Praise Is Rising
Opening Prayer
Take the time needed to quiet your mind and heart now so that you are prepared to meet and worship God.
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
What reasons are given for praising the Lord?The book of Psalms ends with a massive outburst of praise. Everything in all creation, from the sun and moon to the depths of the ocean, from the angels in heaven to the smallest bird, from the most powerful ruler to the most vulnerable baby, is included in a mighty song of praise to our amazing Creator God.
It’s not clear exactly how things like mountains and winds, animals and trees can praise the Lord. One idea is that as we see the wonder and perfection of all that God has created, praise rises in us. Another idea is that created things praise God by responding to his command and just being what they are. Either way, nothing in all creation is left out.
Alone of all creation, however, human beings can choose whether or not to get involved—we can say no to God, or just praise with our lips, not our whole inner beings. But faced with the evidence all around us of God’s amazing love, glory and power, let’s not miss out, but choose to join in with our hearts, actions and lives as well as our mouths in this great worship song!
Apply
Use what you see of God’s creation to thrill your heart and mind as you praise and worship the one who made it all.
Closing prayer
Lord, I do praise You for who You are and all You’ve done. May I always gladly praise You.
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