Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise ye him in the high places. Praise ye him, all his angels, praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, O sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars and light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens: and let all the waters that are above the heavens. Praise the name of the Lord. For he spoke and they were made: he commanded, and they were created. He hath established them forever, and for ages of ages: he hath made a decree, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all ye deeps: Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds, which fulfill his word: Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars: Beasts and all cattle: serpents and feathered fowls: Kings of the earth and all people: princes and all judges of the earth: Young men and maidens: let the old with the younger, praise the name of the Lord: For his name alone is exalted. The praise of him is above heaven and earth: and he hath exalted the horn of his people. A hymn to all his saints to the children of Israel, a people approaching to him. Alleluia. Ps. 148:1-14
Praying with Psalm 148
Psalm 148 gathers the whole created order into praise: the heavens, the earth, weather, mountains, trees, animals, rulers, and people of every age. Its movement is expansive. Personal prayer joins a praise already offered by all creation.
This psalm is especially fitting outdoors, at the beginning of a day, or when gratitude feels difficult. Read it slowly and notice the part of creation that most readily awakens wonder. Then give thanks for one concrete gift rather than waiting for a stronger feeling.
Make Praise a Daily Practice
Praise directs attention first to who God is, not only to what we need. Begin a prayer time by naming God’s goodness, faithfulness, beauty, or mercy. That simple habit can place petitions and difficulties within a larger relationship of trust.
Learn more about the Knights’ commitment to prayer on our prayer pillar page.