe to join the archangels, the angelic hosts, and the psalmist in blessing the Lord.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, whose only Son has opened for us a new and living way into your presence: give us pure hearts and steadfast wills to worship you in spirit and in truth; 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.