By Sister Cheryl Jacobs

I have previously shared about my favourite Psalm, but at my local Christian Ashram, held recently, I was in the prayer vigil room and the person before me had left the Bible open at Psalm 103. I was drawn to read this psalm then and through subsequent visits to the prayer room. It just seemed so appropriate for our event as it was unfolding, as well as for our times.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—

One of the things I enjoy most about the Christian Ashram is the opportunity to praise God with my brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the days of our time together. We do not head back to regular lives after a single worship service, but continue in that mode of praise, prayer and kingdom living. Even in those times I am distracted with organizational duties, I feel the praise happening around me and my spirit joins in.

3 who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

In our Open Heart, many spoke of things weighing them down, and it seemed some might have thought they were not worthy of God’s love and forgiveness. This idea was repeated enough that our evangelist felt led to change his message and speak on God’s never failing compassion. The Psalmist so clearly tells us of the endless love and grace of our good God. This theme continues in this Psalm in vs. 8-18 – that God does not treat us as we deserve, and that God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Do we sometimes take these words for granted and not hold on to them with all that we are when we most need them?

6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.

19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

And in these days, when we hear of so much oppression – of people in war zones, of people trying to make their way in a new land because they were forced to flee their homeland, of people taken advantage of because of their gender, age, status, or a host of other reasons, and even the effects of our oppression of our Earth – may we trust in the Lord to work out all things for good and persevere in prayer and action for God’s kingdom to come. Jesus is Lord! 

As I write these words, a brilliant rainbow has appeared across the sky, and again my spirit rejoices. Recognizing our Lord God’s love and compassion, mercy and justice, and many promises, for those who love and fear God as well as for those who have yet to meet or turn to God, may we continually say, sing and shout:

22b Praise the Lord, my soul.