In verse 14 is an interesting metaphor of God raising up a horn for his people. It gives the sense of strength to save his people. Thus for Christians there is a real connection with the cross.
Often when I come into my office I am reminded about the way in which Creation gives praise to its creator and reminds us of God's providence . Despite being in the midst of suburban Auckland. the trees resonate with the calls and songs of birds. They gleefully bath in the bird bath outside my window. I am often distracted by sparrows tapping snails out of their shells on the fibrelight covers of the skylights in the foyer. We even have seasonal visits from ducks and I saw a Pukeko strutting across the asphalt to our agapanthus, all stiff legged, bobbing and weaving.
The images with words are designed as congregational responses. The roll call of creation is called and we invite them to join us in giving thanks.
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights above.
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever –
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
for at his command they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever –
he issued a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the Lord from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
old men and children.
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendour is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendour is above the earth and the heavens.
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his faithful servants,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the Lord.
Our response will be to sing the wonderful words of St Francis of Assisi, 'all creatures of our God and King'(re worked in this video by David Crowder band, we'll be singing it old school to the organ).
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