PRAISE THE LORD!

Last year I was taking a group church study class. Toward the end of our 16 weeks together, we were asked to find a psalm that spoke to us and paraphrase it. It was mid-May, and I was feeling particularly joyful that week, so I chose Psalm 148. Our reading for today, Psalm 145 is similar. Both are wonderful praise psalms. So I offer you my version. Maybe it will encourage you to try creating your own personal praise psalm.

Praise the Lord!

Lift high the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer.
The birds sing with me in thanksgiving, as do the trees when
    breezes rustle their leaves.
The sun’s warming rays bring forth the flowers’
    beauty, so many vibrant colors and delicate petals.
A true feast for the honeybee, whose labor sweetens
    my tea.
Praise the Lord!
He has blessed me with the love of family;
    strong sons of good nature, a husband with
    compassion and tolerance of my faults.
Stand with me.
Together let us thank our God for the bounty
    He has given us.
Praise the Lord!
In the name of Jesus, the Healer, my friends
    prayed for me, and you heard O God.
You raised me up from the pit of despair.
You gave me hope and spared my life.
Join me my friends.
Let us thank God for His steadfast love and faithfulness.
Praise the Lord!

— Barbara Carter

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist