• One of my childhood memories is standing for great lengths of time while certain people prayed long, boring prayers. I remember asking God more than once if there was not something more important for Him to do than to listen to Mr. "whatever his name was." Occasionally I would put my fingers over my eyes, slightly spread two of them apart and then look around to see what everyone was doing. Most of them, if I recall correctly, were slightly shifting their weight from one foot to the other trying not to disturb the person standing next to them.
• It was later in life that I discovered length was not all that important when we pray. It is our sincerity and the purpose of our prayers that gets God's attention.
• Perhaps Psalms 117 was included in the Bible to make this point. It is a prayer of praise written by an unknown author. Notice also that it begins with an invitation to the Gentiles to "Laud Him" - the "Lord." The Psalmist wants everyone to know that everyone is invited to worship Yahweh.
• And after the invitation the Psalmist gives a reason for this special call to worship: "For great is His love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever." Then he shouts in gratitude: "Praise the Lord."
• The Psalmist made a special effort to announce the fact that all nations are included in this call to worship. It is echoed in the words of Jesus: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."
• Prayer: We thank You, Father, for Your great love and faithfulness that is limitless, all inclusive and everlasting. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
• Scripture for Today: Psalm 117 Praise the Lord, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples. For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.