Daily Office Readings for Thursday of the 6th Week of Epiphany: Year 1
Morning, Psalm 105:1-22; Evening, Psalm 105:23-45
Isaiah 65:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Mark 12:13-27
“Give thanks to the Lord and call upon his Name; make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him, and speak of all his marvelous works. Glory in his holy Name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.” (Psalm 105:1 – 3)
These opening three verses say more than one might first think. They tell of the continuing gratitude we should have for God. They tell of the obligation we should have to tell the story of God’s saving presence. Our children and their children should hear these stories, our neighbors and co-workers should hear these stories. We even need to hear ourselves tell these stories. We are to pass them on and then hope they get passed on even further. What deed has God done for you lately?
We should sing praises to God, about God. We believers should have at least one favorite hymn. I have heard that singing praise songs is praying twice. I don’t know who said it but I like it. I guess we first have the words themselves. And then, we make the music, either with an instrument or the instrument of voice. Skill of voice is least important. It is the heart that flows through the voice that matters. “Sing to him, sing praises to him” the Psalmist says. On many occasions people from the pews keep a hymn going long after they’ve been told to go forth to love and serve the Lord (The dismissal). Our souls need to hear the music and our souls need to hear it from our own mouths and hearts.
We need to remember how important God is and not to be afraid to use God’s Name when needed. There are so many “OMG” people on social media today. I wonder how many of them are actually attending a house of worship. I have heard many older people proclaim “Thank You Jesus” when something good happens in their lives. I say it too. It feels good, and I know it to be true. Other people around me hear me say it. I hope it’s contagious. A simple outward cry of “Thank God” or “Thank Yahweh “or “Thank Allah” cleanses the soul. This is the way we honor God. It is important to let God, and others hear and know who we are – People of Praise. Thank You Lord.
Today we remember Frederick Douglass, Social Reformer (1895), and his information may be found at: Frederick Douglass
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (For Church Musicians and Artists BCP p.819)
O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven: Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
onewhoponders 