Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name
throughout the whole earth!
You have raised your glory above the heavens.
From the mouths of infants and nursing children
you have established praise against your enemies,
silencing the adversary and the rebel.
When I look upon the heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars that you established,
what are human beings that you remember them,
and mortal people that you care for them?
You made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and dignity.
You gave them authority over the works of your hands
and placed all things beneath their feet:
flocks and herds,
and even the animals of the field,
the birds of the sky and the fish of the sea,
everything that travels the paths of the oceans.
Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name
throughout the whole earth!
What Psalm 8 contemplates
The psalmist looks at the heavens and asks why God cares for human beings. The answer does not encourage pride: received dignity brings responsibility for creation. The dominion mentioned in the psalm should be understood as stewardship and care, not permission to destroy.
Pray this psalm while contemplating nature or whenever you need to remember human dignity. Finish with an act of gratitude and care: reduce waste, protect a place, treat another person respectfully, or recognize someone's work.