Sonnet for Psalm 145

Blessings spill out, your prodigal mercy,
Creation's manna, food for the morrow.
Seeds and stars scattered, a gracious bounty
For all living things, each to you hallowed.
You open your hand to all, great and small,
And your grateful creation returns praise.
Hoots, chirps, and howls, silent trees standing tall,
Thunder that roars before sun's quiet rays.
I lift up my voice to sing this new day;
But what can I add to this wondrous song?
"There is a part that only you can play
In this grand chorus, to which you belong."
With all your cosmos singing together,
We praise you, O God, now and forever.

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All God’s works give thanks, begins Psalm 145, for God satisfies the desire of every living thing. But the way that God’s works do this, primarily, is simply by being themselves. A dog gives thanks to God by being a dog; a tree does the same by being a tree. It is only we humans who think we need to be something other than ourselves in order to adequately give thanks to God. And this can stop us from thinking that there is anything we can add to the glorious song nature is singing. But we each have a part to play, which only we can play, so let’s join in this song by being ourselves. Here is a passage from Psalm 145, on which this sonnet is based, followed by two other scripture passages I had in mind when I wrote the sonnet, along with this sonnet again, followed by a closing prayer:

Psalm 145:10-21

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord,
   and all your faithful shall bless you.
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom,
   and tell of your power,
to make known to all people your mighty deeds,
   and the glorious splendour of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
   and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
The Lord is faithful in all his words,
   and gracious in all his deeds.
The Lord upholds all who are falling,
   and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
   and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
   satisfying the desire of every living thing.
The Lord is just in all his ways,
   and kind in all his doings.
The Lord is near to all who call on him,
   to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfils the desire of all who fear him;
   he also hears their cry, and saves them.
The Lord watches over all who love him,
   but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord,
   and all flesh will bless his holy name for ever and ever.

Scripture Readings

The Lord answered Job out of a whirlwind: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?” – Job 38:4-7

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created. – Revelation 4:11

Sonnet for Psalm 145

Blessings spill out, your prodigal mercy,
Creation's manna, food for the morrow.
Seeds and stars scattered, a gracious bounty
For all living things, each to you hallowed.
You open your hand to all, great and small,
And your grateful creation returns praise.
Hoots, chirps, and howls, silent trees standing tall,
Thunder that roars before sun's quiet rays.
I lift up my voice to sing this new day;
But what can I add to this wondrous song?
"There is a part that only you can play
In this grand chorus, to which you belong."
With all your cosmos singing together,
We praise you, O God, now and forever.

Closing Prayer

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, including me. Help me to live my life in a way that brings you this glory, forgive me when I don’t, and remind me that I do this best by being myself, as you created me to be. In your son’s holy name I pray. Amen