Earth ever fertile day by day
Bring forth Your blessings on our way
O praise Him alleluia
All fruit and crops that richly grow
All trees and flowers God’s glory show
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Growing Things

What incredible variety! There seems to be no end to the different kinds of vegetation that cover the earth, and most of them are pleasing to the eye. Yet not all are pleasing to the tongue, or even edible for that matter.

Still, there is an amazing assortment of fruit and crops that are not only edible, but absolutely delicious. Think about it. God made each of them to bring Him glory in their own unique way and when we consume them they should prompt us to do the same.

All fruit and crops that richly grow

The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:12 ESV

They grow as a direct response to what God said they should do, what He spoke into existence, and it is good. And what about the crops? Which one prompts your praise above all others? Multi-colored corn on the cob for me. Simply delicious. Hallelujah!

Take a moment and consider the fruits of crops. Think of their colors, and their textures. Think of their flavors and their smells. They offer, each one of them, their unique praise to God, and give us a reason to do the same when we consume them. Make certain you do!

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to determine your favorite fruit or crop. Acknowledge it was made to bring God glory. Make this your simple prayer “Father, help me respond in worship.” 

Calling All…to Worship

It is both a call to worship to the plants and a reminder that they are all called to give glory to the One who made them.What does that better than a flower? How they are adorned surpasses even the wisest of Kings.

All trees and flowers God’s glory show

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Luke 12:27ESV

Oh, the lilies, and frankly all the flowers for that matter. What variety and beauty! They are glorious to behold, and yet their glory points to the One whose glory they represent. When was he last time you took a moment to marvel at their beauty? Consider them now.

The trees and flowers show God’s glory. They are a delight for the eyes to behold. A field of daffodils in spring or a mountainside in colored leaves in the fall evoke a sound of praise for the sight seen. They are faithful to do their job. Can the same be said of you?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the lilies. Doing so should prompt your praise. Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, help me to be faithful to offer praise.“

Jesus, thank You for calling fire to praise you. Thank you for the way it aids and inspires my worship. Let me burn for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Deliberate Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
All fruit and crops that richly grow – https://pixabay.com/photos/grapes-berry-blue-fruit-stands-694181/
All trees and flowers God’s glory show – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunflowers-field-plants-flowers-4400520/

And all ye men of tender heart
Forgiving others take your part
O praise Him alleluia
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear
Praise God and on Him cast your care
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Bearing Pain and Sorrow

Is there something that you have been carrying for a long time? Maybe you long time is a few months. Maybe it is decades. What good has come of you continuing to bear the weight of that pain and sorrow?

Sometimes we are not even aware we are doing it. Bearing some injury or sadness, either of our own doing or of someone elses. It does not matter who was the perpetrator. It only matters now that you have either chosen to carry it, or not chosen to lay it down, whatever the case may be.

What is that thing you have lugged around for far too long?

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 ESV

It can be difficult to forgive, especially when those receiving your forgiveness have been the cause of your pain and sorrow. Sometimes even more difficult is forgiving yourself, especially when you realize you are the source of much of the trouble and discomfort in your life.

Have you born pain and sorrow of any kind for a long time? It may be emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical. Have you deliberately chosen to cast that burden on the Lord? Maybe He has had you carry it for a reason. Maybe it is time to ask Him to bear it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to consider the pain or sorrow you have long borne. Can you name any good that has come from holding on to it? Make this your simple prayer “Father, I cast my pain and sorrow on You.” 

Casting Cares on God

There is a decision to be made. Will you continue to carry that burden, or will you give it to God? Seems like a simple and obvious transaction, but we certainly make it complex and obscure.

Having taken a few moments to identify the burden, maybe you are ready to praise God and give it to Him. Maybe you have become too familiar with the place it has worn in your soul. Possibly you are not certain you can lay it at His feet.

Praise God and on Him cast your care

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7ESV

The realization that you have brought much of your anxiety upon yourself is a difficult one. There is hardly a better remedy for that than accepting the care of our God, who loves us in spite of those things. Praise Him, and cast all your cares and anxieties upon Him. Accept His care.

You may find that when you give those things to Him, He cares for you like you never understood before. Maybe He will remove the weight of them. Maybe He will show His care by sustaining you through them. Either way, you will know His care for you like never before.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and determine to deal with your cares by repositioning your life through praise. Praise allows You to see God clearly and only then can you see your trouble plainly. What care! Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, I praise You for caring for me.“

Jesus, thank You for calling fire to praise you. Thank you for the way it aids and inspires my worship. Let me burn for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Deliberate Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear –https://pixabay.com/photos/stress-anxiety-depression-unhappy-2902537/
Praise God and on Him cast your care –https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-praying-believing-god-person-571715/

Thou flowing water pure and clear
Make music for thy Lord to hear
O praise Him alleluia
Thou fire so masterful and bright
Thou givest man both warmth and light
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Fiery Flames

Next up, fire. There are many references to fire in Scripture. It is a purifying agent, and a destroyer. It is not easily mastered, especially if fuel is readily available. In this passage we look at its role in offering a sacrifice to God, but one expression of it as a tool for His purposes.

Thou fire so masterful and bright

The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Leviticus 6:12 ESV

The ability of fire to consume an offering is impressive. The offering is worship and the way fire does its work is worship. Worship ups worship. This is part of what fire was made to do. When something does what it was made to do it brings glory to its creator. Fire and our Lord are one beautiful expression of that.

There is a very obvious power to fire. That power has a terrifying aspect to it because of its ability to burn and consume. If you have ever stood close to a raging fire, you are well acquainted with that power. Nothing in creation compares to this incredible vehicle of praise.

Spirit, show me the unique, worshipful nature of the flame.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to consider the power of fire. It consumes many things and purifies others. That is the purpose for which it was made. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, show me the unique, worshipful nature of the flame.” 

Warm Worship

What tempts you to keep your distance from the flame? Are you concerned what it what consume that you are not ready to part with? Are you afraid of what may illuminated if you come near to the light?

Don’t be. Come near to the fire.

Thou givest man both warmth and light

And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Mark 14:54ESV

On a cold night it also provides warmth and light, as we see in this passage from the evening Jesus was betrayed. Many a weary sojourner have felt the comfort of a fire as it performed its service, crackling and blazing as the chill and terror of the night was pushed back. Alleluia!

There is also this incredibly welcoming aspect of fire. If you have ever been cold and wet and drew and near to an open fire, you are well acquainted with its influence. Peter knew it that evening in the courtyard but was unable to push back his fear and worship with it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider your source of fear. Will you allow the warmth and brightness of the flame to push it back. Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, help me take a cue from the fire when I am cold.“

Jesus, thank You for calling fire to praise you. Thank you for the way it aids and inspires my worship. Let me burn for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Warm Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Thou fire so masterful and bright – https://pixabay.com/photos/fire-bowl-fire-flames-burn-hot-1397864/
Thou givest man both warmth and light – https://pixabay.com/photos/campfire-fire-burn-adventure-wood-1585353/

Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along
O praise Him alleluia
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice
Ye lights of evening find a voice
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Soaring Sunrise

The sunrise breaks the darkness, ending the long night. The starry skies welcome it back. They both have a unique way to point to the praiseworthiness of God, yet often we miss them both. Do you have ears to hear the praise of the rising morn? If not, how about spending a few moments today listening to see if the rising morn has figured out a way to give Him praise?

Thou rising morn in praise rejoice

The Mighty One, God the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting. Psalm 50:1 ESV

Sunrise or sunset, it is hard to say with confidence, which is more inspiring: however, when those first rays of light burst forth across the dark, predawn sky an argument could certainly be made. They lift their voice as they fulfill the purpose for which they we made, dispelling darkness.         

When was the last time you witnessed a sunrise? It is a supernatural experience if you have eyes to really see it. The way the darkness is split by those first beams of light is awe-inspiring. The hope and promise of a new day and all it may bring is cause for praise.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to listen to the praise of the morning sun. Can you hear it? Has the burning morn pushed back the darkness. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, dispel my darkness with Your light.      ” 

Starry Skies

Twinkle, twinkle little star, Light the darkness from afar.
Voice His praise like nothing can.
Sun or moon, or even man.
Twinkle, twinkle little star, Light the darkness from afar.

We do not have to wonder what the stars are. They were made by God, to declare the glory of God. They help illumine the darkness and make His praise glorious.

Here we are telling them to do what they were made to do. That which we could never do like they do. Seems a little humorous. but yet is exactly what God has told us  to tell them.

Ye lights of evening find a voice

Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Psalm 148:3 ESV

The shining stars do more than just illuminate. They are commanded to annuciate, to find a voice and the language to give their Maker the praise that is due His matchless name. Have you found your voice? How do you offer your alleluia to the One the stars acclaim?

When was the last time you watched the sunset slowly give way to the twinkle of the starry sky? Have you ever been far enough away from ambient light so you could clearly see the unimpeded brilliance of a thousand stars? Try to get to such a place some time and worship.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and listen to the stars. Canyon hear their voice? It may take some time to identify it so be patient. Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, show me Your radiance in the stars.“

Jesus, thank You for giving the rising morn and the evening lights something to praise. Thank you for allowing me to hear it. Help me to improve this discipline. In Jesus name. Amen.

Attentive Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunrise-morning-light-tomorrow-2784380/
Ye lights of evening find a voice – https://pixabay.com/photos/northern-lights-aurora-borealis-1197755/

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia alleluia
Thou burning sun with golden beam
Thou silver moon with softer gleam

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we begin our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Golden Sun

God orders the flaming orb in the sky to praise Him! We merely echo that command, though with much less authority. We also must echo that praise, though with our own unique voice.

Thou burning sun with golden beam

Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Psalm 148:3-4 ESV

When you look at the sun it is marvelous to behold as it lights our day. You can see the brightness and feel the warmth. Still, as you begin to learn a little about it you find how incredible a creation it truly is. It brings Him praise through its burning, golden beam. How will you praise Him?

Our list of things that declare the glory of God begins with the largest body in our solar system. Nothing proclaims the glory of God in our world like the sun. Often seen as an object of worship because of its brilliance, if the sun could speak it would redirect us with a bright “Worship God!”

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to think about exhorting the sun to worship. It’s offering is unique, but so is yours. Make this your simple prayer “Lord, thank You for inviting me to worship.” 

Silver Moon

Here we see the first contrast of praise. From burning, golden beam to softer, silver gleam, both expressions are genuine, and yet very different. How true that is of every one of God’s creations!

Thou silver moon with softer gleam

Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. Psalm 148:5-6 ESV

The evening counterpart with its softer gleam does its part as its silver orb lights the night sky. It is different every night, through a constant cycle, yet consistent in reflecting the light of the sun which creates its unique offering. Ours changes each night as well, but should still sound.

We swing the pendulum to the evening sky and exhort the praise of the orb that rotates around us, the moon. Looking into the night sky illuminated by a full moon is cause for wonder, but be careful that wonder is turned to the One who made the moon, not the moon itself.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and think about different these two offerings are. Have you ever compared your offering of praise to that of someone else? Don’t do it. Marvel at God’s creativity expressed in our creative offerings, then work to find yours to praise the source of it, and not the offering itself. Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Spirit, help me praise the Maker of the moon.“

Jesus, thank You for showing me there are different kinds of offerings. Mine may not resemble others even remotely, but the does not invalidate it. The uniqueness may actually be part of the praise. In Jesus name. Amen.

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Thou burning sun with golden beam – https://pixabay.com/photos/sun-planets-space-star-fire-6665077/
Thou silver moon with softer gleam – https://pixabay.com/photos/moon-full-moon-night-landscape-6814933/