Read:  Psalm 148

Reflect:  One of the hymns I learned as a young child was “This Is My Father’s World”.  The hymn’s text was originally written as a poem by the Rev. Maltbie Babcock and published in 1901 shortly after his death.  It was later put to music by Maltbie’s friend Franklin L. Sheppard.  Someone once said that when you sing, you pray twice.  So it is with this hymn.   The words invite us to notice, as the psalmist did long ago, the diversity and beauty of God’s creation.  They remind us that human beings are not the only creatures capable of praising the Creator.  They offer us assurance that even in difficult times God is still in charge – and the source of our joy and hope.

This Is My Father’s World

This is my Father’s world, and to my list’ning ears

 all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world; I rest me in the thought

of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; his hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world; the birds their carols raise;

            the morning light, the lily white, declare their maker’s praise.

This is my Father’s world; he shines in all that’s fair. 

            In the rustling grass I hear him pass; he speaks to me ev’rywhere.

This is my Father’s world; oh, let me not forget

            that, though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

This is my Father’s world; why should my heart be sad? 

            The Lord is king, let the heaven ring; God reigns, let earth be glad!

(Text:  Maltbie D. Babcock, tune:  Franklin L. Sheppard, public domain.)

Prayer:  Loving God, to you be given all honor, glory, and praise!  Join the songs of our hearts to the songs of all your creatures this day and always.  Amen.