Praise the LORD! Praise, O servants of the LORD, Praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting The name of the LORD is to be praised.
Psalm 113:1-3
Reflection
As we have finished up the leftovers from our Thanksgiving meal, I pray that your heart is still filled with gratitude. Just like The National Day of Prayer, the observance of Thanksgiving Day is a law that was passed on October 6,1941 to establish a specific day for America to celebrate. Prior to the law it was celebrated on different days by different states. This one-day observance is not the only day we express our thankfulness, just like the National Day of Prayer is not the only day we pray for our nation, but it unites America together in practice and for the family of God, it unites us in thanking our Heavenly Father for our abundant blessings.
Now that our calendar has turned to December, our hearts turn in praise to the Word who “became flesh and dwelt among us,” (John 1:14) Immanuel, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The angel Gabriel told Mary, "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) Scripture also promises us, “so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” (Phil. 4:2)
Throughout the month of December our National Day of Prayer Task Force articles, texts, and social media will explore and exalt the names given in praise and thanks to the Lord throughout Scripture. The name of the Lord is sacred, and as we remember that from the overflow of the heart our mouth speaks, we must realize the respect and affection with which we speak His name reveals the truth of how we treasure Him, or not, in our heart. God was very clear about the way we will handle His name with the highest honor due to Him, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7) What do you think and how do you feel when you hear someone use the name of God as a curse? Please consider taking that moment as an opportunity to pray for that person and ask the Lord to make His presence and power known in their life.
Throughout this month we want to encourage you to countdown to Christmas with a name or attribute of God that fills your day with praise, from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Will you praise Him with us now?
Almighty God, Ancient of Day, the Alpha and Omega, we worship You. Jehovah Jirah, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, our Refuge, Strength, Source and Shield we praise You. You are the Lord of heaven and earth, Everlasting Light, our victory and love. We pour out our praise to You that we may be filled with all awe and honor of You, filled with the comfort and courage of belonging to You, and filled with overflowing worship that belongs to You alone. May Your glory grab our hearts and attention even in the busiest of seasons or challenging situations. Draw our eyes and ears to You, to not miss a moment of Your presence and purpose so that we may remain filled with Your praise and sharing all of Your unchanging attributes as the reasons for our hope. We praise You as we pray in the wonderful name of Jesus, Amen!
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
