Sunday Morning Devotion: Week 30
Introduction
Welcome, and thank you for joining me for this week’s journey through one of the great hymns of the Christian faith. This week, we reflect on Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above by Charles Wesley, a hymn overflowing with exultation and reverence. Wesley calls all creation, from angels above to hearts below, to lift up praise to the God who reigns in holiness, love, and power. As you walk through these verses and the Scriptures they reflect, may your soul be awakened to the majesty of God and the beauty of offering him wholehearted praise.
Opening Prayer
Almighty and holy God, you reign above all, and yet you dwell with us in love. You are worthy of every song, every breath, every act of worship. As we meditate on the call to praise your name in all things, stir our hearts to joyful adoration. May our lips and lives give you the glory you deserve. May the music of our hearts echo the harmonies of Heaven. Teach us to celebrate your power, goodness, and grace every day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above
By Charles Wesley
Praise the LORD who reigns above
and keeps His courts below;
praise the holy God of love,
and all His greatness show.
Praise Him for His noble deeds,
praise Him for His matchless pow’r;
Him from whom all good proceeds
let earth and heav’n adore.Celebrate th’eternal God
with harp and psaltery;
timbrels soft and cymbals loud
in His high praise agree.
Praise Him, every tuneful string,
all the reach of heav’nly art;
all the pow’rs of music bring,
the music of the heart.Him, in whom they move and live,
let every creature sing,
glory to their Maker give,
and homage to their King.
Hallowed be His name beneath,
as in heav’n, on earth adored;
praise the LORD in every breath,
let all things praise the LORD!
Key Principles from this Hymn
- God is sovereign and worthy of universal praise. He reigns above and keeps his courts below; all of Heaven and earth are called to worship him.
- True worship is both expressive and inward. Music, instruments, and every breath are offerings to be united with the sincere praise of the heart.
- All creation exists to glorify its Maker. Every creature, every voice, every life is made to praise the Lord who gives us breath and being.
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
- How does recognizing God’s reign “above and below” shape the way you live and worship?
- In what ways can you practically “praise Him for His noble deeds” in your daily life?
- Why is it important to unite music and emotion with heartfelt devotion in worship?
- How might viewing every breath as praise transform your daily activities?
- What are some specific “powers of music” or gifts God has given you that you can dedicate to him?
- How does praising God help reorient your heart in times of difficulty or distraction?
- What does it mean to you that all creation, including you, exists to glorify its Maker?
Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon
- Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
- Acts 17:28 – For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’…
- Psalm 103:1-2 – Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
- Hebrews 13:15 – Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
- Revelation 5:13 – And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth… saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’
Action Steps
- Set aside time this week for intentional praise. Sing or play music that lifts your heart to God and meditate on the lyrics.
- Turn ordinary tasks into worship. Offer your daily work, interactions, and conversations to God as acts of praise.
- Use short, repeated prayers throughout the day (e.g., “Praise the Lord who reigns above”) to keep your heart focused.
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Lord of Heaven and earth, we praise you for your matchless power and goodness. Thank you for filling our lives with your presence and giving us every reason to rejoice. We are grateful that in every note of music, every breath, and every heartbeat, we may glorify you. May our praise never grow cold. Teach us to celebrate your greatness not only in song but in the rhythm of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Prayer Prompts
Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.
Petition – prayers for yourself
- Help me to mature in my faith and to increasingly please God by my thoughts, words, and deeds.
- Particular struggles in various relationships
- My activities for this day
- Other needs
Intercession – prayers for others
- My Family
- My local church
- My denomination
- Para-church ministries, particularly Christian education and discipleship
- Evangelistic ministries
- Other needs
Quotation from Church History
“Wherever God rules over the human heart as King, there is the kingdom of God established.” (John Wesley)
Closing Thoughts
Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above is more than a hymn, it’s a summons. It invites you to live each day in worship, not only with instruments and song but with every breath and heartbeat. We were made to praise, and in praising, we remember who God is: holy, powerful, and deeply loving. Let your soul celebrate his reign today.
Go forth with praise on your lips, a song in your heart, and the joy of the Lord as your strength. May every breath you take glorify the One who gave it.
Thank you again for joining me today. I pray this reflection has encouraged and blessed you. If it has, consider sharing it and inviting others to subscribe. New resources come out each week; discover more by clicking here: Walking Points.
