Lent Day 5: March 14

This morning we welcome guest blogger, Phil Cronenwett. Phil shares his thoughts with us on "giving thanks to the Lord."

Lenten Reflection for Day 5

Date: Monday March 14, 2011

Author: Phil Cronenwett

Bible Passage:

Isaiah 12:1–4 (NRSV)

¹ You will say in that day: I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for though you were angry with me, your anger turned away, and you comforted me. ² Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. ³ With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. ⁴ And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted.

Reflection:

This passage is a wonderful song of praise and thanksgiving to God for His gifts of comfort, strength, and salvation. We sometimes have trouble thanking our friends and family for the good deeds they do for us. More than that, we often do not acknowledge God’s care for us. “Give thanks to the Lord” should be our acknowledgement that God has given us life and salvation. This passage is also a reflection of that portion of Psalm 116 that sometimes appears as a liturgical hymn:

What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits to me?

I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord,

I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all His people.

This is what I should do, what I must do to thank God at all times.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to know and to do that which is right in Your sight. Help me to know Your will and to thank You for all of Your great works. Amen.