Sing to the Lord


Introduction
The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.

This is the twenty-fourth of a series of weekly meditations with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him.

Author
Pastor Ron Drury, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force and advisor to its Steering Committee.

Scripture
“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD all the Earth. Sing to the LORD, bless the name of the LORD; proclaim God’s salvation from day to day. Declare God’s glory among all nations and God’s wonders among all peoples. For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised, more to be feared than all gods. As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; but You, O LORD, have made the heavens. Majesty and magnificence are in Your presence; power and splendor are in Your sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD you families of peoples, ascribe to the LORD honor and power. Ascribe to the LORD the honor due the holy name; bring offerings and enter the courts of the LORD. Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; tremble before the LORD all the earth.”—Psalm 96:1–9, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.

Meditation
Martin Luther is given credit for proclaiming—”When you sing you pray twice!” I once read similar words from St. Augustine when I was in Seminary.It really does not matter who first declared this truth,unless we see the wisdom within. In singing our praises to God we are honoring and glorifying the Almighty with more than mere words. The rhythmic movement of our bodies through breathing and the joyous sound that bends the airwaves enhance and empower the letters that are woven together. Singing often brings delight to the singer, to others who may be raising their voices together and any creature who may hear from near or far. When I was a camp youth counselor in the wooded hills of northeast Ohio, our head counselor would awake us every morning with or without campers on site with the refrain from the opening number of the musical Godspell: “Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord!” Even as I type this, joy fills my heart as I recall awakening each morning all summer long to the vibrant notes of what we were called to be about that day and everyday! Music can be a very powerful motivating force to direct and bring joy to all creation!

Reflection

  • How can you “tremble before the LORD” to find new songs and sing to God joyfully here and throughout God’s creation in “majesty and magnificence”?
  • What music warms your heart and motivates you to better serve God each day?
  • How can we work together more in harmony even when we have different notes in our heart of hearts to sing to praise and glorify God together?

Prayer
Direct us, O God, to gather together to sing your praises joyfully empowered by the Holy Spirit to better proclaim and bear witness to the Savior of all—Jesus the Christ! Amen.


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