From Humility To Praise

The leaders of the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—called out to the people: “Stand up and praise the LORD your God, for he lives from everlasting to everlasting!” Then they prayed:

“May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise!

“You alone are the LORD. You made the skies and the heavens and all the stars. You made the earth and the seas and everything in them. You preserve them all, and the angels of heaven worship you.”

Nehemiah 9:5-6

After rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, the Israelites gathered for a time of dedication and worship. They expressed sorrow for their sins by fasting, dressing in sackcloth, and sprinkling dust on their heads. They confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. Then, they listened for three hours while the Book of the Law was read, followed by another three hours of confession. Only after all this did the leaders command the people to stand up and praise their Creator.

Approach the Lord the way the Israelites did. Confess your sins. Humble yourself before the Lord. Then, let your confession lead into exuberant praise for the one who has forgiven your sins.

• Everlasting Lord, I humble myself before you and give you praise . . .