Psalm 26 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for pausing in the midst of your days for prayer:

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Part II: Slowly read from Psalm 26 (CEB)

1 Establish justice for me, Lord,
    because I have walked with integrity.
    I’ve trusted the Lord without wavering.
2 Examine me, Lord; put me to the test!
    Purify my mind and my heart.
3 Because your faithful love is right in front of me—I walk in your truth!
4 I don’t spend time with people up to no good;
    I don’t keep company with liars.
5 I detest the company of evildoers,
    and I don’t sit with wicked people.
6 I wash my hands—they are innocent!
    I walk all around your altar, Lord,
7         proclaiming out loud my thanks,
        declaring all your wonderful deeds!
8 I love the beauty of your house, Lord;
    I love the place where your glory resides.

9 Don’t gather me up with the sinners,
    taking my life along with violent people
10     in whose hands are evil schemes,
    whose strong hands are full of bribes.
11 But me? I walk with integrity.
    Save me! Have mercy on me!

12 My feet now stand on level ground.
    I will bless the Lord in the great congregation.

Part III: Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

• Describe the trouble in detail to God.

• Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid…

• Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

• Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 26 set to music…

From the album, “Songs for the Journey, Vol 3” (2019) by The Shiyr Poets. theshiyrpoets.com

Poor Bishop Hooper https://www.everypsalm.com/

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.

Psalm 14 - A Psalm of Wisdom (Orientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try beginning your prayer with praise, using this three-part rhythm.

Part I: Become present to the presence of God:

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Ps 90:14)

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any burdens you are carrying into this new day. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) into the presence of God.

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 14 (NLT)

1  Only fools say in their hearts,
    “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good!

2 The Lord looks down from heaven
    on the entire human race;
he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,
    if anyone seeks God.
3 But no, all have turned away;
    all have become corrupt.
No one does good,
    not a single one!

4 Will those who do evil never learn?
    They eat up my people like bread
    and wouldn’t think of praying to the Lord.
5 Terror will grip them,
    for God is with those who obey him.
6 The wicked frustrate the plans of the oppressed,
    but the Lord will protect his people.

7 Who will come from Mount Zion to rescue Israel?
    When the Lord restores his people,
    Jacob will shout with joy, and Israel will rejoice.

Part III: Use your own words to pray Psalm 14 back to God:

“I thank you God for giving us clear boundaries, for defining for us what is true and false, good and evil, wise and foolish. And thank you for giving us the freedom to choose the good, for freedom to choose you!

"I bring to you the choices that are before me today… (ex, how I invest my time, thoughts, words, relationships, money, abilities, body, etc.)

“I invite you into every part of my day…

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 14 set to music…

Poor Bishop Hooper https://www.everypsalm.com/

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.

Psalm 10 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for pausing in the midst of your days for prayer:

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Part II: Slowly read from Psalm 10 (NIV)

1 Why, Lord, do you stand far off?
    Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak,
    who are caught in the schemes he devises.
3 He boasts about the cravings of his heart;
    he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord.
4 In his pride the wicked man does not seek him;
    in all his thoughts there is no room for God.
5 His ways are always prosperous;
    your laws are rejected by him;
    he sneers at all his enemies.
6 He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.”
    He swears, “No one will ever do me harm…”

12 …Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God.
    Do not forget the helpless.
13 Why does the wicked man revile God?
    Why does he say to himself,
    “He won’t call me to account”?
14 But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted;
    you consider their grief and take it in hand.
The victims commit themselves to you;
    you are the helper of the fatherless.
15 Break the arm of the wicked man;
    call the evildoer to account for his wickedness
    that would not otherwise be found out.

16 The Lord is King for ever and ever;
    the nations will perish from his land.
17 You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted;
    you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
18 defending the fatherless and the oppressed,
    so that mere earthly mortals
    will never again strike terror.

Part III: Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

• Describe the trouble in detail to God.

• Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid…

• Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

• Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 10 set to music…

From the album “Songs for the Journey, Vol 1” (2014) by The Shiyr Poets. theshiyrpoets.com

From the album, The Psalms Project, Vol I, by Steve Bell (2021). mikejanzentrio.com

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.

Psalm 40 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating a heart of trust…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before 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 40 (NIV) out loud:

1 I waited patiently for the Lord;
he inclined to me and heard my cry.
2 He drew me up from the pit of destruction,
out of the miry bog,
and set my feet upon a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear,
and put their trust in the Lord.

4 Blessed is the man who makes
    the Lord his trust,
who does not turn to the proud,
    to those who go astray after a lie!
5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God,
    your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us;
    none can compare with you!
I will proclaim and tell of them,
    yet they are more than can be told.

6 In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted,
    but you have given me an open ear.
Burnt offering and sin offering
    you have not required.
7 Then I said, “Behold, I have come;
    in the scroll of the book it is written of me:
8 I delight to do your will, O my God;
    your law is within my heart.”

9 I have told the glad news of deliverance
    in the great congregation;
behold, I have not restrained my lips,
    as you know, O Lord.
10 I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart;
    I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;
I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness
    from the great congregation.

11 As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain
    your mercy from me;
your steadfast love and your faithfulness will
    ever preserve me!
12 For evils have encompassed me
    beyond number;
my iniquities have overtaken me,
    and I cannot see;
they are more than the hairs of my head;
    my heart fails me.

13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me!
    O Lord, make haste to help me!
14 Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether
    who seek to snatch away my life;
let those be turned back and brought to dishonor
    who delight in my hurt!
15 Let those be appalled because of their shame
    who say to me, “Aha, Aha!”

16 But may all who seek you
    rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
    say continually, “Great is the Lord!”
17 As for me, I am poor and needy,
    but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
    do not delay, O my God!

Part III: Reflecting on Psalm 40 pray your own psalm of trust:

“Lord, you are my…

“I depend on you to…

“Without you, I am…

“Even when…, I trust you.

“I am confident that you will… 

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, sung by the people of God. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 40 set to music…

from the album War (1983) by U2

Here is a fascinating conversation between Bono and Eugene Peterson (translator of The Message Bible) on The Psalms.

From the album, Beyond a Shadow, 2010. stevebell.com

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.

Psalm 131 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating a heart of trust…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before 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 131 (NIV) out loud:

1  My heart is not proud, Lord,
    my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
    or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
    both now and forevermore.

Part III: Reflecting on Psalm 131, pray your own psalm of trust:

“Lord, you are my…

“I depend on you to…

“Without you, I am…

“Even when…, I trust you.

“I am confident that you will… 

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, sung by the people of God. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 131 set to music…

from the album Resurrection (2005) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com

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.

Psalm 144 - A Psalm of Trust (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating a heart of trust…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before 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 144 (CEB) out loud

1 Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;

2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples[a] under me.

3 O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him?

4 Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

5 Bow your heavens, O Lord, and come down! Touch the mountains so that they smoke!

6 Flash forth the lightning and scatter them; send out your arrows and rout them!

7 Stretch out your hand from on high; rescue me and deliver me from the many waters, from the hand of foreigners,

8 whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you,

10 who gives victory to kings, who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.

11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreigners, whose mouths speak lies and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

12 May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace;

13 may our granaries be full, providing all kinds of produce; may our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields;

14 may our cattle be heavy with young, suffering no mishap or failure in bearing; may there be no cry of distress in our streets!

15 Blessed are the people to whom such blessings fall!

Part III: Reflecting on Psalm 144, pray your own psalm of trust:

“Lord, you are my…

“I depend on you to…

“Without you, I am…

“Even when…, I trust you.

“I am confident that you will… 

The psalms were originally written as lyrics, sung by the people of God. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 144 set to music…

From the album Asaph (2014) by Lound Harp. loudharp.com

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.

Psalm 137 - A Psalm for Spiritual Warfare (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for pausing in the midst of your days for prayer:

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

NOTE: This week’s mid-day psalm is an “imprecatory psalm,” a lament prayed in the face of great evil and injustice. Here is more on how followers of Jesus can pray these difficult prayers today.

Part II: Slowly read from Psalm 137 (ESV)

1  By the waters of Babylon,
    there we sat down and wept,
    when we remembered Zion.
2 On the willows there
    we hung up our lyres.
3 For there our captors
    required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
    “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!”

4 How shall we sing the Lord's song
    in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem,
    let my right hand forget its skill!
6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth,
    if I do not remember you,
if I do not set Jerusalem
    above my highest joy!

7 Remember, O Lord, against the Edomites
    the day of Jerusalem,
how they said, “Lay it bare, lay it bare,
    down to its foundations!”
8 O daughter of Babylon, doomed to be destroyed,
    blessed shall he be who repays you
    with what you have done to us!
9 Blessed shall he be who takes your little ones
    and dashes them against the rock!

Part III: Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

• Describe the trouble in detail to God.

• Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid…

• Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

• Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 137 set to music…

from the album Redemption Songs (2000) by Sons of Korah. sonsofkorah.com

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.

Psalm 80 - A Psalm of Lament (Disorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for pausing in the midst of your days for prayer:

Part I: Become present to the presence of God.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10-11

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any distractions you are carrying into this moment. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) before God.

Part II: Slowly read from Psalm 80 (NIV)

1 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
    you who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth 

2 before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Awaken your might;
    come and save us.

3 Restore us, O God;
    make your face shine on us,
    that we may be saved.

4 How long, Lord God Almighty,
    will your anger smolder
    against the prayers of your people?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears;
    you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.
6 You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors,
    and our enemies mock us.

7 Restore us, God Almighty;
    make your face shine on us,
    that we may be saved.

8 You transplanted a vine from Egypt;
    you drove out the nations and planted it.
9 You cleared the ground for it,
    and it took root and filled the land.
10 The mountains were covered with its shade,
    the mighty cedars with its branches.
11 Its branches reached as far as the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.

12 Why have you broken down its walls
    so that all who pass by pick its grapes?
13 Boars from the forest ravage it,
    and insects from the fields feed on it.
14 Return to us, God Almighty!
    Look down from heaven and see!
Watch over this vine,
15     the root your right hand has planted,
    the son you have raised up for yourself.

16 Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire;
    at your rebuke your people perish.
17 Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,
    the son of man you have raised up for yourself.
18 Then we will not turn away from you;
    revive us, and we will call on your name.

19 Restore us, Lord God Almighty;
    make your face shine on us,
    that we may be saved.

Part III: Pray your own lament psalm- for yourself, or on behalf of someone who is suffering in your world.

• Describe the trouble in detail to God.

• Express your honest emotions: "Lord, I am feeling sad about…; "… angry…; “… afraid…

• Bring him your honest questions: "Lord, why….?; "How long, Lord, before you…?; "Where are you in…?

• Make your plea to God: "Please, Lord…; "Remember back when you…; Do it again, Lord!”

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 80 set to music…

from the album Daughter Zion’s Woe (2020) by Cardiphonia Music. cardiphonia.com

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.

Psalm 115 - A Psalm of Wisdom (Orientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try using this three-part rhythm to cultivate a heart of wisdom…

Part I: Become present to the presence of God:

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Ps 90:14)

Pause for silence before him. Slowly inhale, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Slowly exhale, and release any burdens you are carrying into this new day. Repeat this breathing prayer until you have brought your whole self - your thoughts, imagination, desires, and body- (“as-is”) into the presence of God.

Part II: Slowly read Psalm 115 (CEB) out loud

1 Not to us, Lord, not to us—
    no, but to your own name give glory
        because of your loyal love and faithfulness!

2 Why do the nations say,
    “Where’s their God now?”
3 Our God is in heaven—
    he can do whatever he wants!
4 Their idols are just silver and gold—
    things made by human hands.
5     They have mouths, but they can’t speak.
    They have eyes, but they can’t see.
6     They have ears, but they can’t hear.
    They have noses, but they can’t smell.
7     They have hands, but they can’t feel.
    They have feet, but they can’t walk.
    They can’t even make a noise in their throats!
8 Let the people who made these idols
    and all who trust in them
    become just like them!

9 But you, Israel, trust in the Lord!
    God is their help and shield.
10 Trust in the Lord, house of Aaron!
    God is their help and shield.
11 You who honor the Lord, trust in the Lord!
    God is their help and shield.
12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us:
    God will bless the house of Israel;
    God will bless the house of Aaron;
13 God will bless those who honor the Lord—
    from the smallest to the greatest.

14 May the Lord add to your numbers -
    both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
    the maker of heaven and earth!
16 The highest heaven belongs to the Lord,
    but he gave the earth to all people.
17 The dead don’t praise the Lord,
    nor do those who go down to silence.
18 But us? We will bless the Lord
    from now until forever from now!

Praise the Lord!

Part III: Use your own words to pray Psalm 115 back to God:

“I thank you Lord for giving us clear boundaries, for defining for us what is true and false, good and evil, wise and foolish. And thank you for giving us the freedom to choose the good, for the freedom to choose you. I bring to you the choices that are before me today… (ex, how you invest your time, thoughts, words, relationships, money, abilities, body, etc.)

“King Jesus, I invite you to expose and dethrone all false gods in my life…

“Take your rightful place as Lord in all of my day ahead. I choose you. I choose to trust you now.

The psalms were originally written as lyrics. They have been sung by the people of God throughout the history of Israel and the church. Take time to listen to a version of Psalm 115 set to music…

from the album Hallel Psalms (2013) by Cardiphonia Music. cardiphonia.com

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.

Psalm 136 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving (Reorientation)

by Pastor Paul Dugan

Try this three-part rhythm for cultivating 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 136 (ESV) out loud:

1  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
5 to him who by understanding made the heavens,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
11 and brought Israel out from among them,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
13 to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
14 and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
16 to him who led his people through the wilderness,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;…

23 …It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

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 steadfast love, 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 136 set to music…

from the Songs of the Psalter 5.1 (2015) by Cardiphonia Music. cardiphonia.com

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.