Psalm 34:1-3
I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will always be in my mouth. In the Lord my soul will boast. The humble will hear and rejoice. Proclaim the greatness of the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Reading this Psalm reminds us that even as believers, we do not always bless you or praise your name. We become reactive to situations, forgetting who we are; we say and do things far from being a blessing. So we ask you to forgive us when our thoughts and words do not bless you. Lord, please restore us when we chase after the world’s ways; guide us to turn to you for forgiveness. Please create in us clean hearts; that we will rejoice in the forgiveness Jesus won for us on the cross and, through your Spirit, deliver the gift of our salvation.
Out of faith in what you have done for us, let us lift your name on high, sharing this good news with others; let our confidence be in the forgiveness Jesus won for us when he willingly went to the cross to suffer for everything we have ever done wrong—all our iniquities. Humble us, Lord, take away our pride so that we realize our sins, bring them before you with a repentant and humble hearts, and receive your forgiveness for Jesus’ sake.
Change our hearts to put our fears aside and share the good news—the gospel of Jesus and our salvation—with those who do not know your love; may the gospel spark faith in them that they, too, will bless you and sing praises about your grace, mercy, and love. Then as a body of believers, may we come together with one voice and boast in your name as our salvational banner because Jesus has delivered salvation and eternal life, which comes to us through faith in Him. Lord, please restore us to you through your Spirit—who is one with you and began our faith—and your Son, Jesus—who died to make our eternal life possible. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Only through faith can anyone praise the Lord’s name.