God’s Saving Word: 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

148 Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord from heaven,
    you that live in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels,
    all his heavenly armies.

Praise him, sun and moon;
    praise him, shining stars.
Praise him, highest heavens,
    and the waters above the sky.[a]

Let them all praise the name of the Lord!
He commanded, and they were created;
    by his command they were fixed in their places forever,
    and they cannot disobey.[b]

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    sea monsters and all ocean depths;
lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    strong winds that obey his command.

Praise him, hills and mountains,
    fruit trees and forests;
10 all animals, tame and wild,
    reptiles and birds.

11 Praise him, kings and all peoples,
    princes and all other rulers;
12 young women and young men,
    old people and children too.

13 Let them all praise the name of the Lord!
His name is greater than all others;
    his glory is above earth and heaven.
14 He 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 this psalm was written, people believed that the sky was a dome. 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 (see the reading for November 1). 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 the LORD from the earth! 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.