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

It recently occurred to me that I rarely knock on somebody’s door. These days, if I do go to someone’s place, I’m much more likely to call or text, either as I leave my home or when I arrive. This was true even before the pandemic, and now I have even fewer occasions to do so.

In East Africa, people call out to let someone know they are approaching their home. “Hodi,” they shout while still a long ways off. “Hodi” again, as they approach the front door. “Hodi” a third time as they stop at the door, only knocking if no one has yet appeared to receive them.

That is how I picture the speaker in this psalm — calling out as they approach the gates, giving those inside the chance to let them in, perhaps without ever breaking stride. “I need to enter this place, so that I can give thanks to God,” they say. Whether pre-planned or spontaneous, the shout of thanks to God cannot be contained. It must be shared!

Peter Hanson

Pray

Your goodness must be shared, O God, and your faithful love announced. Let me say it, too, wherever I go. Amen.

Go

God calls you to shout out loud that the love and mercy of Jesus never end.

Go with strength and courage.

Go with a new “Hosanna” on your lips.

Go, be a blessing in the name of the Lord.