Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. - Psalm 100:2 (NIV)

While standing at the bus stop recently, I heard the melodious singing of an Australian magpie. Looking around, I spotted the bird perched on the roof of a nearby house. With his beak raised skyward and head thrown back, he was filling the air with song in wonderful, happy abandonment, praising his Maker with his whole being.

It came to me that he was a role model for how we should praise God, and I wished I were as uninhibited in my praise as the magpie! For me, playing and singing hymns is one of the ways I feel moved to praise God. The music is powerfully uplifting, and the words of the hymns remind me how faithful and loving God is and the grace God has given us through Jesus Christ. Praising God with music lifts my spirit and causes me to remember God’s blessings. Then I am left with a thankful heart, which can brighten even the grayest of days.

Today's Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the gifts of music and song. We praise you for your goodness, love, and care for us. May our hearts never cease to praise you. Through Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Amen!

Amen. God Bless.