Silence for 2-5 minutes:
If your mind wanders, silently pray a simple prayer again and again, such as, "I surrender to your love" or "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me" until the Holy Spirit gives you a sense of peace and focus.
Scripture:
Psalm 33:1-9
1 Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. 2 Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. 3 Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
4 For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. 5 The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
Reading:
Psalm 33 proclaims that we were created to praise the Lord. It is "fitting" for those who love God to praise Him joyfully. (verse 1) The Hebrew word for "fitting" can also mean beautiful. So, we see that praise is something that fits us well and also causes us to experience the beauty of the Lord. Psalm 149 states that when we praise the Lord together, the Lord delights in us and makes us beautiful. There is such beauty in our Lord that the congregation can't help but break out singing, playing instruments with skill, and shouting for joy. (verses 1-3) The congregation sees this beautiful Lord, revels in his beauty, and is beautified herself!
The Psalmist gives us many reasons to praise the Lord. God's word is right and true. (verse 4) God himself is faithful, righteous, and just. Everywhere the writer looks, he sees our Lord's, unfailing love! (verses 4-5) No wonder he urges us to praise the Lord.
Finally, the congregation is called to praise the Lord because the Lord is the Creator of all things. The Psalmist lets us know that even though creation is breathtaking, our Lord overshadows it all. The Creator made the stars with but the breath of His mouth and the vast oceans are put in His “Mason jars.” (verses 6-7) Creation is but a magnificent token of God’s glory!
So, let us join together and praise the Lord. Praise is beautiful and it fits us so well!
Actions:
Make a list of ten attributes of God and joyfully praise Him. You will see that you were made to do this!
Prayer:
O Lord, I praise you. I praise you for your word, which is true and right. I praise you for you have always been faithful to me. You are righteous and just and the whole earth is full of your unfailing love. Though creation is extraordinary, you are more wondrous still. O help me see how praise is so fitting and beautiful! Amen.