Listen

Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his faithful love lasts forever. Let Israel say it: “God’s faithful love lasts forever!”

Open the gates of righteousness for me so I can come in and give thanks to the Lord! This is the Lord’s gate; those who are righteous enter through it.

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-20

Think

Gates. Doors. How many do we go through in a day’s time? The bedroom door. The front or back door. The bus or car door. The school or work door. The church or neighbor’s door. We are constantly entering into new spaces.

What is our attitude or intent when we enter into a new space? To praise or to criticize? To be on the attack or the defensive? To receive with openness all that the new space has to offer? Or to remain closed to the possibilities that exist before us? Intentions matter.

The psalmist asks that the gates of righteousness be open to him that he might come in and give thanks to the Lord. That is the psalmist’s intention and desire… to walk through the temple doorway to give thanks to the Lord. What if our purest intention in approaching the door to our houses of worship — and to every entry — was one of thanksgiving? What if God’s goodness and faithful love called forth a response of praise in all our comings in and goings out?

Devita Parnell

Pray

Lord, forgive me for treating others as if they are not loved or don’t deserve good gifts. Teach me how to give thanks and to praise. Help everything I do and say be grounded in your goodness and love. Amen.

Go

Pay attention to your words and actions today. Share generously your praise toward God and others.

Rejoice. Celebrate. Praise.