1. PSALM 148 (Jeff’s Version for Today) Hallelujah! Praise the LORD from the heavens, and in the high places; all you great cloud of witnesses, praise the LORD. Sun and moon, and star strewn cosmos; edges of the universe, and echoes of creation, praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, who commanded and they were created; who set them in place for ever and ever; who gave them order which will never fade away. …/2

2. Praise the LORD, from the earth, all sea-creatures and ocean depths; fire and hail, snow and smoke; stormy wind, working the word of the LORD; mountains, and hills; fruit trees and cedars, all of you; wild animals, cattle, reptiles and birds on the wing; kings of the earth, and all peoples, leaders, and all judges of the earth; young men — and young women too; old, and young... …/3

3. In the face of those who trouble me you provide for me, and pour out your blessings. Hear the cry of those trampled by racial or religious intolerance, disoriented by homelessness, defeated by unemployment; God of justice and compassion you are with me always and have promised to sustain me all my life. Enlarge our vision of life, and make us bold in our hope, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, let our cry come to you;... and with the saints in every age we pray, Our Father in heaven...

4. OFFERING Risen Lord Jesus, what can we bring, but what we have already received from you; love, life and the substance of our world and work? Grant us, by your companion Spirit, the love to use our lives and our gifts to the glory of your name. Amen For use in worship, with acknowledgement. © Jeff Shrowder 2013