Psalm | Psalm 103:1-14 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
East/West (Psalm 103) by Paul Zach

Lyrics:
Bless the Lord O my soul
All that is within me bless His name
He's forgives all our sin
He is slow to anger, full of grace

As high as the heavens are up above
So is the greatness of his love
As far as the east is from the west
He removes our sin from us
As far as the east is from the west
As far as the east is from the west

For the lord knows our frame
Short our days from dust to dust we fade
But His love will remain
Merciful to those who fear his name

The steadfast love of the Lord
Is from everlasting to everlasting

Passage:
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
(Psalm 103:1–14 ESV)

Musical Reflection:

Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby
Reflection Notes:

This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.

Prayer:
We beg you, Master, be our help and strength. Save those among us who are oppressed, have pity on the lowly, and lift up the fallen. Heal the sick, bring back the straying, and feed the hungry. Release those in prison, lift up those who falter, and strengthen the fainthearted. Let all nations come to know you the one God, with your Son Jesus Christ, and us your people and the sheep of your pasture. [Amen.]
-Clement of Rome