The psalm calls us to praise not as an individual act, but as a communal life: “Praise the Lord, O children.” The soul that loves God is not satisfied with praising Him alone, but longs that everyone may join with it in glorifying Him. It is a call for the spirit of worship to spread everywhere.
Second: The Spirit of Childhood and Simplicity
The word “children” does not only mean young in age, but those who have simple and humble hearts. The Lord desires a pure heart like that of a child, as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew: “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” True praise flows from a simple heart that loves God more than it analyzes with the mind.
Third: Praise Above the Level of Requests
The psalm lifts us from the level of requests to the level of glorification. Not every prayer is asking for needs; there is also prayer of love, thanksgiving, and meditation on God’s beautiful attributes. Praise is singing of God’s beauty, and it is participation with the angels in their continual worship.
Fourth: Praising God Alone
A person may praise people out of greed or fear, and may praise himself in vain glory. But the psalm directs the heart toward God alone: “Praise the Lord.” Let our praise be directed to the Creator, not the creature; to truth, not flattery; to divine glory, not personal benefit.
Fifth: The Holiness of the Lord’s Name
“Blessed be the name of the Lord from now and forever.” God’s name is holy, mentioned with reverence and faith, not with carelessness or habit. In the Lord’s Prayer we say, “Hallowed be Your name,” because God’s name carries power and blessing, and by it evil spirits submit and wonders are performed.
Sixth: The Lord’s Name as Joy of the Heart
God’s name is not merely a word, but a source of joy and reassurance. The psalmist says, “Beloved is Your name, O Lord; it is my meditation all the day.” The soul that loves God repeats His name with joy, as one repeats the name of a beloved. The Lord’s name becomes like fragrant perfume that fills the heart with peace.
Seventh: The Responsibility of Revealing God’s Name
Christ said to the Father in the Gospel of John, “I have manifested Your name to the men.” Do we manifest God’s name in our lives? Do our good works glorify Him? Praise is not only by words, but by conduct that reflects God’s holiness and love.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
Meditations on the Psalm “Praise the Lord, O Children” – Part 1
First: A General Call to Praise
The psalm calls us to praise not as an individual act, but as a communal life: “Praise the Lord, O children.” The soul that loves God is not satisfied with praising Him alone, but longs that everyone may join with it in glorifying Him. It is a call for the spirit of worship to spread everywhere.
Second: The Spirit of Childhood and Simplicity
The word “children” does not only mean young in age, but those who have simple and humble hearts. The Lord desires a pure heart like that of a child, as mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew: “Unless you turn and become like little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” True praise flows from a simple heart that loves God more than it analyzes with the mind.
Third: Praise Above the Level of Requests
The psalm lifts us from the level of requests to the level of glorification. Not every prayer is asking for needs; there is also prayer of love, thanksgiving, and meditation on God’s beautiful attributes. Praise is singing of God’s beauty, and it is participation with the angels in their continual worship.
Fourth: Praising God Alone
A person may praise people out of greed or fear, and may praise himself in vain glory. But the psalm directs the heart toward God alone: “Praise the Lord.” Let our praise be directed to the Creator, not the creature; to truth, not flattery; to divine glory, not personal benefit.
Fifth: The Holiness of the Lord’s Name
“Blessed be the name of the Lord from now and forever.” God’s name is holy, mentioned with reverence and faith, not with carelessness or habit. In the Lord’s Prayer we say, “Hallowed be Your name,” because God’s name carries power and blessing, and by it evil spirits submit and wonders are performed.
Sixth: The Lord’s Name as Joy of the Heart
God’s name is not merely a word, but a source of joy and reassurance. The psalmist says, “Beloved is Your name, O Lord; it is my meditation all the day.” The soul that loves God repeats His name with joy, as one repeats the name of a beloved. The Lord’s name becomes like fragrant perfume that fills the heart with peace.
Seventh: The Responsibility of Revealing God’s Name
Christ said to the Father in the Gospel of John, “I have manifested Your name to the men.” Do we manifest God’s name in our lives? Do our good works glorify Him? Praise is not only by words, but by conduct that reflects God’s holiness and love.
For better translation support, please contact the center.