Hello, I’m Daniel Westfall on the channel “Pray With Me”.

Today, we visit our old tutor in prayer, the psalms.

The first word in the Book of Psalms is “Blessed.” 

“Blessed are those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” What does that mean? 

Some modern translations say “happy” instead of “blessed”: “Happy are those who do not walk in the counsel of the wicked.” 

I object. I don’t like the word happy. 

“Happy” is too shallow. I attend an Anglican church with a contemporary service–keyboard, guitar, drums–instead of old-fashioned organ and hymn books. A friend calls this the “happy, clappy” service. 

Does the contemporary service make me happy? Sometimes. I might start sad and finish happy. And other times, I’m just emotionally neutral from start to finish. 

I choose to participate in community, to seek God with others, to open my heart to Jesus, and wait for him to open his heart to me. 

That’s the blessing of Sunday. Not a blessing that guarantees happiness, but one that changes my life as I seek God, worship in community, and learn to love my neighbor. 

Happiness comes, happiness goes, but God’s blessing rests on my choices, and my activities. 

That’s what Psalm 1 wants for me. 

Let’s pray. 

O father, happiness is a by-product, not a goal. What the psalmist desires and wants us to desire is your blessing. Your smile to embrace and encourage us. Your presence to make our lives fruitful. Your grace in our lives to heal us and make us whole. Your blessing over everything we do. 

Teach us to walk in the way you bless. Not to walk in the way of the wicked, not to stand with sinners, nor to sit with cynics. 

Teach us to delight in your word. To become like trees, flourishing by rivers of water, your water. 

Amen. 

I’m Daniel, on the channel “Pray with Me”.  

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