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. PS 116: 12-13 Lifting the Cup of Salvation during Holy Communion is, for me, a way of giving thanks to the Lord. It is a sign to me of the Lord's saving activity both in the Exodus story and the cross-resurrection story. When I hear the "Great Thanksgiving" in holy communion, I am reminded of the Lord's saving activity, not just for me, but for all humanity. Read the story of the psalmist's story of salvation which gives the reason for lifting the Cup of Salvation. In my 30 years of pastoring, I have had many people ask for prayers for friends, family, or neighbors during the Joys and Concerns in worship. I don't recall anyone saying, “Let me tell you all how my prayers were answered." Prayer Changes Things . Don't give up on prayer. It seems to me the poet is telling folks to not give up on prayer. ...