The Instinct to Praise and Give Thanks

A Japanese Zen Buddhist master shares his experience of walking along the river and becoming aware of the beauty of nature around him. Suddenly, without thinking about it, he realizes he is “making gassho,” that is, he is taking a deep bow, normally a ritual done in the temple. Spontaneously he is experiencing and expressing joyful gratitude. (Steindl-Rast, David. A Listening Heart: The Art of Contemplative Living, New York: Crossroads, 1989, p. 83)

As we become aware of the fullness freely given to us in all of creation and in what God does for us, we are moved unselfconsciously to give praise and thanks.

The psalmist reminds us of all that God has done in the universe, for the earth and all creatures, for the downtrodden and brokenhearted, and for God’s people in faith. The Lord’s delight is in those who have trust and hope in God.

Our natural, instinctive response to this plenitude, given each day, both begins and ends the psalm: Praise the Lord!

Lord God of all things, we bow to you in quiet gratitude, and with your people we sing and make melody! Thank you for the blessing of this day and your steadfast love for us. Amen. — TDW

Contributed by The Instinct to Praise and Give Thanks

A Japanese Zen Buddhist master shares his experience of walking along the river and becoming aware of the beauty of nature around him. Suddenly, without thinking about it, he realizes he is "making gassho," that is, he is taking a deep bow, normally a ritual done in the temple. Spontaneously he is experiencing and expressing joyful gratitude. (Steindl-Rast, David. A Listening Heart: The Art of Contemplative Living, New York: Crossroads, 1989, p. 83) As we become aware of the fullness freely given to us in all of creation and in what God does for us, we are moved unselfconsciously to give praise and thanks. The psalmist reminds us of all that God has done in the universe, for the earth and all creatures, for the downtrodden and brokenhearted, and for God's people in faith. The Lord's delight is in those who have trust and hope in God. Our natural, instinctive response to this plenitude, given each day, both begins and ends the psalm: Praise the Lord!
Eternity for Today