Psalm 136: Praying Through The Psalms

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever (Ps. 136:1-9).

What a great theme here in Psalm 136. It’s clear that God’s steadfast love endures forever. We should give thanks to the Lord because of this great attribute. His wonderous works are displayed throughout creation. The Lord has bestowed upon us many gifts and therefore deserves to be worshipped and praised.

To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever; and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever; and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever; with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever (Ps. 136:19-12).

O God, you brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. They were in bondage. Your people were taken advantage of for many years, but you brought them out safely with your strong right hand. The angel of death invaded the land, but you protected them from this terrible plague. Your steadfast love and mercy is praised throughout all generations.

To him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever; and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever; but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever (Ps. 136:13-16).

Heavenly Father, before the world was created, you knew the difficulties and trials your people would experience. When Pharaoh wanted to destroy the Israelites, you divided the Red Sea. When Egypt wanted to dismantle the people of God, you overthrew the power of Pharaoh and his host in the red sea. You led your people through the wilderness and safeguarded them from their enemies. May your steadfast love continue to do so in our lives today.

To him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever; Sihon, King of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever; and Og, King of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever; and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever (Ps. 136:17-21).

Everlasting King, there were many great and wicked kings who desired to usurp your authority. There were also kings who worshipped and praised you. While kings will rise and fall, you remain forever. Nations will arise and nations will fall, but your throne lasts forever, O Sovereign Lord. Your steadfast love will continue from this day and forevermore. May we put our trust in you, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

And gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever; a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever. It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes; for his steadfast love endures forever; He who gives food to all flesh, but his steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever (Ps. 136:21-26).

Gracious Lord, you promised a land flowing with milk and honey. You told Abraham to count the stars in the sky. For every star represented the number of descendants that would come through the Abrahamic covenant. All of these promises you have kept. For the Judeo-Christian worldview is the most popular religion in the world. There are billions on this planet who give you worship and praise.

Holy Father, you have also rescued us from our foes. When we were scattered throughout the world and in a low estate without authority or power, your steadfast love continued to bring hope and restoration. You provided all of our needs when we were poor and needy. Looking back, we must confess our unfaithfulness but your faithfulness. As we move forward, may we be peacemakers for your kingdom. May we love our enemies and do good to those who persecute us. Your steadfast love and mercy has been a beacon of light. Now we can show this same grace to the rest of the world. Amen.

Written by Chad A. Damitz

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