by Pastor Paul Dugan
Try this three-part rhythm for cultivation a heart of gratitude…
Part I: Pause for silence in the presence of God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and be cleansed of any distractions. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self (“as-is”) into the presence of God.
Reflect on the joys and challenges of the day. What are you thankful for? Where did you see God at work? What do you lament? What do you need to confess?
Part II: Slowly read Psalm 34:1-10 (ESV) out loud:
1 I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!
4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
Part III: Reflecting on your day, pray your own psalm of thanksgiving:
Describe an experience of pain or difficulty…
Did you call on the Lord? If so, describe how.
Describe your experience of God’s deliverance, provision, or guidance.
Give him your thanks and praise.
Tip: create a record of gratitude by jotting down your reflections in a journal.
The psalms were originally written as lyrics, sung by the people of God. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 34 set to music…
From the album, I Am Reminded (2018) by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.
From the album, Fractures (2017) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com
From the album Summer (2017) by Jonathan Ogden. jonathanogden.co.uk
For links to individual guides for more than one hundred different psalms click here.
For more on the Psalms:
Here is an introduction to the Book of Psalms.
For a list of psalms by literary style (genre) click here.
For an introduction to the narrative arc of the psalms, see Spirituality of the Psalms, by Walter Brueggemann.