A Hymn to Creation Befitting New Year’s Day

Text: Psalm 8

Reflection and Question: When I was in high school, the headmistress expected us memorize a Bible passage every week. This hymn to God as Creator was one I was asked to memorize back then. I am glad some of its verses are called to mind on this first day of a New Year, when everything before us is wonderful potential and we focus upon all the good humankind can do this next year. At this new start it is good to begin with praise: “O God, our Sovereign, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!” When you look at the heavens, the work of God’s fingers, what prayer comes to your mind?

Prayer: Holy God, Creator of all that is and is to be, we praise You for making us in Your image and crowning us with glory and honor. Give us all we need to glorify You as we again take dominion over the works of Your hand this new year. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).