God’s Word of Praise and Thanksgiving
Introduction
Psalm 148: This psalm is a call for the universe to praise God. While some of Israel’s neighbors worshiped the sun, moon, and stars as gods, in this psalm, the heavenly bodies worship the God who created them. In addition, this psalm invites everyone and everything on earth to praise God as creator.
Scripture Reading
A Call for the Universe to Praise God
1Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from heaven,
you that live in the heights above.
2Praise him, all his angels,
all his heavenly armies.
3Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, shining stars.
4Praise him, highest heavens,
and the waters above the sky.
5Let them all praise the name of the Lord!
He commanded, and they were created;
6by his command they were fixed in their places forever,
and they cannot disobey.
7Praise the Lord from the earth,
sea monsters and all ocean depths;
8lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
strong winds that obey his command.
9Praise him, hills and mountains,
fruit trees and forests;
10all animals, tame and wild,
reptiles and birds.
11Praise him, kings and all peoples,
princes and all other rulers;
12young women and young men,
old people and children too.
13Let them all praise the name of the Lord!
His name is greater than all others;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
14He made his nation strong,
so that all his people praise him—
the people of Israel, so dear to him.
Praise the Lord!
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 148:13
Let them all praise the name of the LORD! His name is greater than all others; his glory is above earth and heaven.
Reflect
At the time that the psalm was written, people believed that the sky was a dome that covered the flat earth. They thought heavenly waters swirled above the sky and that an ocean of water resided under the earth. You may wish to compare today’s psalm with the story of creation as found in Genesis 1—2. What are your thoughts as you reflect on the wonders of God’s creation?
Pray
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from heaven, you that live in the heights above. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, shining stars, praise him, highest heavens! Let them all praise the name of the LORD! Your name, O God, is greater than all others, and I praise you! Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 149: A hymn in praise of God’s justice.