In anticipation of this lesson, the Mormon Women Project published a series of psalms written by modern-day Mormon Women written in praise of and gratitude for our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Gospel Doctrine Old Testament Lessons #25; Psalms
Recently I was involved in an art project that required me to do some research about the natural world. Now, this is not my forte. While I can spend oodles of dreamy time with line and color and form, researching biology…well, I passed that class, we’ll just say. Waffles with my study partner helped a lot.
But, this time, I actually got enthralled. The intricacy’s and efficiencies and power of divine creations – from goblet cells to volcanoes to galaxies to pomegranates. Truly, it was stunning. And so, I slid into designing the piece. I measured and schemed and rearranged things and played until I had one fabulous piece of textile art designed.
And then I looked down and realized… um, no Savior. Whoops.
WHOOPS.
Here I had made this whole study on the wonders of our Heavenly Parent’s gift to us and left out the most important gift. And that made me wonder- when was the last time I gloried in my Savior? Not just bowed my head and contemplated during the sacrament — but PRAISED his existence. The fact that each day we can try again, and again. That we can be forgiven, even when we struggle to forgive ourselves. That we need never suffer alone. That we are known and loved perfectly.
I fixed the art.
The D&C 128: 23 offers a powerful verse:
“Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons [AND DAUGHTERS] of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!”
How can we praise today?
Today, I said thank you to Christ for having patience with all the times I fail as a mother. For the reality of the atonement that lets me try again. Today, I thanked Christ for having a sense of humor… especially for my not-of-our-faith husband’s cheekiness. Today, I praised Christ for the color of golden green out my window that makes me just get peaceful inside. Today, I praise Christ for enough resources to get to USA to see my family. Today, I praise Christ for technology that I can communicate. Today, I praise Christ for hands to hold. Today, I praise Christ for a comfortable bed and a toddler who took a nap. Today, I praise for the resurrection and concept of renewal to help find ways to love my teenager. Today, I praise for new friends. Today, I praise.
And then I found this song— and wanted to share:
Praise the Lord in song, praise the Lord with singing
Lift up your voices and shout for joy!
Sing praises to Him, with your heart rejoice.
Let the earth break forth, earth break forth in song.
To thee, Lord of all, we give hymns of praising with adoration for thee above
With music and words, and with gratitude may our songs be heard and received with love
He is my joy and my song
He lives, all glory—oh, let all within me adore him! Alleluia!
My hosannas reach on high, from my heart this truth I cry:
He lives, all glory! I revere His holy name.
Praise the Lord in song, praise the Lord with singing
Lift up your voices and shout for joy!
Sing praise to Him, with your heart rejoice.
Let the angels and all men on earth break forth with their song
Text: Jenna Mosley
Music: Jenna Mosley
What are the things you can offer praise for RIGHT NOW?