1   
Praise the Lord!

1   
It is good to sing praise to our God;
  it is pleasant and right to praise him.

2   
The Lord is restoring Jerusalem;
  he is bringing back the exiles.

3   
He heals the broken-hearted
  and bandages their wounds.

4   
He has decided the number of the stars
  and calls each one by name.

5   
Great and mighty is our Lord;
  his wisdom cannot be measured.

6   
He raises the humble,
  but crushes the wicked to the ground.

7   
Sing hymns of praise to the Lord;
  play music on the harp to our God.

8   
He spreads clouds over the sky;
  he provides rain for the earth
  and makes grass grow on the hills.

9   
He gives animals their food
  and feeds the young ravens when they call.

10   
His pleasure is not in strong horses,
  nor his delight in brave soldiers;

11   
but he takes pleasure in those who honor him,
  in those who trust in his constant love.

12   
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem!
  Praise your God, O Zion!

13   
He keeps your gates strong;
  he blesses your people.

14   
He keeps your borders safe
  and satisfies you with the finest wheat.

15   
He gives a command to the earth,
  and what he says is quickly done.

16   
He spreads snow like a blanket
  and scatters frost like dust.

17   
He sends hail like gravel;
  no one can endure the cold he sends!

18   
Then he gives a command, and the ice melts;
  he sends the wind, and the water flows.

19   
He gives his message to his people,
  his instructions and laws to Israel.

20   
He has not done this for other nations;
  they do not know his laws.

20   
Praise the Lord!

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