Praise, Praise, Praise the Lord, ELW 875
Devotion
The text for today's hymn cannot be published due to copyright limitations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Earlier this week, with Tuesday's reading, we found ourselves in the company of the psalmist who encouraged us to "Praise the Lord." Such a verbal activity sometimes pushes us beyond our comfort zone. Many of us prefer to be more measured and sedate in our approach to the gospel. Yet here is a hymn that calls forth a response of praise over and over again—twelve times in fact, even if you only sing it through once!
This outburst of praise is consistent with what the writer of Psalm 147 observed. Implied in the swirl of praise is the realization that God has created us and all that exists. God, in the fullness of time, sent forth a Son that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. These things alone should give rise to a note of praise. So let us praise, praise, praise the Lord. And if we have life and breath, let us add a rousing Alleluia!
Prayer
O Lord, you alone are worthy of praise, for you have formed us, called us, challenged us, and sent us out into the world to proclaim your holy Word. Praise the Lord, Alleluia. Amen.