Psalm 113 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 113 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord.
Verse 2Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.
Verse 3From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Verse 4The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
Verse 5Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high,
Verse 6who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
Verse 7He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
Verse 8to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
Verse 9He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
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Devotion
“Praise the Lord.” As we gather in worship, these words roll easily off the tongue. But who is this one who is the subject of our praise and adoration? What is the Lord’s “modus operandi?” How is this Lord of lords acting in the world, inspiring us to sing praise?
Is it through a great shower of silver and gold upon the favored? Is it through a show of power that causes subjects to cower in terror? Is it through the ingathering of the elite who stand as the Lord’s cronies?
Who is this one we worship and what’s he up to? The psalmist answers: “The Lord is high above all nations and his glory above the heavens. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap.” He gives life to the lifeless, forgiveness to the sinner, hope to the hopeless. Because of, through and in Christ we say, “Praise the Lord.”
Prayer
Holy God, we praise you for who you are in this world. Your love sweeps across the earth with a compassion that knows no bounds. Inspire us, as little Christs, to promote the good of all through our lives of faithfulness. Amen.