Saturday, December 28, 2024  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 148

Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his host!

Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for he commanded and they were created.
He established them forever and ever;
he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!

Mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars!
Wild animals and all cattle,
creeping things and flying birds!

Kings of the earth and all peoples,
princes and all rulers of the earth!
Young men and women alike,
old and young together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his glory is above earth and heaven.
He 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! (NRSV)

Reflection

Praise God roll call! Everything under God’s creation is called upon to praise God. From celestial beings to meteorological events, the psalmist calls for all of God’s creation to praise God. It makes me think, how exactly do the sun and moon praise God? The mountain, or the fruit tree? They are not going around singing songs of praise. But when I watch the sunrise or take in the beauty of a full moon, I often think about God, the creator. God’s creation praises God by being exactly what God created it to be and do.

Humankind is no different. We are called to praise God regardless of social status, gender, or age. And to do so, we are called to live into our purpose. Of course, that is much easier said than done. I remember how much I dreaded being asked about my plans for the future when I was a high school senior. As if at the age of eighteen I would have my life all figured out. The truth is many years later I am still discerning my purpose, why God created me and put me on this earth. Typically, on a daily basis. It is a daunting concept. Most days I think I would rather just sing songs of praise and move on. But God created everything for a purpose. Even the cold winter weather. Living into that purpose praises God.

Prayer
Creator God, help me to recognize my purpose. May I not shy away from that calling but live fully into that purpose in order to praise you. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Manager for Worship and Youth Ministry

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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