Psalm Eight: "Babe Praise!"

Psalm Eight:  Babe Praise!

Superscription:  "To the chief musician upon Gittith."  A Psalm of David; Book 1: # of Verses: 9  

First Verse: "O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hath set thy glory above the heavens."

Last Verse:  "O LORD our LORD, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!" 

Psalm 8 is one of my very favorite Psalms. Especially, I like the NT passage in Matthew 21:16 where Jesus himself quotes Psalm 8:2: "Yea, have ye never read, OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES AND SUCKLINGS THOU HAST PERFECTED PRAISE?"  Have you read it?  Have you heard it?   Babe praise?    

This Psalm verse quoted by Jesus took place on that first Palm Sunday when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey while the people shouted "Hosanna!" and tossed their clothing onto the road.  Read the story aloud here:  Matthew 21:1-15.  Notice that Jesus was in the temple when he talked about the perfect praise of little children.

Story in Rhyme: "Out of the Mouth of Babes!"

 

Long ago 

some little kids

praised the Lord,

oh yes, they did.

And Jesus liked

what they did say

to welcome him

on that day.

But some men

wondered why

loud hosannas

they did cry.

Then to the men

Jesus said,

"Have you never

read, Out of the

mouth of babes ...

thou hast perfected

praise?"  Matt: 21:16/

Psalm 8:2

                         LEP 

  

A Psalm Story:  Pilot Mt. Praise in the Piedmont:   Some years ago, I lived in a rural NC in a town called Pilot Mountain.  From our property we could view the famous knob topped mountain that the Indians used as a focal point to help guide them to certain locations. 

In the spring all the wooded areas burst forth in flower and song.  The place was so lovely with its golden yellow forsythia, pale pink dogwoods, vibrant redbuds, and other flowering trees.  Often, I'd pick branches and bunches of flowers to take to my children's group in Winston to use for praise and worship!  Oh, how the children and I enjoyed this. At other times I'd invite friends and home and Christian school groups to tour our property or take groups up to Pilot Mt. to view the wondrous trees there.  What exciting times of fellowship and praise we shared!  

During this time, I wrote poems/action rhymes/songs to use with the children as I told them the Palm Sunday, Crucifixion, and Easter stories.  One of my favorite trees was a Pussy Willow with its silvery catkins I'd cut into mini branches to tape to our praise pages.  Another tree was the giant Ailanthus with its humongous palm-like branches we could wave round in praise!  No, we didn't have palms, but we had trees of field that clapped their leaf hands in praise to the Lord!  We had branches to wave as we sang praise!  

Here are a several for younger kids to move to:  

"In the Crowd Praise!"  

In the crowd praise, 

Out loud praise, 

At the front praise, 

In the back praise, 

Can't be still praise, 

Yes, I will praise-

the LORD!"  LEP

A Branch, A Bough    

A branch, a bough, a twig, a limb,  

We cut down to honor him,  

A palm, a frond, we move to make  

Soft tree sounds, as we shake--  

"Our Hosannas!"                    LEP    

The Praise Palm Pokey  

Tune: "The Hokey Pokey"  

You put your praise palm in,  

You put your praise palm out,  

You put your praise palm in,  

As you shake it all about,  

You do the Praise Palm Pokey,  

As you turn yourself about,  

And give the Lord a shout! 

                                           LEP   

Sing this:  "How Majestic Is Thy Name!  

Hear Here: Sandi Patti Ps.8:  "How Majestic is Your Name!"  Beautiful!  Listen to Kim Collingsworth play "How Majestic Is Your Name" (May15, 2021) 

Bing Videos   Click here to hear Sandi Patti.

Bing Videos   Click here to listen to Kim C.

Note this!  "How" Verses in the Psalms:" Notice that the first/final verses have the word "How" in them--how excellent or majestic is the name of the Lord.  Notice also with what passion one would read these verses for each has a part which ends with an exclamation mark!  One might frame both the first and last verses with the mark.  

A Challenge!   Look through the Psalms to discover more exclamatory/interrogative verses or parts of them that begin with "How ...!"  Which verses end with an exclamation mark, and which end with a question mark?   Older kids most certainly can search for and be rewarded for this challenge.  Younger ones can read a list and highlight the "how" and the "!" or "?" mark.

Here's some I found: Psalm 36:7: "How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God! ...." Psalm 66:3: "Say unto God, How terrible (awesome) art thou in thy works! ...."  Psalm 78:40: "How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness and grieve him in the desert!"  Psalm 79:5: "How long, LORD? Wilt thou be angry for ever?  Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?"  Psalm 84:1:  "How amiable (lovely) are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts!"  Psalm 92:5:  "O LORD, how great are thy works! ...."  Here are some more "How" verses to search out:  Psalm 104:24-Psalm 119:59, 97, 103-Psalm 133:1-Psalm 139:17....  Can you find others? 

Parent's Out of the Mouth of Babes' Page:   In regard to children's praise do read this article from my ABC Bible Meditation Series:  Find it by going to: "ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  O Is for Out of!"  Click here:

Learn to Discern Granny: ABC: Bible Meditation for Me! O Is for Out of!

Stat Mat:  Green/Gold: Green under gold.  Hand Holder:  Papers, Poems, Prayers.   Jar Lids: Props for figures.

Title:  "On the Instrument of Gath (Al Gittith) "A Psalm of David"

Book I     Vvs. 1& 9    First Verse & Final Verse:  "Exclamatory!"  "O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!"

"Flexible Straw" with palm branch at the end; or use music sticker notes on small straw section to move to song!

King David Figure:  This is a "creation praise palm" of David.

Memorize Jesus' Matthew 21:16 Quote from Psalm 8:2   Click on "Stat Mat" at beginning of the lesson to enlarge the photo!!

Babe Refs:  Besides Psalm 8:2, Matt. 21:16, check out Matt.11:25 and Luke 10:21!  Can you find other "babe" references as well? 

 

Chat Mat:  Psalm 8!

Tell Pilot Praise Story: Use post card pic. 

Holler a Hosanna Babes:  Boy, Girl, and Toddler. 

Babe Praise Figures:  Prop up inside two-sectioned jar lid.  Click on 

bottom photo at the top of the lesson to enlarge it.

Con-verse-sation:  Share the "babe" verses.  Read them;

memorize them.  Note:   Copy figures, color, and 

cut out.  See photo above!  Move them!  

Point out that there's a difference between a nursing baby 

and babes.  In Matthew 21 the "babes" Jesus referred to were 

"children" in the temple! 

Holler a Hosanna Rhyme:

Holler a hosanna!

Holler a hosanna!

Clap, * turn around

Holler a hosanna!

Sit back down!  LEP

Vary the motion: jump, lift hands, shake palms etc.

Jesus on a Donkey:  Read aloud Matthew 21 Story. 

Talk about it.  Use other action rhymes above to act

it out.  Use actual old jackets, coats, tree branches etc,

(Picture Shining Star Publications, Copyright 1989, Good Apple, Inc.)

Make Necklace or Bracelet: with bread-wrap pieces.

Highlight "Hosanna!" or etc.  What, by the way, does

"hosanna" mean?   I use bread wrapper "heart" shapes

found on Thomas English Muffins.

Babe Praise in Malawi Africa:  I have a dear teacher missionary 

friend who has worked with and designed curriculum for Malawian

schools who often posts videos of the teachers and their small pupils 

singing and moving to music.  If ever there was an example

of "babe praise" this has to be it!  Should you like to see or become

acquainted with this ministry find more information at: 

Sure Foundation Ministry

 

     

   

  

   

   

              

       

   

Asaph the Musician's Middle Psalm--Psalm 75

Asaph the Musician's Middle Psalm--Psalm 75

Asaph was a Levite Psalm musician who authored twelve Psalms including Ps 50, and Psalms 73-83. Asaph's first Psalm is Psalm 50, and his last Psalm 83.  Asaph's shortest Psalm has 8 verses, and his longest Psalm has 72 verses.  Besides, there's the middle Psalm of the Psalter--Psalm 75--that has 10 verses.

Of the twelve Psalms Asaph wrote one is an historical psalm, two are wisdom psalms, three are songs of Zion and six psalms are laments.  Now the very middle Psalm of the one-hundred fifty psalms is Psalm 75--a wisdom Psalm.  Do you know which categories the others fall under?

Its Superscription or Title:  Check your Bible for this caption "To the chief musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph"   Instead of the chief musician some versions say: "To the chief choir master."      

Its First Verse:  "Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare."  Note the repetitious words which encourage us to offer thanks to the Lord. 

Its Final Verse:  "All the horns (strength) of the wicked will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted."   

Its Key Verse:  "But God is the judge: for he putteth down one, and setteth up another." (v.7)  Click on the videos below for some interesting info regarding "the scales of justice" from The Lord Our God Colouring Book bookmark page.  See chat mat below for pic!

God's Justice Explained for Kids--BIBLE MOM

Bing Videos

Focus On the Ups:  As you read through the Psalm, you'll notice a repetition of the words "up" and others that include "up" in them.  I've divided the verses this way:  Offer Up! (v.1) Judge Uprightly! (v.2) "Bear Up! (firmly set up") (v.3) "Lift not up!" (v.4,5) "Lift Up!" (exaltation) (V.6) "Setteth Up!" (v.7) "Drink Up!" (cup) (v.8) "Offer Up!" (v.9) and "Lifted Up!" (v.10).

God's In Charge!  

(Action Rhyme with Bible Verse)

Write it big and write it large,

Pay attention!  God's in charge!

Write it big and write it bold.

Don't forget!  God's in control!

Write it big and write it clear.

For God's words, you must hear:

"But God is the judge, he putteth

down one, and setteth up another."

                                 Ps. 75:7/LEP

Actions:  Hold out l. hand palm up; with rt. index finger pretend to write on hand.  (Line 1,3,5) and shake finger and point upward on lines two and three.  Cup hands round ears. (Line 5) Point up, point down, point up again.  Suggestion:  Have kids write the verse extra big, extra dark, and with a different font.         

God's In Charge! A Psalm Rhyme Dedicated to Mrs. H.

Penny H., affectionately referred to by me, as Mrs. H. was my long-time neighbor in the beautiful Piedmont NC town of Pilot Mountain.  Now Mrs. H. was an older lady who oft repeated to me, when we'd be talking, that "God is in charge, he's in control!"  So often did she repeat those words that            when I read Psalm 75:7 immediately I thought of Penny.  Penny who lived in Pilot with its towering knob peak in view from her back door.  Penny who last wrote to me how she was reading the Bible book of Jeremiah along with me.  At that time, she was ninety-nine years old!  How could I ever forget her frequent admonition "God's in charge!" over and over.  She didn't quite make it to one hundred, but in her last letter she was reading her Bible with passion.  What a sweet memory of a special friend.    

Regarding Psalm 75:7 I ask you the reader could there be a more relevant verse for us in 2025 than this verse?  Keeping that thought in mind, do listen to and sing along with the words of the beloved spiritual: "He's Got the Whole World In his Hands" from Wee Sings Sing Alongs. Hear it here: Bing Videos

Hone In On "Horns" in Scripture 

One can't help but notice that the word "horn" is often used in Scripture and in Psalm 75 designating the thought of "strength" or "power." In these verses we're not speaking of "instruments!"   In fact, in Ps.75, in verse four we find "horn" used in reference to fools or the wicked.  Lifting one's horn as a horned animal signals the idea of someone boasting proudly and loudly that they are more powerful and stronger than others.

In my King James Study Bible (Thomas Nelson 1988, p.456) there is a note from Hannah's Song about the horn that says:  "The horn (I Samuel 2:10) was an ancient symbol of great strength. ... Her psalm (vv.1-10) praises God for giving her victory in the issues of life."  Challenge:  Can you find the horn verses in Hannah's Psalm?  

Watch this horns video:  "What Do Horns Mean in the Bible? /The Horn of My Salvation/Strength from Streaming Truth: Find it at: What Do Horns Mean in the Bible? | The Horn of My Salvation | Strength

Here's a second video showing some horned animals in it.  See it here: "The Ten Mentioned Animals in the Bible/ The Creatures of the Bible from Kolmprint Art.  The 10 Most Mentioned Animals in the Bible | The Creatures of the Bible

Psalm 75 Stat Mat

Asaph wrote a dozen Psalms in all; eleven are in Book III, but the first Psalm-- Psalm50 is in Book II.  Just ten verses Psalm 75 has one "Selah Verse."  Notice the Asaph Levite figure in the center of the mat with his white Levitical hat.   Click on photo at bottom of lesson to enlarge! 

Below the figure see his name spelled out phonetically with its two syllables.  Over the first "A" is a "line hat" showing that this "A" is long.  The second part "saph" is a short "a" with its "smile hat" followed by "ph" which is a "f" sound.   It is pronounced "AY-saf."  For more info: click below to view www.ask-oracle-com/baby-name-/asaph.  Challenge kids to write and syllabize their own name! Asaph - Jewish Boy Name Meaning and Pronunciation

Below the Asaph bottle top figure is meaning of his name which means "collector" or "gatherer" in Hebrew.  Underneath the name is the key verse "But God is the judge...." Psalm 75:7. Look at the seven orange juice bottle caps with the words taken from the Bible Colouring Book 17 "The Lord Our God."  Purchase this British color book (great for kids/adults) and others like it from The Trinitarian Bible Society 927 Alpine Commerce Park, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI 49544.  Its web site is Trinitarian Bible Society

To the right of the syllabized name are words from its first verse: "Give thanks" which is written 2 Xs.

"Warning Words for the Wicked/Wisdom for the Righteous!" 

Here's another rhyme explaining some of the Psalm 75 verses.  Notice God warned the wicked what would happen if they disobeyed and displayed arrogance. (I Sam. 2:3) In the end the righteous or the wise would instead have their horn lifted up, not cut off! 

A Word of Warning! 

A word to the wicked--

God said, "Lift not up

your head proudly!"

God said, "Lift not up

thy neck high!"

God said, "My full cup

you'll drink up!"

At the end again God

said: "A word to the wicked-

Your strength will go! *

A word to the Righteous,

'Your strength will grow! * 

*  Read the final verse, and converse about its meaning!

 

There's 12 Asaph Psalms in All

There's twelve Asaph Psalms in all,

Twelve Psalms to recall,

Twelve Psalms to rehearse,

So, let's all say an Asaph verse:

"Sing aloud unto God, our strength,

make a joyful noise unto the God of

Jacob."  (You might use verse two

instead.)  From Psalm 81:1-2/LEP 

Or use Psalm 75:9: "But I will declare

for ever; I will sing praise to the God 

of Jacob."  ("Offer up praise!")  Or use

the key verse Ps.75:7.

Psalm 75 Chat Mat:  Do click below to enlarge photo!

At the top left view the meaning of "horn" used in Ps.75.  On the right see a bottle top opened in a horn-like position and the words "horns" on it.  Discuss this term and share horn videos and info above.  At the mid-left point see the word "Up"; share the up places.  Open Bibles to Psalm 75 and high light all of them.  

Especially notice the boastful arrogant "person" with its mouth open; see the arrow pointing to the neck.  Check how the boastful person stiffens or stretches out his neck as he arrogantly touts his own way--v.5 says "Lift not up your horn on high, speak not with a stiff neck (speak not in insolent pride.)  Make the tiny face/neck from a bottle cap, add hat, eyes, open O mouth, and a plastic straw neck part that stretches out. 

Below it is a post card of Pilot Mountain Knob near to where Mrs. H. in our story and I lived.  Many was the time I hiked up round that knob.  Learn the little action/verse rhyme as well!  

To the right is a simple but fun-to-make Middle Psalm bookmark made from a coloring page from Bible coloring book mentioned above, a tissue-box design panel, and an orange piece of paper.  Help kids find the key verse, mark it, and place the marker inside their Bible.  As you do so discuss some Psalm math --how much is 75+75?  75X2?  For the youngest count to 75 by ones, fives.  Try 150 as well.

Notice the red music hands with copies of the Wee Sing lyrics/page from a Wee Sing book to use as they sing the song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands!"  Find copies of the song book here: Wee Sing Bible Songs book (reissue): Beall, Pamela Conn, Nipp, Susan Hagen: 9780843177695: Amazon.com: Books

    

Ethan the Ezrahite -A Psalm Man

Ethan the Ezrahite-A Psalm Man 

Did you know that there's a Psalm written by a man named Ethan which was a top boy's name in the USA in 2009-2010?  However, the Biblical Ethan was a long-ago Hebrew singer-musician named in the Old Testament.  Not only was he a Psalm author, but had singer-musician friends named Heman, and Asaph who also wrote Psalms. Never heard of him?  Well, get to know more about him, his comrades, and his beautiful Psalm 89 below!

Psalm 89 Stats:  I have to confess I never really noticed the superscription or title above Psalm 89 which says that the psalm is a Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite.  So, what's a Maschil? One definition is that it is a psalm song that enforces wisdom or piety.  The Psalm also has the distinction of being the final Psalm in Book III with its closing doxology verse with its double "Amens!"  at the end.  It's also a "two Selah" Psalm. 

What's In a Name?  How much do you know about your name?  Is it in the Bible?  If so, where?  What is its meaning?  Now Ethan is found in I Kings 5:31that indicates Ethan and Heman too were wise men but not nearly as wise as Solomon. 

It Hebrew Ethan's name that means "strong, firm."  Even today Ethan is still one of the top twenty boys' names.  In 2009-2010 it surged to number two only to be edged out by the Biblical name Jacob!

Other Things to Note About Ethan's name:  How many letters is in it? What smaller words are in it?  What follows it?  What two letters does it end with?  How does it compare to Heman? What shorter words are in Heman?  Listen how to pronounce it here:  What other words do you know that end in "an?'   Are you a fan of Ethan? Heman?  Can you find out more about other Ethans named after Ethan the Ezrahite?  about Heman? 

Recently, I was at a bookstore where I found a series of books using popular names, all with the same script, to be used by parents/grandparents to give their children with that particular popular name.  Upon seeing Ethan: I Love You Always a Marianne Richmond book I photographed it.  So, Ethan was still a name in 2024 as well as in the Bible! 

Ethan Allen's Puritan Family:  Did you know an early patriot of our county was named after the Biblical Ethan.  (Nameberry) Who is that?  Yes, Ethan Allen of Revolutionary War fame.  According to Wikipedia Ethan's Allen was born to Puritan parents and lived in the Litchfield Connecticut Colony.  after his birth his family moved to Cornwall.  

Wikipedia records that as a boy Ethan Allen excelled at quoting the Bible and was also known for disputing the meaning of passages.  He had five brothers with one of them being "Heman."  Looks like Ethan Allen's parents knew Scripture well!! His other brothers were Heber, Levi, Zimri, and Ira.  His two sisters were Lydia and Lucy.  All but one of the Allen children had Biblical names.  Who did not?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethan_allen - Search  

Currently online there's a much-photographed family whose names are Sammy, Sarah, Abby, Adam, Ada, and Sunny.  Do you know which names are Bible names?  ("Cooking with Sammy")      

Its first verse is an actual Psalm song sung today!  And in this verse is the theme of this fifty-two verse Psalm --the word "faithfulness" of God.  Check out these Psalm 89 references to find more "faithfulness" verses: 89:1, 5, 8, 24, and 33.  

If you'd like to hear the Psalm song, click here to listen!    Youtube/Cedarmont/Kids-Topic/January 26, 2017   Click here: Bing Videos

Youtube/Emmanuel Church, Rio Rico/4-1-2023. "I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever"  Click here: Bing Videos

Ethan Allen Furniture:  Perhaps you've heard of Ethan Allen fine furniture or passed by a store on the highway.  Incidentally, on our chat mat I will add a picture of my husband's dad who built Ethan Allen furniture near to his home in western New York.  Great grandfather Putnam was a skilled builder, and at one time we even recall staying in motel nearby that had Ethan Allen furniture in it!  Not only was Great G'Pa Putnam a master builder, but he was a faithful witness for the Lord Jesus.  Always he was faithful to attend the Stockton Community Church, and to serve and help others.  We miss him!   

A Rhyme for Little Folks

Ethan, Ethan, God's Psalm Man

Ethan, Ethan the Ezrahite*

A special Psalm once did write.

Ethan, Ethan, what did it say?

It told of God's faithfulness every day!

Ethan, Ethan, God's Psalm man,

Wrote a Psalm song very grand!

                                                      LEP

* Substitute "Levite" and say it again!

Just for Kids Discussion:  Did you know that Ethan was a music man, a Levite, who helped with the singing long ago? And he wrote just one Psalm Song--Psalm 89.  And here it is.  Show children your Bible into which you've slipped a ribbon or special marker.  If they have a Bible help them find Psalm 89.  Notice how many verses Psalm 89 has and then mark it in their Bible with a highlighter.  What was the first verse?  What was the last verse?  Can you count up to 89?

Now Ethan's Psalm is also called a "Doxology Psalm" because it is the last Psalm Book III. of the Psalter.  And at the end what words do you see?  Exactly, "Amen and Amen!"   I call this a double Amen!  Beside this Psalm there's four other doxology Psalms --one at the end of each Psalm Book collection!  Do they all end in two amens? One other thing, do you know what "Amen" means?  It means "So be it!"   

The neat thing about Ethan's Psalm is someone wrote a song using the first verse which we still sing.  Did you listen to it?  Even long ago when I was a small girl, I sang this verse! 

The Stat Mat:  Click on the Stat Mat photo below.  Notice its Ps. Number, Book III, and its number of verses 52.  Point out its title or superscription says: "A Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite" which means "a

contemplation" of Ethan.  Notice "Ethan" is on a gold bottle top.  On his head is his Levitical priest hat--a turban.  Ethan was known for his wisdom, but he wasn't as wise as Solomon!  See that this is a Doxology Psalm which ends Book III with two Amens!

The Chat Mat:  Click on the Chat Mat to make it larger!  Once again Ethan is featured in the center with the meaning of his name below--which is "strong and firm."  Do your viewers know if their name is in the Bible, and if so, what is its meaning?  To the left on the chat mat is a tiny pic of the Temple (Solomon's Temple!) and a small crown showing Ethan was appointed by King David to be part of the temple musicians.  Over to the right see the photo of James Fillmore who used the first verse of Ethan's psalm in his famous song; "I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever."  Notice the girl's mouth open wide as she sings of the Lord's faithfulness!

I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord | Hymnary.org

Tiny Levite Priests On Bottle Tops:  The top two represent Ethan the Ezrahite priest --see how one has a bottle top ring around it.  Do click on these and they will be easy to see!!!   Below is Heman the Ezrahite who also was a Levite Priest and who wrote Psalm 88.  See Heman without his Levitical hat and then see him after with it on.  A bit of glitter was added.  These small bottle top figures are fun to move around, and younger kids will enjoy playing with them!  Do use the "Ethan, Ethan, God's Psalm Man" action rhyme with your younger kids/grands.  One last thing:  Notice that there are six NT refs or references to Ethan's Psalm-check them out-- older kids/adults will be truly blessed upon finding so many of these beautiful Psalm words often recalled in NT verses by the Lord himself, and the apostles!

Coming soon will be Herman's Psalm, and Moses' Psalm too!  Yes, Moses wrote a Psalm--one of our beloved Psalms--when posted you will be able to read his amazing words.  It is a particularly special Psalm for me for my godly dad quoted it to me often!   

        

  

   

 

Psalm 5: The "In the Morning" Prayer Psalm

Psalm 5: The "In the Morning" Prayer Psalm

Psalm Five Stats:  Superscription:  "To the Chief Musician with Wind Instruments*, A Psalm of David"   Book I     # of Verses: 12 *Flutes

First Verse:  "Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my meditation (sighing-groaning)."

Final Verse:  "For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous with favor wilt thou compass (surround) him as with a shield."     

Mark It! My and Thy Parts:   My: (David) my words, my meditation, my cry, my King, my God, my voice, my prayer, my face.    Thy: (The LORD) thy righteous, thy way, thy house, thy holy temple 

A Morning Prayer:  In the morning, says verse three, David would direct his prayer unto the LORD, and look up.  Does the Lord hear your voice in the morning?  

Mom's Morning Prayer Time:  Every morning my mom got down on her knees beside her bed.  Always first she would cover her head with a small handkerchief for mom believed this scriptural.  Little feet would interrupt her many times, but faithful mom always kept her on-her-knees morning prayer time each and every day but Sunday.  How blessed was I to have had a mother who demonstrated prayer and Scriptural reading all the days of her life.  How I thank the Lord over and over for her godly example!     

Illustrate It!  Draw a picture of King David surrounded by an upward pointing arrow frame as he prayed to his King and his God.

Note It!  The Evil Vs. The Righteous:  David noted that God took no pleasure in wickedness.  The foolish, says David, won't stand with you God.  But, David ends with you Lord will bless the righteous.

Psalm 5's Five Stanzas:  This psalm has five parts three positive, and two negative.  Verses one-three finds David directing his morning prayer up to the Lord.  Verses four-six describe God isn't pleased with wickedness-- the workers of iniquity.  Verses seven, eight is positive again for David says, "as for me, I will come into thy house ... I will worship toward thy holy temple ... make thy way straight before my face ...."  Verses nine, ten change once again that the wicked are not faithful ... they have rebelled against God.  Finally, verses eleven, and twelve end with "But let all those trust in thee rejoice.... bless the righteous."

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down!  Read aloud Psalm 5 with video.  Discuss which parts or sections deserve and thumbs up, or a thumbs down.  Practice reading Psalm using the thumb signal.  See photo. Click here to listen to Psalm 5 audio.  Bing Videos

A Psalm Story Con-verse-sation Starter:   I have a book, a more than a hundred and forty-year-old book, from the reign of Queen Victoria who died at 81 in 1901--one of the longest reigning monarchs of the UK.  Its black cover title is nearly unreadable except for the words "Church Hymns" at the bottom, but its inner pages though a bit tattered are not.  Its exact title is: The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church of England:  Together with the Psalter or Psalms of David ...."  Its first section is "The Order for Morning Prayer" while the second section is "The Order for Evening Prayer."     

This prayer book belonged to my Uncle John who lived in Burnley, England.  He must have been a young man when he used this book as he came via boat to the United States about 1911 just before the Titanic sank.  What a treasure and conversation starter for our grandchildren to talk about.   

Con-verse-sation Starter:  Explain that the Book of Common Prayer has many parts.  One is "The Order for Morning and Evening Prayer" Now often the content of these prayers is straight from Scripture, while other times it is a prayer someone has written.  Many of the prayers often tell you when to sit, and when to stand, and what to answer.   

However, often while performing ritual like prayer that the more one repeats the same thing over and over the more one may not pay attention to what they are saying, and the prayers then become rote repetition or vain repetition. Be aware often some churches use endless ritual rather than the sure Word of God.  

May the Lord hear our voices in the morning with prayers that come from our hearts.  And like David may we put our trust in the Lord and in the morning may we direct our prayer to him and look up!   

Parent Note: Often those who practice yoga lift up their eyes to the morning sun as do yogis, but may we direct our prayer to the Son of God.  For more thoughts see the article from the series here:  "ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!  S Is for Sun!"

Learn to Discern Granny: ABC: Bible Meditation for Me!: S Is for Sun!  (Click on this line to read "S Is for Sun!"    Very informative!)

Stat Mat Statistics:  View the Stat Mat at the bottom; click to enlarge.  Note its statistics--it's a Book I Psalm of David lament with twelve verses.  Look at the REF. suggested from Ps. 55:17 which begins with Evening Prayer to Morning Prayer to Noontime Prayer.  Make a bright bookmark with a moon, rising sun, and noontime sun--click on the stat photo to see a closeup.  Note the small pic of Wee Sing Bible Songs (1986); find it online here: 

Bing Videos

Illustrate or use a color book pic of David the author of this psalm.  How many Psalms of David are there?  Define "lament" --use a Bible concordance or online dictionary.

Chat Mat #1:  At the start of this Psalm study, I found a bag of foam/sticker musical symbols to use round the mat in a variety of ways.  Using page 37 from my Wee Sing Book I colored and popped up kids praising the Lord.  Cutting round parts of pics is something younger kids enjoy as they move the figures while singing or repeating Scripture.  See the little David with his tactile gear--his sword is movable, and his bottle top shield helps kids understand that a shield can be moved about to protect oneself.  Note the last verse of the Psalm that uses the word--shield.  Truly as another Psalm says the Lord is a shield for me, the lifter of mine head!

Chat Mat #2:  This mat centers round comparing yogic salutations or greetings in the morning compared to Biblical ones said in morning prayers.  Here is a terrific opportunity to teach your kids the difference.  Youngsters and oldsters can easily learn to whom one should pray!  Will one pray to the Hindu sun God Surya or the Biblical Lord?  Many kid books make yoga poses into cute little exercises but that is not what they really are.  Recall the commandment "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." or the Verse from Deuteronomy which clearly tells one not to worship the sun, moon, or stars.  By the way:  What is the role according to Ps.148 of the sun, moon, and stars.?  

Chat Mat Suggestion:  Personalize this mat to fit the needs of your friends/family.  As I possess a treasure trove of old books with interesting family history and history of England this is a great opportunity to share many scriptural prayer psalms and verses.

Action Rhyme for Kids

In the Morning Let's 

Take a Psalm Break!

In the morning let's take a Psalm break!

A lift up your palms break.

An everyone be calm break.

A look up to God break, to pray:

"Hearken to the voice of my cry,

my King, and my God: for unto

thee will I pray.  My voice shalt thou

hear in the morning, O LORD:

in the morning will I direct my prayer

unto thee and look up."  (From Ps. 5:2-3)

                                                           LEP

Motions:

  

Lift up palms.  Cross arms; sway.

Fold hands.  Pray.  Touch lips.  Point up.   

 

          

 

              

 

       

   

    

   

  

 

Psalm 139: One of the Most Awesome Psalms of the Psalter!

Psalm 139: One of the Most Awesome Psalms of the Psalter

Often labeled one of the grandest Psalms of the Psalter Psalm 139 would have to have a five-star rating and then some.  Filled with amazing verses the Psalm celebrates God's all-knowing watch care over his creation.  Called an omni-psalm by some it zeroes in on his omniscience, his omnipresence, and his omnipotence. 

Psalm Stats:  This Psalm, part of Psalms 107-150 or Book V, is titled "To the chief musician. A psalm of David."  Just twenty-four verses in length its contents from its first to its final verse make a super word-search chapter in which to put together a Psalm 139 ABC!  And if you do this (See exercise below!) you'll find one of the verbs used right away is "to know!"

The All-About the Word Lady: Jeanie #2:  This Psalm is a favorite of a dear friend I've dubbed Jeanie #2--recall Jeanie #1, the Okahumpka Psalm Lady-- who inspired this series.  Now, Jeanie #2 is much like Jeanie #1--an "all about the word lady" who is an avid prayer-warrior.  Jeanie and I love to have con-verse-sations about the Word.  Invariably she and I will be talking, and she'll begin a verse, and I'll finish it, or vice versa I'll begin a verse, and she finishes it.  And we'll often laugh when we do this.  Perhaps, verse 17 would be one of our fav verses where the Psalmist exclaims "How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God!  How great is the sum of them!"  Jeanie's fav verse, by the way, is verse fourteen which says, " ... I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."  

God Knows, God Sees:  An old childhood song I once sang rings so true: "He sees what we do, He hears what we say, My God is watching all the time, time, time; He sees what we do, He hears what we say, My God is watching all the time."  The song I sang was a variation of "Writing All the Time" from Hymnary.org.

O Lord, You Know Me!  From Psalm139:1-4:  Here is a little action rhyme I wrote for little ones some years ago:

O Lord, You Know Me!

O Lord, you know me!  (Point up; then to yourself.)

You know when I sit; (Sit.)

You know when I stand.  (Stand.)

Even my thoughts you understand.  (Hands to head.)

O Lord, you know me!  (Point up; then to yourself.)

You know when I go out; (Walk in place.)

You know when I'm in bed.  (Place hands together next to one cheek.)

You know every word before it's said.  (Touch mouth.)

O Lord, you know me completely! (Point up; then to yourself.)

                                                                                                          LEP

(Shining Star Publications. C. 1998)

God Sees a Black Ant:  Mr. John Fannan, an older Scotchman, from my childhood each week in Sunday School would repeat this little thought:  "God sees a black ant on a black rock on a black night, and God sees you."  Perhaps verses eleven and twelve may have been two of his favorites.  Listen: "If I say surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.  Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and light are both alike to thee."    

A Celebration of Life Psalm:  If you need a verse that celebrates life this Psalm is the one to quote for the beautiful verse 14 expresses it so perfectly:  "I will praise thee: for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well (very well)."   By the way this is the only verse where "praise" is used in this Psalm.  

A Psalm Song Video/Story of "Search Me O God":  The well-known hymn "Search Me O God" is based on Psalm 139:23-24 which reads: "Search me, O God and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."  It was written by a man named James Edwin Orr.  See images of Orr here: imgurl:https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.CKEqugNFCahQXnNJa-PjYwHaIO?rs=1&pid=ImgDetMain - Search

Listen to this kids' song video complete with children's photographs.  Click here. Bing Videos

Sing it with your children, or grands.  Ask children if the words of Orr's song exactly match the words of Scripture?

Willmington Wraps It Up:  "Psalm 139: God's Knowledge, Presence n' Power"

In his informative book Willmington's Survey of the Old Testament (Victor Books, c.1987, p.278-273) Harold L. Willmington explains that Psalm 139 divides nicely into four sections: Vv. 1-6 "Lord, You Know Me;" Vv. 7-12 "Lord, You are with me;" Vv.13-18 "Lord, You Created me;" and Vvs.19-24 "Lord Your cause is my cause."  Additionally, he notes that verses 23-24 David ends with six imperatives (calls for action): "Search me, know my heart, try me, know my thoughts, see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." 

A Challenge:  Discover Psalm 139's ABCs!

If you want to really to dig into Psalm 139 go through it over and over putting together its words into ABC order.  To do this means having a pencil, and notebook in hand searching through all twenty-four verses for a particular letter and writing down the words beginning with that letter.  For example, you'll find "K" has 6 words. Besides notice the questions, exclamations, and Selahs as well.   Reading through the Psalm so many times brings out words and ideas you did not notice before.  If you have time, try it it's guaranteed to familiarize yourself with this grand Psalm in an intimate way! 

The Stat Mat:  View the Stats Mat here. Notice King David in the upper left corner of whom the superscription mentions before the Psalm: "To the chief musician, A Psalm of David."  Ps.139 is in the last section or Book V.  It has twenty-four verses.  One of its NT references can be found in Matthew 9:4. Find it!  See the word "Praise" that is quoted only once in the entire text.  View also the Latin word "omni."  What does it mean?  What do the words below mean?    Click on photo and view mat here: 

The Chat Mat:  Look at the Chat Mat pics.  Find the word "know" or its variations six times in the Psalm.  Read the little action rhyme "O Lord, You Know Me!"  See how the pics are popped out.  Share this with someone who has young children or grands.  Read about my old friend "Mr. John Fannan" and his little quote he would repeat every Sunday when I was a small girl. See the ant on the dark rock!  Be sure to listen to "Search Me O God" too!  Oh, do memorize this awesome Psalm.  Look at the mat below: click on it to make it larger!

Do you homeschool?  Make your own mats.  Let your kids contribute.  What else might you include on your mats?  What is your favorite verse(s)?      

Psalm Two: An Often-Quoted Psalm in the New Testament

Psalm Two:  An Often-Quoted Psalm in the New Testament

Did you know that Psalm two is often quoted in the New Testament?  Now, I really hadn't realized how many times Psalm two was referenced until I decided to search through the entire NT noting which Psalms were mentioned throughout its pages.  Right away Psalm Two seemed to stand out.  Not only was it in the gospels, but from Acts to Revelation as well.  To find out more let's dive into its Psalm Statistics.  

 

Psalm 2 Stats:  Book I:  Royal or Messianic Psalm: Psalm 2 Refs.: Acts 4:25-27: # of Verses: 12 (Click on photo to enlarge!)

First, Second Verses:  Its very first verse starts with a question:  "Why do the heathen (nations) rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?"   It's second verse reads, "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against his Anointed, saying ...." 

Final Verse:  "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath be kindled but a little.  Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." 

 

Who Is the Heathen? Verse one asks why the heathen, or the nations are angry and imagine or plan trouble.  Verse two answers telling us that the kings of the earth and the rulers plan evil against the Lord and his anointed or the Messiah-Jesus.

Kings of Earth, &The Rulers:  These words were appropriate in the Psalmist's time, and like then they are "for such a time as this words" today!  Think about our country and others this very day.  Be ever discerning, and ever learning what is happening all around you.

 

A New Testament Ref to Read:  Mark 3:6 refers to Psalm 2:2. It says: "And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel (plotted) with the Herodians against him that they might destroy him."  Who is him?  Jesus

     

An Acts Example to Check Out:  Turn to Acts 4 to read Acts 4 aloud and some key Acts verses.  Find out how Peter and John were treated by the rulers in their day.  What was their punishment for their being bold to proclaim the gospel and to heal in Jesus' name?

Highlight Psalm: 2:1-2!  Read and highlight Acts 4:25,26 which is almost all in caps in my Bible denoting it's being quoted from the OT.  The verses say:  "Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, WHY DID THE HEATHEN RAGE, AND THE PEOPLE IMAGINE VAIN THINGS?  THE KINGS OF THE EARTH STOOD UP, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST HIS CHRIST."

   

A Challenge:  Search the NT Scriptures to uncover which Psalms are quoted by Jesus in the gospels, and by other NT writers.  Which ones are used the most?  What did you discover doing this?   Older kids can do this, while younger ones can count and look at a chart of your findings.  See to it they have a Bible with a center reference area or areas just below the verses.  Contrast versions with references, and those without them--show the children.  For example, I purchased a KJV girls' Bible, but sadly it had no references but did have a good dictionary-concordance.

   

Do begin early teaching your youngsters how to use the middle of the page reference area, or references below the verses.  It's a skill often neglected but pays great dividends seeing the continuity of the Scriptures!  Try it!  I have met so many Christians who desire only a few minutes of someone else's devotionals!  Acts 17:11 reminds us to: "search the scriptures daily." 

 

An Advocate for Truth: The "I Know God" Man

John Amanchukwu whose Nigerian surname means "I know God," is a writer, pastor, and advocate for truth who takes a stand against organizations/school systems that use materials that should never be read by youth comments regarding Psalm 2:1-3, 12 in his recent work Hoodwinked this way:  "In case you haven't been paying attention, this is where we are right now, The nations, the culture, and the elite among us--they're all raging against the Lord.  And many who claim the name of Christ are joining in through their affirmation of sin and celebration that breaks Heaven's heart. ...."  He continues, "... I hope you have chosen to take refuge in Him.  ... we need men and women who love the Lord to stand firmly for truth, to push back against lies, and to be willing to suffer for truth if need be."  (P.157) 

         

Bill Randles & His Psalm 2 Phrase

The late Pastor Bill Randles was an all-about-the-word-man who loved Scripture.  What a gifted godly preacher he was!  Often, he'd quote from Psalm 2 especially the phrase: "the kings of the earth and the rulers."  In fact, one of his last recorded sermons touches on it.

  

In addition, he wrote books and articles.  One article "The Fate of the Nations--Then and Now" ("Lighthouse Trails Research Journal"-Volume 1-Spring 2020) not only expounded on Psalm 9 but he concluded once more recalling "the kings of the earth and the rulers" from Psalm 2.  The Fate of the Nations—Then and Now (Psalm 9) - Lighthouse Trails Research Project

And we have only to look around us to see our current kings and rulers and their followers are much like those named in both Psalm 2 and 9.  The Bible, however, shows us that the Lord is our King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, who in the end will judge them.  Therefore, let us pray for those in authority, for our country, and for all of its leaders that some may turn and come to know the Lord Jesus.  May we recall Psalm 9:20 which states:  "Put them in fear, O LORD, that the nations may know themselves to be but men."

 

A PSALM Con-verse-sation:  Just how might one use the phrase "the kings of the earth, and the rulers" in a "con-verse-sation?"  If speaking with youth you might show current leaders' photos and discuss the fact that regardless of what they do like the elite of the Psalmist's Day in a future day all rulers will answer to the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings.  May we submit to the Lord's authority, and as Psalm 2:12 says, "... Blessed are all they that put their trust in him."

View the "Stat and Chat Mat Photos here:

Psalm Stat Mat:  Psalm Statistics:  Psalm 2, Book #, # of verses, type of Psalm, and so on.  Notice Psalm 2 has no superscription, but two Acts refs reveal its author and quotes directly from the OT.

Psalm Chat Mat Hints:  Conversation about the Psalm's contents, conclusions, and relevance to us today.  Here is the opportunity to have a book, photos, small item, mag article, booklet, map, etc. pertaining to the Psalm to share with your listeners.  If you have a homeschooling family or Christian classroom others can contribute drawings, or other articles.  Recall the teeny tiny present from Psalm 117 the shortest Psalm, or the flashlight from Psalm 119.  Also include at least one applicable NT reference!  Do notice the insert with the greater than symbol from Amanchukwu's cover that reminds us that God is greater than government! 

 

Penny's Favorite Saying!  Penny lived in Pilot Mountain, N.C. with a clear view of Pilot Mt.'s famed knob.  Always she was kind, consistent, and trustworthy.   As she grew older, she began to earnestly read her Bible.  At ninety-nine she joined me in reading Jeremiah as I wrote my blog lessons.   During each and every letter and phone call she'd repeat to me:  "The Lord's in charge!"  Yes, He is!  He's sovereign!  He reigns!  

Click on photos to enlarge!!!