All Creation Praise
Opening Prayer
Mighty God, You are truly great and awesome. I’m amazed and humbled to know You as Your child.
Read PSALM 148:1-14
[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 he commanded and they were created. [6] He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave 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 maidens, 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] He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart. Praise the LORD. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why does the psalmist say God is praiseworthy (13,14)?This psalm summons the whole of creation to praise God, from top to bottom. See if you can imagine the sound!
It starts off way above creation. All the heavenly beings are summoned to praise. Then the sun, moon and stars join in; then the earth, the weather, the animals and plants. Next, kings and princes get the call; then men and women, older people and even children—the lowest of the low in Old Testament times. From top to bottom the whole of creation is called to praise God. Why? Because he deserves it!
Of course we know that heaven is not really “up there” above the clouds. What this psalm is saying is that there is no dividing line between earth and heaven; between the material and the spiritual world. Every mountain and every molecule vibrates with the praise and the presence of God.
The punch line comes at the end. Can you imagine the whole of earth and heaven praising God? Well, however glorious that sounds, his glory is greater (13)!
Apply
Allow yourself to be caught up in the praises of creation. Use words or songs to compose your own praise.
Closing prayer
Lord, sometimes my praise is so weak and routine. Give me a spirit that really thrills to praise Your name.
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