“THE GREAT PSALM OF PRAISE”
(Psalms 136:1-26; 137:1-9; 146:1-10; 147:1-20)
Psalm 136 is often referred to as “The Great Hallel” or “The Great Psalm of Praise” in Jewish tradition. This psalm is classified as an Ascent Psalm. The Israelites sang ascent psalms as they made their way up to the temple for the great festivals. The “ascent” idea is of both the physical climb up Mount Moriah in Jerusalem and the spiritual journey toward God’s presence in the temple. As they sang, they meditated on God’s faithfulness, cultivating a heart of praise as they literally and metaphorically ascended to worship God at the temple.
The psalm’s refrain, “His love endures forever,” is repeated 26 times, after each remembrance of a mighty act of God to provide, protect, deliver, and sustain them. This constant repetition of the refrain is more than poetic emphasis—it presses upon the soul the truth that the God who created the heavens and the earth and has sustained them throughout their history is with them as they journey together.
This God who created the world and has acted throughout the millennia is present and intimately involved in our lives as well. If our church TLC were to write a psalm recalling God’s faithfulness to us corporately, what acts and God-moments would we include? Or were you to write a psalm recalling God’s love to you, what would you include? When we pause to remember God’s involvement in our own lives—the times He provided comfort in hardship, guidance in confusion, or hope amid despair—it is more than mere remembering. It cultivates gratitude in our hearts and faith in our souls. It fosters hope for what we face today and for whatever comes to pass in our future. Truly, our past, present, and future are knit together within God’s love.
One of my favorite hymns is “The Love of God”. The lyrics of the last verse were found in Germany, penciled on the wall of a patient’s room in an insane asylum after he had been carried to his grave. They are also similar to an 11th-century Jewish poem. Practice sacred remembering by reflecting upon God’s love to you, your family, our church, and our world. Perhaps the truth of this centuries-old verse will resonate in your soul as well:
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Chorus: Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure–the saints’ and angels’ song.
May you practice sacred remembering today, resulting in a heart of gratitude and renewed faith in the love God has for us, for God is love (1 John 4:16). His love endures forever!
Simple Truth:
Remembering God’s faithfulness in our prayers isn’t just looking back—it’s a way to worship Him and build up our most holy faith. His love endures forever!
Reflections:
- What specific moments in your life do you recall when God’s love was especially evident?
- In what ways can remembering God’s past faithfulness encourage you during the current challenges you are facing?
- How might your prayers change if you regularly incorporated this ancient practice of sacred remembering?
- What hopes for the future can you bring to God with confidence in His enduring love?
Application:
- Take time today or this week to journal specific times when you experienced God’s faithfulness and love. After each memory, write the refrain “His love endures forever.”
- Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness from your life with someone to encourage their faith journey or introduce them to the God who is love.
- Meditate on Psalm 136:1—“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” —repeating it slowly and thoughtfully throughout your day to center your heart on God’s goodness and faithful love.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I give you praise and thanks for your steadfast love that endures forever. You are the all-powerful creator of the heavens and the earth. You are the merciful, loving Father who sustains me in every season and circumstance. Your faithfulness never wavers, and your mercy is new every morning. Help me to trust your unfailing love every moment. Help me to praise you with a grateful heart. May my life testify to your love that endures forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About our Author
Marcia Rainey is a wife, mother, Nana, and retired educator who served eight years as principal and 11 years as a middle school Bible and science teacher at Hawthorne Christian Academy. She now spends her days with her grandson and enjoys baking, long walks with her husband, and the view from any mountain or beach. She is thrilled to be part of the TLC family serving with the children’s, life group, and women’s ministry teams.
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