Epiphany 5 B > Psalm 147:1-12, 21c > Laudate Dominum

Psalm 147 (NRSV)
Psalm 147:1-12, 21c RCL context (BCP)

whenever you get the psalms approaching and including 100 and 150, you know there are going to be some Hallelujas involved.

This is a simple, beautiful song of praise.

There's only one verse that's a little negative:

12 He is not impressed by the might of a horse; *
      he has no pleasure in the strength of a man;

When praising God, it's important not just to repetitively shout "we praise you" or, even better "we want to praise you." It's important to name those things that God is not so as to fill in the picture about what he is.

But it is also important just to praise God. Notice how the lectionary editors tack on that extra Halleluja at the end, just for symmetry.