Psalm 103:1–5, 15–18 — Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Why families choose it

The rare thanksgiving that earns it. The first half counts what a life was given — forgiveness, healing, lovingkindness, good things — and the second half admits without flinching that the life is over: the days were grass, the wind has passed over. Against that it sets one word, 'But', and everlasting mercy after it. Chosen when a family wants to thank God for someone honestly, in a psalm that already knows how the story ends.

Reading it aloud

The opening line is the reader commanding their own soul — say it as a resolve, not a greeting. Let the list of mercies move briskly; it is a rising count. Then respect the break: 'As for man' begins lower and quieter, and the whole reading turns on the single word 'But'. Give that word its own breath, and let everything after it rise.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Scripture Reading — Psalm 103:1–5, 15–18” with the reader’s name beside it. The full text is public domain and may be printed on the life-story or back page.