In Psalm 148, all the heavens and all the earth, and every living creature and every elemental force alike are called to join the cosmic choir singing God's praise. The sun, moon, and stars are called to join the angels in filling the heavens with God's praise. The birds, and beasts, and sea creatures are called to fill the earth with God's praise. Even the elemental forces (fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy winds, mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars) are called to praise the Lord. And of course, all people are called to join the choir. Kings and commoners, men and women, young and old: all people are called to join in singing God's praise.
Lord, as wildfires rage in the west and as the south is deluged with floods, we are poignantly aware of the elemental forces at work in our world. Just when we're tempted to think these forces have run amok, and we live at the whim of the wild weather of our world, we read in Psalm 148:8, that fire and hail, snow and mist, and stormy winds all obey your commands. It gives us peace to know that the fate of the world is not random, but is determined by your perfect will. It gives us peace to know that even the unpredictable and (at times) ferocious weather is subject to your authority.
In time, we know you will renew this world, stilling every storm forever. Lord, we pray that in your mercy, you would even now still the southern storms and quench the western wildfires. Yet we pray also that you will accomplish your purposes through these storms. Shake our misplaced confidence in things besides you. Grant that those who are seeking security might find it in you. Flood this land with your grace, as the south is flooded with water. Set our hearts ablaze, even as the western woods burn.
We also know, O Lord, that in time all of creation will finally exist in harmony with your will. Not only will the storms be stilled, but all of creation will give you the glory, honor, and praise due your holy name. The sky will be filled with birds trilling, the deep will resound with the songs of whales, angel voices will fill the heavens, and the earth will resound with the praises of all mankind. Grant your kingdom to come, and your will to be done, here on earth, just as it is in heaven. We pray in Jesus' name, amen.
