January 1

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies;

5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.

10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them: that fear him.

14 For he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust.

15 As far man, his days are as grass; as a flower of the field, so he nourisheth.

16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children:

18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.

19 The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom saleth over all.

20 Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

21 Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts: ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

In this Psalm we are taught to render thanks. How well fitted for the first day of the week!

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"It is observable that no petition occurs throughout the entire compass of these twenty two verses. Not a single word of supplication is in the whole Psalm addressed to the Most High."—John Stevenson.

"It is man's reply to the benedictions of his God, his Song on the Mount answering to his Redeemer's Sermon on the Mount."—C. H. Spurgeon.

It is related concerning the family life of the Rev. John Angell James, that it was his custom to read the 103d Psalm always at prayers on Saturday night. But his wife died; and the Sabbath drew nigh while she lay dead in the house. The members of the stricken household gathered in the twilight; some of them wondered whether this old song of the temple, fairly ringing and vibrant with thanksgiving, would be given out now while the shadows were hanging so deeply overhead. But the faithful servant of God simply turned to the familiar place, and said gently: "No reason do I see why we should change our custom to-night; let us read our usual Psalm." Whoever casts his eye along the verses will find that there are great sweet words there, in the very midst of the praises, for those whom "the Lord pitieth." Let others murmur: do thou bless. Let us read our diaries, and see if there be not choice favors recorded there for which we have rendered no grateful return.

Closet Promise.—Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.—John xiv. 13.

Let our prayers begin, continue, and end in humble dependence on the merits of Christ. His name is the very ground on which we kneel; it is the very right of our approach; it is the very channel through which we address God, and by which God can send down blessings upon us.

Lord, let me talk with thee of all I do, All that I care for, all I wish for, too. Lord, let me prove thy sympathy, thy power, Thy loving oversight from hour to hour! When I need counsel let me ask of thee; Whatever my perplexity may be, It cannot be too trivial to bring To thee who marks the sparrow's drooping wing; Nor too terrestrial, since thou hast said The very hints are numbered on our head. Do money troubles press? Thou canst resolve The doubts or dangers such concerns involve. Are those I love the cause of anxious care? Thou canst unload the burdens they may bear. Before the mysteries of thy word or will Thy voice can gently bid my heart be still,

Since all that is now hard to understand Shall be unraveled in yon heavenly land. Do weakness, weariness, disease, invade This earthly house, which thou thyself hast made? Thou only, Lord, canst touch the hidden spring Of mischief, and attune the jarring string. Would I be taught what thou wouldst have me give, The needs of those less favored to relieve? Thou canst so guide my hand that I shall be A liberal, "cheerful giver," Lord, like thee, Of my life's mission do I stand in doubt? Thou knowest, and canst clearly point it out. Whether I go, do thou thyself decide, And choose the friends and servants at my side. —Loud in Witness