Scripture Focus: Psalm 148
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.
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Reflection: Let Us Meet In Praise
By Annette Kendall
Every creature, great and small, is to praise God.
Ancient peoples revered the celestial bodies to the point that these became objects of worship. The psalmist issues a challenge to these luminaries— instead of receiving praise, they must give praise to God.
In the heavens, all the angels (that is, the servants) and all the heavenly hosts (that is, the armies) must praise God. Their counterparts on the earth, kings, rulers, princes, and people old and young, male and female, are urged to praise God.
The four elements, earth, wind, fire, and water are involved in the call to praise. Day after day, the flowers open up, and the birds sing their songs. Season after season, the trees yield their fruit, and the beasts bear their young. Not even the creatures of the oceans get left out. Deep beneath the surface, whales and dolphins raise their voices, while day and night corals open and close. All follow their cycle in honor of their maker.
It is not enough for the heavenly beings alone to praise God. Nor is it enough that only humanity praise God. It is not even enough that the animal kingdom be included in praising God. Every part of creation, animate and inanimate alike, is commanded to praise God. Whether those of high standing or of low esteem, every creature must praise the one who is above all, the one to whom each owes their being. For it is from God that each has its existence (Colossians 1.15-16). Apart from him, none of us would be.
Let us then readily play our part. For, no matter our circumstances, regardless of what we may think or how we may feel, we exist for a reason. We have a God-ordained destiny, and it is good. Provided we submit to him, he will ensure that it comes to pass (v. 6). Regardless of whether we understand it or not, every being has a purpose. Each of the myriad objects of the universe was made with a particular intent. Yes, every creature has abundant reason to praise the Lord! (Ecclesiastes 3.11).
Oh, what a beautiful sound it will be! When all come together and lift up one voice, to give the Creator the praise he is due! Oh, how marvelous a scene to behold! When all of the heavens, the earth, and the seas, all with one accord, bring their praise to the King!
How are you going to praise him today? What part will you play in giving his due?
Hallelujah indeed!
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Sing to him, sing praise to him, and speak of all his marvelous works. — Psalm 105.2
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Summertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Today’s Readings
Jeremiah 3 (Listen 4:40)
Psalms 148 (Listen 1:28)
This Weekend’s Readings
Jeremiah 4 (Listen 5:23), Psalms 149-150 (Listen 1:36)
Jeremiah 5 (Listen 5:04), James 1 (Listen 3:26)
Read more about Humbled by the Heavens
God, we stand in awe on our tiny planet.
Thank you for heavens that humble us, Lord.
Read more about Readers’ Choice
Student Writers Month is winding down and Readers’ Choice starts in September, so it’s time to tell us about your favorite posts of the year.
