O God, Your Love Is Eternal; Do Not Forsake the Work of Your Hands

O God, Your Love Is Eternal; Do Not Forsake the Work of Your Hands

This week’s psalm, Psalm 138, is a celebration of prayers answered, a thanksgiving psalm. Written in the first person, the psalm may be an individual offering thanksgiving. But in the Hebrew tradition, the “I” could represent the collectivism of the nation. This psalm expresses indebtedness to God for assistance in a distressful time. The refrain affirms God’s eternal love and then asks God not to forsake us. This psalm gives us a model for personal prayer, first giving praise and thanks to God for God’s care whether in distress or not and then the request. Is this not what a child does for a parent? Think of the structure of the “Our Father.”

I thank you with all I am, I join heaven’s chorus.
I bow toward your holy temple, to praise your name.
By your love and fidelity,
you display to all the glory of your name and promise.

As soon as I call, you act, renewing my strength.
Around the world, rulers praise you for your commanding word.
They sing of your ways, “Great is your glory, O Most High.”

When I face an opponent, you keep me alive.
You reach out your hand, your right hand saves me.
O God, take up my cause, your love lasts for ever.
Do not abandon what your hands have made.

[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]