Psalm 148 (NRSV)
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Verse 1Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Verse 2Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host!
Verse 3Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars!
Verse 4Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Verse 5Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created.
Verse 6He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.
Verse 7Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps,
Verse 8fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command!
Verse 9Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
Verse 10Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds!
Verse 11Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth!
Verse 12Young men and women alike, old and young together!
Verse 13Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven.
Verse 14He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord!
Devotion
What a gracious gift that lowly, humble humans are invited to join in the hymn of all creation! In a time of economic and ecological crisis it seems fitting that Scripture once again reveals God's divine order and providential care for the cosmos. It is an honor and blessing to make joyful noises, lifting up our voices in tune with God's holy angels, offering praise and glory to the One who makes all things holy.
Prayer
Holy and gracious God, we thank you for your abundant gifts. For the snowy heights, tall white pines and the rabbit scurrying across the plains, we thank you and praise your unending name echoing throughout the cosmos. You have made us a little lower than the angels to dwell with and amongst your green creation. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Amen.