Psalm 100
King James Version
A psalm of thanksgiving, traditionally titled "A Psalm of praise."
Download the handwriting worksheet (PDF)Printable, ruled for handwriting: copy it by hand, then type it here.
About this text
Psalm 100 carries the superscription "A Psalm of praise" in most translations, one of the few psalms with a heading that describes its type rather than naming an occasion or author. It's a communal call to worship rather than a private meditation, written to be sung by a congregation rather than read alone — its imperatives (make a joyful noise, serve, come, know, enter) are addressed to "all ye lands," not to a single person.
At five verses, it's short enough to copy in one sitting while still containing a complete shift in tone, from the exuberant noise of verses 1-2 to the quieter reasoning of verse 5 ("his mercy is everlasting"). That shift from command to explanation is worth noticing while copying: the psalm doesn't just repeat "praise" — it eventually says why.
What to watch for
- 3 semicolons: a semicolon joins two complete thoughts that belong together, a pause longer than a comma but shorter than a period.
- 3 colons: a colon points ahead to what explains or completes the first half of the sentence.
- Capital letters in the middle of a sentence: LORD, God. Ask why each one is capitalized before typing it.
- Old-fashioned words: unto, ye, hath, endureth. These are easy to "correct" by accident into modern spelling, so copy them exactly as written.
- Longest word: "thanksgiving" (12 letters). Try spelling it aloud once before reaching it.
- 5 lines averaging about 17 words each. A comfortable line length for a single sitting.
Full text (reference)
1Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.