Wednesday, May 14, 2025  

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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)

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Reflection

NASA scientists have translated the glittering lights of the heavens into celestial sounds. Marine biologists have broadcast mesmerizing soundscapes of coral reefs from the deeps. Lately, I’ve been captivated by the ethereal song of the Kaua'i 'ō'ō and the charming KEE-KEE-KEE-drrr of the little black rail.

“The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1 NRSV). How amazing to consider that some of the light that left its source in Jesus’ day is still reaching us today. Yet increasing anthropogenic skyglow mutes the starry glory of God.

Scientists find unhealthy reefs go quiet. Recent news reports unprecedented bleaching.

I listened to a recording of the Kaua'i 'ō'ō. The last Kaua'i 'ō'ō went silent just around forty years ago.

I listened to the recording of a black rail, but I was curious about the Wake Island rail. The Wake Island rail was eaten to extinction by starving troops marooned on the tiny Pacific island during World War II. No recordings exist.

Psalm 148 exhorts all creation to praise God. I wonder how the soundscape of praise has evolved over time. Scientists continually remind me that the earth is far richer than my natural senses perceive or my feeble mind comprehends. We may be oblivious to much of the ecology of praise that God sees, hears, and delights in. John testified, “Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that is in them, singing, ‘To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’” (Revelation 5:13).

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Prayer
Dear God, the earth is indeed full of your steadfast love. Please teach us your statutes. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Written by Jeanette Chung, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church 

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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