Psalm 116 is a psalm of thanksgiving traditionally used at the conclusion of the Passover meal. It isn’t surprising, then, that in Christian worship it is often used on Maundy Thursday and as a response of gratitude following the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. It is also fitting to use this psalm on other occasions for thanksgiving.
Nancy deClaissé-Walford, in her commentary on this psalm, suggests that the first two verses of Psalm 116 function as an introduction, followed by a narrative section, with the conclusion beginning at verse 12. The introduction can be understood as a thesis statement, in which the psalmist summarizes God's actions and expresses a response of love and devotion. The narrative section then provides the backstory, offering more details about the divine acts that prompted such gratitude. Finally, the conclusion contains renewed expressions of praise and promises to remain a faithful follower. Below is a portion of Psalm 116 arranged for a leader and congregation with those sections indicated. Depending on the occasion, you may choose to include more or less of the narrative portion. Alternatively, you might use only the introduction and the conclusion, inviting congregants to write their own “middle” narrative in advance and share it during a service. You could also bracket a spontaneous time of testimony with the psalm’s introduction and conclusion.
This can also be a meaningful personal exercise. What is your narrative—the story that fills the middle of this psalm? Where have you experienced God’s goodness in your life? For what will you offer God your praise?
Introduction
I love the Lord because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
Narrative
The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
Then I called on the name of the Lord,
“O Lord, I pray, save my life!”
Gracious is the Lord and righteous;
our God is merciful.
The Lord protects the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
Return, O my soul, to your rest,
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
I walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
Conclusion
What shall I return to the Lord
for all his bounty to me?
I will lift up 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.
Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful ones.
O Lord, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
You have loosed my bonds.
I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
and call on the name of the Lord.
I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
Revised Common Lectionary
Year A: Holy Week—Maundy Thursday
Year B: Holy Week—Maundy Thursday
Year C: Holy Week—Maundy Thursday
Year A: Season after Pentecost—Proper 6 (11)
Year A: Easter—Third Sunday of Easter
Year B: Season after Pentecost—Proper 19 (24)
