Praising Almighty God
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, my Father, when I think about how great and loving You are, I can only praise You!
Read Psalm 33:1-22
[1] Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. [2] Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. [3] Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. [4] For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. [5] The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. [6] By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. [7] He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. [8] Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. [9] For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. [10] The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. [11] But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. [12] Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance. [13] From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; [14] from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth- [15] he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. [16] No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. [17] A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. [18] But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, [19] to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. [20] We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. [22] May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. 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 are some reasons the psalmist praises the Lord?This psalm celebrates God himself: what he is like and what he has done; his provision and protection of those who belong to him; and, finally, his relationship to the whole of creation. First, God himself: the psalmist rehearses many of the crucial characteristics of God. He is faithful, right and true (4). He loves justice and is full of love (5). His plans succeed (11). Next, see how the psalmist looks to God for help (16-19). The standard forces of protection are very fallible and frequently don’t stand up when put to the test. Many riders in past centuries had horses shot from beneath them! In contrast, the psalmist puts his trust in God for protection and provision (20-22). Finally, note how God’s act of creation is such an inspiration for the writer (6,7). Not only did God create all things, he sustains his creation and keeps watch over all nations, especially his chosen people (8-15). He is all-knowing and all-powerful. These characteristics are also to be found in the Lord Jesus.
Apply
Take one of the three categories above and turn what you’ve observed into praise and thanksgiving to God.
Closing prayer
Almighty, Eternal God, I bow before Your infinite majesty and holiness. May they always inspire me to worship You.
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