Echoes of Praise

Title: "Echoes of Praise"

The title "Echoes of Praise" was inspired by the enduring and repetitive nature of praise described in Psalm 113. Here are the key inspirations:

- Endlessness of Praise: The Psalm encourages praise from the rising of the sun to its setting, suggesting an ongoing, never-ceasing echo of worship. The song's title reflects this continuous, resonating praise that is to be given to God at all times.

- God's Majesty and Humility: The contrast in Psalm 113 between God's supreme position above all creation and His intimate involvement with the downtrodden inspired the idea of an echo — a sound that reaches high and low, symbolizing how God's glory and compassion resonate through all levels of existence.

- Universal Call to Praise: The Psalm calls all servants of the Lord to praise, implying a collective, echoing response from humanity and creation alike. "Echoes of Praise" encapsulates this idea of a worldwide, harmonious echo of worship.

This song encapsulates the essence of Psalm 113, where praise is not just a singular event but an ongoing, echoing reality that fills the earth and heavens.

Lyrics:

(Verse 1)
From the first light of dawn, 'til the night sky is drawn,
Let His name be adored, let His glory be shown.
He who sits high above, looks on us with love,
From the dust, He lifts the poor, makes the broken whole.

(Prechorus)
For His name is our delight,
In His mercy, our might,
We will sing, we will shout,

(Chorus)
Praise the Lord, all you servants,
From now until forever,
His name be exalted,
Above all, together.
Oh, Praise the Lord now and forever.

(Verse 2)
He stoops down to see, the heavens and the earth,
Raises the weak to stand, gives the childless mirth.
In His kindness, we find, a home for our kind,
With the nobles, we sit, by His divine script.

(Prechorus)
For His name is our joy,
Our despair He'll destroy,
We will lift, we will trust,

(Chorus)
Praise the Lord, all you servants,
From now until forever,
His name be exalted,
Above all, together.
Oh, Praise the Lord now and forever.

(Bridge)
Who is like our God, so high yet so near?
Who turns the outcast's cry into cheer?
His throne is above, yet to us, He's here,
In His love, there's nothing to fear.

(Prechorus)
For His name brings us peace,
From our bondage, release,
We will rise, we will sing,

(Chorus)
Praise the Lord, all you servants,
From now until forever,
His name be exalted,
Above all, together.
Oh, Praise the Lord now and forever.

(Outro)
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord,
His wonders we'll record,
Let all creation,
Praise the Lord, forever.

Background:

Psalm 113 in the Classic Amplified Bible emphasizes the praise of God for his greatness and his care for the lowly. Here's a summary:

- Verses 1-3: Call for servants of the Lord to praise His name, highlighting that God's name should be blessed now and forevermore, from the rising of the sun to its setting.

- Verses 4-6: Describe God's transcendence, how He is exalted above all nations and above the heavens, yet He humbles Himself to look upon the things in heaven and on earth.

- Verses 7-9: Focus on God's compassionate actions towards the poor and needy, lifting them from the dust and ash heap to seat them with princes. It also speaks of His kindness towards the barren woman, making her a joyful mother of children.

This psalm celebrates God's majesty combined with His personal involvement in the lives of individuals, particularly those who are marginalized or in need.