Psalm 113 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 113 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord.
Verse 2Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time on and forevermore.
Verse 3From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised.
Verse 4The Lord is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.
Verse 5Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high,
Verse 6who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?
Verse 7He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
Verse 8to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.
Verse 9He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!
Devotion
Our men’s group puts together a fantasy football league and it is something many of our men (including me) look forward to each year. We gather for breakfast and then the “Commish” begins the draft. Then, from time to time throughout the year, we get together to watch a game, cheer on our team and heckle our friends.
Whether it is in relation to football or some other sport, I often wonder what would happen if men, women, or youth would be as enthusiastic about worship, what God has done or the amazing grace of Jesus Christ? If we yelled, cheered, bragged about, slapped each other on the backs, etc. in terms of our “Praise,” what would our world look like? What would Sunday morning look like? What would Monday look like?
The Psalmist is our model; his praise is universal, world-wide, and “forevermore.” As Lutheran Christians, we gather on Sunday morning to celebrate Easter and our enthusiasm, even in the midst of struggles, is to be visible. Face paint for the choir would be optional!
Prayer
Loving God, You enthuse us with Your Spirit so that every breath is a thank You. Help us to worship you aright. In Your Son’s name we pray. Amen.