As we start a New year – Happy New Year by the way – we are going to be looking at the Psalms in a different way. Last year we looked at those Psalms that were connected with the weekly readings from what is called the Revised Common Lectionary. However, at St. Paul’s, we have been journeying through the Narrative Lectionary, and up until Christmas, there hasn’t been a Psalm connected to the readings that week. This has changed, and so my approach will as well. Let’s continue to journey through the Psalms together.

Since it is January 2nd, it is great to start with a Psalm praising God and calling on the people to lift high their prayers of thanksgiving for all of the awesome deeds that God has done.

As we look back on 2017, it is hard to be terribly positive about things as a whole. With mass shootings breaking horrible records, world leaders continuing to bicker with and agitate one another, and war and fear seeming chief in the minds of those giving us the news, the global stage can seem dark.

And yet, just as another Psalm says, God guides us through those dark valleys. And if Advent has taught us anything it is that no matter how dark things can get, the dawn never fails to come. This is among one of God’s greatest deeds: the newness and opportunity that comes with a new day, and in our case, a new year.

So yes, let us shout with a joyful shout to God, praise for watching over us as we make our way from year to year, for embracing us when we feel lost, for being the light of hope in the midst of so much darkness. Let us begin this year by carrying that light of hope with us wherever we go so that we can be reminded that nothing is so far gone that something new and life-giving cannot take root.

Let us pray

Psalm 66:1-5

Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. Say to God, ‘How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you. All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.’

Amazing God, the world around us is full of the work of your hands. And yet, we often miss the intricate work of your hands because our hearts and minds are clouded by fear. As we begin a new year, open us up to the new paths that you call us to, the news ways that we can serve you, and the new people that you bring into our lives. Guide our feet as you always have. Walk beside us as you always have. In the name of Christ our constant companion we pray. AMEN

Blessings,
Rev. Richard