The Lord Builds Up Jerusalem

1 O praise the LORD! How good it is to sing his songs of praise! For it is pleasant, meet, and right a song of thanks to raise. 2 The LORD builds up Jerusalem; and he it is alone who reaches out to Israel to bring the exiles home. 3 He heals the brokenhearted ones and binds their wounds and pain. 4 He counts the stars by number, and he calls them each by name. 5 Our Lord is great and full of pow’r; his wisdom is profound. 6 The LORD lifts up the meek in heart, the wicked he casts down. 7 O praise the LORD with thankfulness, in song your joy proclaim; make music on the harp and lyre, give glory to God’s name. 8 He clothes the vast expanse of heav’n: the sky with clouds he fills; he makes the rain refresh the earth and grass grow on the hills. 9 He sees the beasts that roam the fields and gives to them their food; the little ravens cry to him, he fills their need with good. 10 In strength of horse or human speed, the LORD takes no delight; 11 But those who fear and trust his love are pleasing in his sight. 12 O praise the LORD, Jerusalem; your God, O Zion, praise. 13 He blesses your children within, and strengthens all your gates. 14 Within your borders he grants peace, fills you with finest wheat; 15 He speaks and then his word goes forth through all the world with speed. 16-17 He sends the frost and hurls down hail, he covers the earth with snow. 18 But then he sends his mighty word and makes the warm winds blow. 19 To Jacob God has made known his statutes and his word; 20 no other land is thus favored. O come and praise the LORD!   – Trinity Psalter Hymnal, alt.