“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:1-5 KJV)
Every time I read or hear the passage above, I am reminded of my deceased friend and mentor John Doroshuk. When I ministered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he was my immediate supervisor and the Supervising Bishop over the Churches of God of Prophecy in Western Canada.
When I accepted a pastorate and moved my family there in 1982, John asked me to travel with him for a whirlwind trip of visiting our churches. On that trip John and I bonded. I was privileged to gain insight into this wonderful man of God. And I heard him pray several prayers that I would not have otherwise been privy to. It was his praying that impacted me the most. He wasn’t necessarily longwinded in his prayers, but he knew how to start effectively.
John always started his prayers by reciting verses 1 and 2 above: “Bless the Lord O my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits.” He gave me an example that is precious and I will not forget. So many benefits for which God deserves my blessing. Yet, he deserves my praise (personal blessing) just for who he is. Bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord for who he is! Bless him for my wife, my children and my grandson. Bless the Lord and don’t forget my job, my talents and my vacations. Bless him with all my heart for sisters, cousins, friends and colleagues. Bless the Lord for all his benefits including the five visitors at church and those who invited them. Bless him for the six days of the week I feel good and six projects to pursue. Bless the Lord O my soul for the seventh day he has prepared for my rest. Bless him for eight more things I might forget otherwise. Bless the Lord for nine trips on the road and travelling mercies all the way. Bless him for his holy commands and mercy and forgiveness and grace.
Everyday of 2012 could be a “count your blessings” day. Evaluating our lives. Considering and adjusting our attitudes. We track every other facet of our lives, why not track our soul’s praise record? We have so much for which we should bless the Lord. There is forgiveness of sin, healing from illness, redemption from destruction, God’s love, God’s kindness, God’s mercies, he gives us good things, and spiritually restores and renews our spirit among many other blessings. O yeah, soul bless his holy name!
Dear Father, we bless you for all your benefits to us. Empower us to always bless you with every particle of our being and to not forget any benefit. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Courageously bless God’s holy name for his blessings on you,