Psalm 96:1-9 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 96:1-9 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Verse 2Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
Verse 3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples.
Verse 4For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.
Verse 5For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Verse 6Honor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.
Verse 7Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Verse 8Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.
Verse 9Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth.
Devotion
Sing to the Lord a new song. Every time there was a new psalm for the people of Israel, there was a new song, with a new reason for singing. The reason for singing: "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free..." and many other reasons. Singing has nearly always been an avenue for the expression of our feelings, our theologies, and ideologies. Singing of the Psalms was not only a way of expressing joy, but also of sorrow and lamentations. Isn't it nice to be around a person who sings, maybe even when not getting all the notes right? Singing has always been important in faith communities. It's not just the new songs, but also the old ones that still give many a sense of worship. I'm a part of a retirement community church in Sun City, AZ, and find that many worship with us because they love the old familiar hymns. Let's sing praises to God with new songs, but never forget the old ones.
Prayer
Oh Lord, open our mouths that our words may proclaim your love. We do give you thanks and praise for all that you are and do. Help us to let others know what you mean to us as we sing praises and give you the glory deserved for making us the focus of your saving grace. Amen.