Reflection on the readings for November 13

Praise the Lord!
I thank the Lord with all my heart.
(Psalm 111:1, Common English Bible)

Ezekiel 27:1-28:26
The Lord's word comes to Ezekiel: Sing a lament for Tyre, that beautiful, strong, wealthy, country. Because of their injustice, their oppressive business practices, I will destroy them.

Hebrews 11:17-31
A reminder of the faith of God's people.

Psalm 111:1-10
In his Theology of the Old Testament, Walter Brueggeman proposes that "the beginning of an Old Testament theology is in the liturgical, public acknowledgment of a new reality wrought by Yahweh in the life of the speaker and in the community of the speaker".

He cites Psalm 111 as an example of a todah, the public expression of thankfulness.

This psalm begins with a call to the congregation to join in praise, "Hallelujah" and recognizes the deeds that the Lord has accomplished. In citing particular acts--providing food, giving them a home--the psalm also describes the nature of the Lord, the one who would want to and be able to do these things.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate
His handiwork is truth and justice.

Although most of our prayers are asking please, we do occasionally (often?) also say "thank you" to God. Psalm 111 can be a model for our expression of gratitude.

Gratitude, in this case, that's not a secret. The prayer is expressed in the company of the congregation.

Proverbs 27:15-16
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Prayer for Today: Pray Psalm 111.