Lord,

Yes, “let the redeemed of the Lord say so, 

whom [you have] redeemed from trouble” (Psalm 107:2).

Even if we have seen trouble, 

if we’ve been wandering 

in “desert wastes….

hungry and thirsty…

our souls fainting within” (Psalm 107:5), 

you have “delivered [us] from our distress” (Psalm 107:6).

[Name some of the troubles you’ve seen this week, 

and how the Lord has delivered you from your distress].

Some of us “sat in darkness and in the shadow of death,” 

either because of our own rebellion, 

or because of the pain of living in this fallen world (Psalm 107:10), 

and yet you have shown your “wondrous works to the children of man,” 

and so we thank you for your “steadfast love” (Psalm 107:8,15).

[Name some of the dark places you have experienced in your life, 

and how God showed his wondrous works to you].

And on and on we could go through this remarkable Psalm 107, 

which names the storms and desert places of our lives 

and demonstrates your kind redemption

 in every place we have ever walked. 

We thank you, Lord, and we praise you, 

as those you have redeemed from trouble.

In Jesus’ redeeming name. Amen. 

Read Psalm 107.

Lord God,

It is indeed good to give thanks to you—

when days are easy and when they’re not.

Today, I thank you for some of my favorite things 

about your extraordinary creation:

The teal-turquoise-marine of the Gulf of Mexico 

and the sugary velvet feel of the white sand.

The juicy explosion of a homegrown tomato 

And ripe blueberries fresh-picked from a friend’s yard.

A purple-pink-and-blue sunset, 

heat lightning against a dusky sky, 

and lightning bugs twinkling in the dark.

[Name some of your favorite things about God’s good creation.]

As we meditate on your glory inscribed in your creation, 

we thank you for the many good gifts 

you give your beloved children 

every day simply because you delight in us. 

In Jesus’ creative name. Amen.

Read Psalm 96:1-13.