PRAISE THE LORD
Opening Prayer
Praising God suggests action: doing something. Bring your praises to him now using words, music and movement.
Read Psalm 150
1 Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What is your favorite style of music?Live music has a particular appeal, especially when it’s an orchestra, choir, or big band of some kind. I remember a performance of Beethoven’s Choral Symphony and the power generated by all those voices and instruments working together. And this short psalm is all about volume. It’s an unashamed defense of musical praise, calling everyone to join in with gusto.
There are longer and more deep-feeling poems elsewhere in the psalter but this one would make it into my top five. Maybe it’s the association with a praise song that was popular some years ago. Great tune, great words, and an infectious rhythm is good enough for me! Or maybe it’s the way it ends with an appeal for all living creatures to bring their praise. Without exception, everything that has breath is commanded to take part.
Too often we are locked into a cerebral and rational mindset and forget that God created everything with the capacity for praise. Psalm 148 tells us that trees, mountains, weather systems, animals, and even water are all fit to praise their creator. Maybe we need to recover something of the playfulness of God in all this and join in the party!
Apply
When do you find it difficult to praise God? In those moments break out your favorite psalm or song and begin to praise anyway!
Closing prayer
Lord, I join my praises with all of Your worldwide church and the whole of creation, and I adore You for Your great love.
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