DEUTERONOMY 8:1-10
The LORD Takes Care of You

Moses said:
Israel, do you want to go into the land the LORD promised your ancestors?  Do you want to capture it, live there, and become a powerful nation?  Then be sure to obey every command I am giving you.

Don't forget how the LORD your God has led you through the desert for the past forty years.  He wanted to find out if you were truly willing to obey him and depend on him, so he made you go hungry.  Then he gave you manna, a kind of food that you and your ancestors had never even heard about.  The LORD was teaching you that people need more than food to live--they need every word that the LORD has spoken.  Over the past forty years, your clothing hasn't worn out, and your feet haven't swollen.  So keep in mind that the LORD has been correcting you, just as parents correct their children.  Obey the commands the LORD your God has given you and worship him with fear and trembling.

The LORD your God is bringing you into a good land with streams that flow from springs in the valleys and hills.  You can dig for copper in those hills, and the stones are made of iron ore. And you won't go hungry.  Wheat and barley fields are everywhere, and so are vineyards and orchards full of fig, pomegranate, and olive trees, and there is plenty of honey.

Don't Forget the LORD

Moses said to Israel:
After you eat and are full, give praise to the LORD your God for the good land he gave you.

PSALM 65
God Answers Prayer

Our God, you deserve praise
in Zion, where we keep
our promises to you.
Everyone will come to you
because you answer prayer.
Our terrible sins get us down,
but you forgive us.
You bless your chosen ones,
and you invite them
to live near you
in your temple.
We will enjoy your house,
the sacred temple.

Our God, you save us,
and your fearsome deeds
answer our prayers for justice!
You give hope to people
everywhere on earth,
even those across the sea.
You are strong,
and your mighty power
put the mountains in place.
You silence the roaring waves
and the noisy shouts
of the nations.
People far away marvel
at your fearsome deeds,
and all who live under the sun
celebrate and sing
because of you.

You take care of the earth
and send rain
to help the soil
grow all kinds of crops.
Your rivers never run dry,
and you prepare the earth
to produce much grain.
You water all of its fields
and level the lumpy ground.
You send showers of rain
to soften the soil
and help the plants sprout.
Wherever your footsteps
touch the earth,
a rich harvest is gathered.
Desert pastures blossom,
and mountains celebrate.
Meadows are filled
with sheep and goats;
valleys overflow with grain
and echo with joyful songs.

PSALM 67
Tell the Nations To Praise God

Our God, be kind and bless us! 
Be pleased and smile.
Then everyone on earth
will learn to follow you,
and all nations will see
your power to save us.

Make everyone praise you
and shout your praises.
Let the nations celebrate
with joyful songs,
because you judge fairly
and guide all nations.
Make everyone praise you
and shout your praises.

Our God has blessed the earth
with a wonderful harvest!
Pray for his blessings
to continue
and for everyone on earth
to worship our God.