Psalm 67 (The Nations Called to Praise God)

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.Selah
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, has blessed us.
May God continue to bless us;
let all the ends of the earth revere him.

Back when David led the people of Israel as their King, the nation was called to praise and thank God. Through a Presidential Proclamation many decades back, the citizens of our country celebrate a national holiday of thanksgiving today.

We are all invited to take some time on this special day to praise and thank God for our many blessings.

In the Worshipbook (jointly published in the early 1970’s by The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, The PCUS, and The United Presbyterian Church), we find this prayer “For Thanksgiving Day”. These words may be a good start to our thankful reflections.

Prayer

Gracious God, by Your providence we live and work and join in families; and from Your hand we receive those things we need, gift on gift, all free. We thank You for the harvest of goodness You supply: for food and shelter, for words and gestures, for all our human friendships. Above all, we praise You for Your Son, who came to show mercy, and who names us his own sisters and brothers. Glory to You for great kindness to us and all Your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.