The old man finished his prayer. In it he spoke alone. He was, as it
were, the mouthpiece of his people. But that was not enough. It was not
sufficient that he should speak on their behalf, but they must praise God
for themselves. So having been into the very presence chamber of God in
prayer, he came out, as it were to the assembled multitude, and said to
the vast throng, “Now bless the Lord your God.” Praise was the climax of
the transaction, and praise the last act of David’s reign.
Now may there be the spirit of that remarkable day amongst ourselves.
Trace it all the way through, remember the consecration, the liberality,
the joy, the praise, the prayer, and the final outburst of congregational
worship. May God breathe on us the same spirit. May there be the same
consecration of service, the same willing offerings, the same joyous
praise, and the same thankful prayer for a holy perseverance unto the
end. And, in conclusion, may I not say to you what David said to the
congregation, “Now bless the Lord your God.”