Thanks for joining us for our monthly Praying the Bible series! God’s Word is one of the most powerful tools he gives us for approaching him and shaping our hearts after his. In the midst of hectic schedules and long to-do lists, let’s not neglect this priority. Learn more about the Praying the Bible Series.
Psalm 103:1-5
“My soul, bless the LORD,
and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
My soul, bless the LORD,
and do not forget all his benefits.
He forgives all your iniquity;
he heals all your diseases.
He redeems your life from the Pit;
he crowns you with faithful love and compassion.
He satisfies you with good things;
your youth is renewed like the eagle.
How do we praise God when we don’t feel like it? When we’re tired or frustrated, how do we turn our hearts back to gratitude and joy?
Psalm 103 shows us how David reminded himself of God’s goodness. He calls his soul to attention and shows himself blessing after blessing from God. As we pray through this psalm, we can join David in reminding our hearts of the goodness of God.
He forgives all your iniquity. Think back on specific ways you have sinned—even in the past few days. Repent of those sins if you have not already, but also take a moment to thank God for his forgiveness.
He heals all your diseases. Have you seen God’s healing at work in your family or among your friends? Praise God for his mightiness to heal, protect, and preserve.
He redeems your life from the Pit. Think about where you might be if you did not know God. Where might your spouse, your kids, or your parents be? Thank God how for how he rescues his children.
He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. Consider how amazing this line is. David isn’t denying the presence of our sin or our weakness—that’s clear in the previous verses. But our sin does not deter God’s love. Give thanks to God for his incredible love. Remind yourself how he loves each member of your family—including the relatives you may struggle to love.
He satisfies you with good things. Consider the reach of the word “satisfies.” God can meet every need facing your family, every hunger in your heart, every dream of your kids. Thank our heavenly Father for the good gifts he gives you, and ask him to help you find satisfaction in those gifts and in him.
Your youth is renewed like the eagle. Are you exhausted? God can renew your strength. He can sustain you, your spouse, and your kids. Ask him to give you joy and patience for the work he’s given you. Those things are ultimately not the result of the right pop song or energy drink—they’re fruit of the Spirit.