Proper 24/Pentecost 22/Ordinary Time 29
Preaching
Hear My Voice
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
Psalm 104 begins and ends with a unique call to praise. Instead of calling on others to praise the Lord, the psalmist instructs himself: "Bless the Lord, O my soul." This psalm and Psalm 103 are the only places in the Bible where this particular expression occurs. What are we to make of this unusual phrase?
The occasion of this call to praise is a celebration of God's great creative power. In fact, Psalm 104 follows both the content and the sequence of the creation account found in Genesis 1:1--2:4. In this regard we might characterize the psalm as a meditation on the meaning of creation.
This reflection leads to an awareness of the greatness of God. This greatness is made manifest in the marvelous act of creation (v. 24). Standing in awe of the glories of God's handiwork, the psalmist cannot find any better way to express this feeling but in exuberant praise.
The psalm provides a fitting backdrop to discuss praise as an element of worship. When we are stirred spontaneously to deep feelings of awe or gratitude or wonder, it is appropriate for those deep experiences to emerge in words and gestures of praise.
It is worth noting, however, that while it is possible for all these feelings of joy to arise spontaneously, they cannot arise in a theological vacuum. The psalmist is able to see the majesty of God in creation because he is looking for it, and -- by orientation and tradition -- has some idea what to look for. This is the significance of addressing the self. Worship and praise are the results of intentional acts of disciplined and informed worship.
In other words, the psalmist's praise is not a case of manufactured wonder. The emotions have not emerged by chance. Because the psalmist has carefully meditated on the meaning and scope of creation, he has been drawn step-by-step into an awareness of the profound intricacies of God's creative power. And since this awareness comes from deep reflection and not shallow emotion, the praise takes on a singularly meaningful dimension.
By instructing the self to "bless the Lord," the psalmist is demonstrating a disciplined and careful attention to all things sacred. This intentional discipline results in the humble awareness that the glory of God is not ours to exploit, but rather to enjoy. It is a choice we make for ourselves: whether we will experience this glory, or only hear about it from others. The psalmist wants it for himself, and is determined to find it. "Bless the Lord, O my soul" expresses this conviction of his heart.
-- J. E.
The occasion of this call to praise is a celebration of God's great creative power. In fact, Psalm 104 follows both the content and the sequence of the creation account found in Genesis 1:1--2:4. In this regard we might characterize the psalm as a meditation on the meaning of creation.
This reflection leads to an awareness of the greatness of God. This greatness is made manifest in the marvelous act of creation (v. 24). Standing in awe of the glories of God's handiwork, the psalmist cannot find any better way to express this feeling but in exuberant praise.
The psalm provides a fitting backdrop to discuss praise as an element of worship. When we are stirred spontaneously to deep feelings of awe or gratitude or wonder, it is appropriate for those deep experiences to emerge in words and gestures of praise.
It is worth noting, however, that while it is possible for all these feelings of joy to arise spontaneously, they cannot arise in a theological vacuum. The psalmist is able to see the majesty of God in creation because he is looking for it, and -- by orientation and tradition -- has some idea what to look for. This is the significance of addressing the self. Worship and praise are the results of intentional acts of disciplined and informed worship.
In other words, the psalmist's praise is not a case of manufactured wonder. The emotions have not emerged by chance. Because the psalmist has carefully meditated on the meaning and scope of creation, he has been drawn step-by-step into an awareness of the profound intricacies of God's creative power. And since this awareness comes from deep reflection and not shallow emotion, the praise takes on a singularly meaningful dimension.
By instructing the self to "bless the Lord," the psalmist is demonstrating a disciplined and careful attention to all things sacred. This intentional discipline results in the humble awareness that the glory of God is not ours to exploit, but rather to enjoy. It is a choice we make for ourselves: whether we will experience this glory, or only hear about it from others. The psalmist wants it for himself, and is determined to find it. "Bless the Lord, O my soul" expresses this conviction of his heart.
-- J. E.
