"Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands,
let the mountains sing together for joy,
let them sing before the Lord..."
(PSALM 98:7-9A)

Psalm 148
The man who became known as St. Francis of Assisi was the son of a wealthy merchant. Francis chose to honor Jesus with his life by following His path of selfless poverty and itinerant preaching and service to the poor and downtrodden.


He deeply loved music and God’s creation, seeing the Creator mirrored in all forms of life. He’s often depicted talking kindly to animals, and is said to have preached to the birds to praise God for His provision for them (Matthew 6:24-34). The joyous hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” captures that conviction. Francis wrote the lyrics while sick and going blind, on his way home to die (Psalm 146:2). Stopping to visit friends at a monastery, he felt inspired to call all creation to sing their praises to the One who created everything (John 1:1-4).


Praise is instinctive for the works of God’s hand, each with its own distinctive song to sing (Psalm 148:5). God loves to hear our sincere praises, which calibrate our hearts to honor Him and exalt our Savior.



Scripture Focus

Psalm 148

Insight

"ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING/LIFT UP YOUR VOICE AND WITH US SING/ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA!"
(FRANCIS OF ASSISI, CIRCA 1225)

Bible In A Year

  • Judges 9
  • Psalm 113
  • 1 Corinthians 3-4