Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 8: Psalms 131–150

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Psalm 135 with Augustine – Reasons to Praise Sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant (v. 3). Worship should be very pleasant to us, and we should rejoice because it is pleasant, to which this psalm urges us. For it says, Praise the name of the LORD (v. 1). And it adds the reason; why it is right to praise the name of the Lord. Praise the Lord, you servants of the LORD . What would be more right? What would be more worthy? What would be more thankful? For you will do nothing out of place, by praising your Lord, as servants. Why you should praise Him? For the LORD is good (v. 3). Briefly in one word the praise of the Lord our God is explained: Good , not in the same manner as the things which he made are good. For God made all things very good. He made the sky and earth, and all things in them good. If he made all these things good, what is the one who made them like? Eventually he offers a loud cry of praise: Your name, LORD, endures forever (v. 13), after everything you have done. For what do I see that you have done? Your creation—which you have made in heaven; this lower part—where we live; and your gifts of clouds, and winds, and rain. Your people—you led them from the house of slavery, and performed signs and wonders on their enemies. You punished those who caused your people trouble. You drove the wicked from their land, killing their kings. You gave their land to your people. I have seen all these things, and I am filled with joy, I have said, Your name, LORD, endures forever (v. 13).