pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: song


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Praise Be to God!

Reading: Psalm 148

Psalm 148:13 – “Let all of these praise the Lord’s name, because only God’s name is high over all.”

Psalm 148 is a song of praise to God. The word “praise” appears 11 times in these 14 verses. This call to praise goes out to all parts of our world. In verses 1-6 the psalmist invites the heavens to praise God. The sun, moon, and stars are called to praise God because they were each created at God’s command, set in place “always and forever.”

Verses 7-10 call on the created world to praise God. From sea monsters to hail and snow, to mountains and hills, to animals wild and tame – all are invited to praise the Lord. These too are the work of God’s hands. We are the focus of verses 11-12. The psalmist calls “every single person,” whether young or old, to praise God. We too are the beloved work of God’s powerful and mighty hands. Like the stars and the trees, we would not exist if not for God forming each of us in the womb.

Psalm 148 closes with a universal plea: “Let all of these praise the Lord’s name, because only God’s name is high over all.” Our creator is reigning on high. God’s majesty is over all the earth! For all that we are and for the one who formed us and walks with us today, we shout with all of creation, thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for your creative power and work that is evidenced by all of creation. Looking within and without we can see your fingerprints on all things. That divine touch continues to shape and form us, to lead and guide us. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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A Charge to Keep

Reading: Psalm 98:4-9

Psalm 98:9a – “He is coming to establish justice on earth!”

Continuing in Psalm 98 today, the new song kicks off. All the earth shouts triumphantly to the Lord. Humanity adds lyre, trumpet, and horn to their voices. The seas roar and humanity echoes. The mountains rejoice as the rivers clap along. There is a great rejoicing when all of creation joins together to praise God. Reading these five verses, one can sense the connection that God designed between humanity and the created world. If you’ve walked quietly in the woods or sat alone on the beach or looked peacefully out from the mountaintop, you’ve likely sensed this connection between self, creation, and God. In these moments, it is as God intended it to be.

Humanity has not always gotten this intention “right.” Often we tilt the relationship in our favor, exploiting creation and even one another for our own benefit. Even though we have gotten “better,” too often we fail to treat all of creation as an intimately connected part of who we are. God recognizes this. In verse 9 the psalmist declares, “He is coming to establish justice on earth!” Since the writing of this Psalm, the verb tense has changed. Jesus has come to establish justice. He walked among us, teaching humanity about living justly with one another and with creation.

Jesus’ dual purposes – to live amongst us to teach us how to love and to die for us to free us from the power of sin and death – these meant that he could not be here forever. So he left the task of establishing justice to his disciples. Eventually this charge fell to you and me. As I look at the world, it is far from a just place for all people and for all of creation. There is much work to do. The work must begin where we are – feeding the hungry family next door, comforting the grieving elder down the street, standing with the abused spouse and children who need protection, fighting for the just treatment of the vulnerable in our communities… A charge we have to keep. May it be so until all have justice.

Prayer: Lord God, one of us cannot fix all of the injustice in the world – or even in our smallest of communities. But together… Together with you, we are powerful and mighty. Lord, walk with us, using us to bring justice to creation and to one another. Amen.


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Praise – Our Response

Reading: Psalm 147:1-11

Psalm 147:11 – “The Lord treasures the people who honor him, the people who wait for his faithful love.”

Psalm 147 is a song of praise for God’s grace, care, sustenance, and love. In today’s reading, the first six verses focus on praising God for God’s gracious care for those in need. In verses 7-11 the praise shifts towards God’s care for all of creation.

Our reading opens with an invitation to sing to the Lord. The psalmist correctly identified why: it is good to do so and it brings pleasure – to God and to our spirits. The focus then shifts to God’s care for the people’s needs. It is post-exile. God is rebuilding Jerusalem and is bringing the exiles home. God heals their wounds, both physical and emotional/spiritual. This care and attention is just as careful and complete as God’s counting and naming all of the stars. So great and strong is God’s love and care, it cannot be truly grasped.

Verse 7 again invites us to praise God. Continuing we again receive why: for the rains and for the green grass that care for creation itself. God’s love extends to all of creation. There is no one excluded; there is no favoritism. Strength or speed (or anything else humankind may value) are not favored. No, God’s favor goes to those who walk with the Lord, to those who honor God by trusting in God’s faithful and steadfast love and care.

So here is our question: How will we praise God today for the love and care that we receive? What words – spoken, sung, prayed – will praise God today? What acts of heart and hands will honor the Lord today?

Prayer: Lord God, mighty are you and great is your love and care for us! From the smallest need to the greatest suffering, you are present to us and to our world. This day we ask that you would use us to minister to others, offering love and care in your name. Amen.


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A Faith Witness

Reading: Psalm 116:1-2 and 12-19

Psalm 116:13 – “I’ll lift up the cup of thanksgiving. I’ll call on the Lord’s name.”

Psalm 116 is part of a collection of Psalms known as the Hallel. These songs were used in the Passover celebration. Psalms 113 and 114 were sung going up to Jerusalem. These two songs celebrate God’s power, might, rescue, and protection. Psalms 115-118 would be sung after the Passover meal. In the Christian tradition, this meal would occur on Maundy or Holy Thursday. These songs celebrate who and what God was and is and they witness to the peoples’ faith and commitment to God.

Psalm 116 begins with the psalmist declaring his or her love for God. This love is founded on God hearing their prayers for mercy. Because God hears, they will always call out to God. We can relate. When we feel like God is answering our prayers and is close to us, our faith soars and our love for God grows.

Verses 12-19 offer the psalmist’s response. Gratitude and acts of thanksgiving dominate these verses. In verse 13 the author writes, “I’ll lift up the cup of thanksgiving. I’ll call on the Lord’s name.” This cup overflows with God’s blessings. Lifting it and calling on God’s name are acts of worship. Keeping the promises made to God, done so publicly, reveals the psalmist’s strong commitment to God. This public witness encourages others in their faith. As we walk through Holy Week may all that we say and do “Praise the Lord!”

Prayer: Lord God, we join the psalmist in gratitude for your presence in our lives. We are so grateful that you hear our prayers. We celebrate the fact that you are on our side. Your love for us calls us to respond with acts of love towards you. May we witness well to our love of you this day and every day. Amen.


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Even in the Valley

Reading: Psalm 13:1-2 and 5-6

Psalm 13:6 – “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.”

Psalm 13 begins with a plea for God to remember and rescue. David is beset by an enemy. This could be physical – like when Saul was pursuing him or when Absalom rebelled. It could be emotional – like when he prayed to God to spare his son born of Bathsheba. David cries out to God: “How long?” In his dire situation he feels alone, like God is nowhere to be found.

At times we feel what David feels. The causes can be physical suffering, emotional battles, relational struggles, spiritual conflict. Addiction, illness, loss, grief… can also place us in the valley. Each of these circumstances and/or emotions can feel isolating. We, like David, can cry out “How long?” to God. In these days or even seasons, it can be hard to hold fast to our faith and to trust in God.

David’s thoughts turn in verse 5. He recalls times when he has trusted in God’s faithful love. We too can recall when God was real and present to us in our time of need. David then declares his faith, stating that his heart “will rejoice in your salvation.” We too can declare God’s promises and claim them as our own. In verse 6 David writes, “Yes, I will sing to the Lord because he has been good to me.” Yes, even in the valley we too can raise a song of praise to the Lord our God. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, when we feel all alone, when we cannot sense your nearness, whisper your promises into our ears. Jog our memories and nudge us to recall how you’ve been faithful again and again and again. From this place of faith and trust, put a song in our heart. Thank you, eternal one, for always walking with us. Amen.


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Sure and Strong

Reading: Psalm 42:1-8

Psalm 42:8 – “By day the Lord commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me.”

Photo credit: Pablo Heimplatz

Psalm 42 is a song of lament. It is attributed to the Korahites, the clan from the tribe of Levi assigned to lead temple worship. As the song begins, the psalmist expresses a deep thirst for God. The thirst is so deep it has become a craving. A thirst this deep is expressed only here and one place in Joel. As tears have become his or her only food, there is a great longing to be in God’s presence once again.

In verses 4-6 there is a hope that flickers as the psalmist recalls times in God’s presence. Even as they “bare my soul” the writer recalls being in God’s temple, worshipping with joy and thanksgiving at one of the great festivals. Counting on experiencing this again, the psalmist declares, “Hope in God!… my saving presence.” In our moments of feeling separated from God may we too recall times when God was a sure and strong presence in our lives.

Verse 7 is an interesting verse. How we read it depends on perspective. If we read with the first few words of verse 6 then it feels Noah-like, as he sank into the depths of the sea. However, if we read it with the rest of verse 6 and with verse 8 then it feels like it is God’s faithful love washing over the psalmist, wave after wave. I choose the second reading. It then leads to the declaration: “By day the Lord commands his faithful love; by night his song is with me.” God is present even in the hard and difficult of life. Thanks be to God!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the reminder of your constant presence in our lives. In the moments when we feel like the psalmist – down, alone, anxious – bring to our minds those other moments, times when your presence and love were sure and strong in our lives. Lift our spirits up into your power, fill our hearts with your song. Amen.


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Great and Awesome, Complete and Total

Reading: Revelation 15-17

Revelation 15:3 – “Great and awe-inspiring are your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, king of the nations.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

As we return to the story that we departed from at the end of chapter 11, we see those who gained the victory standing around the “sea” singing the songs of Moses and of the Lamb. They declare, “Great and awe-inspiring are your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, king of the nations.”

Then the seven angels with the seven bowls of God’s wrath emerge from the temple. The first bowl is poured out upon the earth, causing “nasty and terrible sores” to appear on those who follow the beast. The second bowl is poured out on the sea, turning it to blood, killing all living creatures in the sea. The third bowl does the same to the rivers and springs. The angel of the waters proclaims God’s justice. The followers of the beast had poured out the blood of the saints…

The fourth bowl is poured out on the sun, allowing it to burn people with its fire. People cursed the name of God but did not change hearts and lives. The fifth bowl is poured out on the throne of the beast, bringing darkness. People bit their tongues and cursed God – but didn’t turn from their evil ways. The sixth bowl is poured out on the Euphrates, drying it up, paving the way for the final battle. Unclean spirits come out of the mouths of the dragon, beast, and false prophet. They gather the kings of the world for battle.

The seventh bowl is poured into the air, bringing a great earthquake and huge hail stones. The people cursed God. Then an angel shows John, in a Spirit-led trance, the fate of “Babylon.” The woman, the source of all evil, sits on a beast with seven heads and ten horns, all representing various kings. They will turn on her, devouring and burning her. This carries out God’s purposes. Looking ahead, John sees these kings will make war on the Lamb. Christ will emerge victorious. The great fall is next.

Prayer: Lord God, you are indeed great and awesome, just and true. There is no place for evil in your coming kingdom. The end of this age will be horrible and the victory in Christ will be complete and total. Thanks be to God! Amen.


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Songs of Ascent, Part I

Readings: Psalms 120-127

‭Psalm 122:1 – “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let’s go to the LORD’s house!'”

Psalms 120-134 are collectively known as the “Songs of Ascent.” Each carries the superscription, “A pilgrimage song.” These songs were likely sung by pilgrims on their way up to Jerusalem to participate in one of the three yearly festivals. I wonder which of these Jesus and his followers sang as he rode into the city just before the Passover.

Psalms 120 and 121 are like a call and response. In Psalm 120 the psalmist has been away too long and needs rescue from “lying lips” and those who “hate peace.” Psalm 121 answers with the invite to look to the mountains, to Jerusalem. There you will find your “protector,” the one who “never sleeps or rests.”

Psalms 122 and 123 function in the same way with Psalm 124. Psalm 122 begins with joy over being invited to go up to God’s house, to the city “joined together in unity.” The psalmist turns to God, asking for peace and rest for Jerusalem. Psalm 123 adds a prayer for mercy. They’ll pray attentively until mercy comes. Then Psalm 124 offers encouragement as it recalls God’s rescue and deliverance in the past. The psalmist declares that their help is still in God alone, “the maker of heaven and earth.”

Psalm 125 continues the theme of trusting in God, who, like Mount Zion, is “never shaken.” The psalmist closes this song with a request of God: do good to the good and banish those evildoers. Psalm 126 is similar in structure – remembering when God rescued them, then asking God to rescue them again. Psalm 127 is a bit like Ecclesiastes. Human effort is “pointless.” But children – and lots of them – are a gift from God!

These songs of ascent, like much of the rest of the Psalms, cover a range of emotions and situations. May we use these prayers too as we find ourselves experiencing joy or sorrow, blessing or suffering, belonging or isolation.

Prayer: Lord God, as some of these Psalms or words within call out to us, write them on the tablets of our hearts. Then, by the power of your Holy Spirit, call them to our minds at just the right time. Thank you, Lord. Amen.


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God Surrounds Us

Readings: Psalms 1-4

‭Psalms 4:1 – “Answer me when I cry out… Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer!”

Today we begin the Psalms. These words of lament and praise have guided and given voice to faith and suffering for thousands of years. They invite us to walk this road too. Originally the Psalms were Israel’s song book. As do our hymns and praise songs today, the Psalms tell the history and the theology of the people of faith – both then and now.

Psalms 1 and 2 serve as an introduction to almost all that follows in Psalms 3-150. Psalm 1 focuses on living according to God’s instruction and Psalm 2 focuses on the kingship of God. Psalm 1 begins with a list of don’ts. If one wants to be truly happy (or blessed) then don’t do these things. We all have our own list. Instead, the psalmist invites us to recite God’s word day and night. In the original Hebrew the word we translate ‘recite’ would have meant literally mumbling or uttering God’s word under one’s breath all of the time.

Psalm 2 acknowledges that the world (i.e. – the wicked) takes its stand against God and against God’s anointed. The one called “son,” the one who shall reign over “all nations” – we read that as Jesus. The psalmist advises the world to worship this king “reverently” and with “trembling.” And again the theme: take refuge in God and be truly happy.

Psalms 3 and 4 are attributed to David. Both are about crying out to God. In Psalm 3 David is hard-pressed by Absalom’s rebellion and pursuit. While we might not be kings facing a coup, we deal with oppressors and others who want to do us harm. In many ways and in many situations we too can cry out, “Answer me when I cry out… Set me free from my troubles! Have mercy on me! Listen to my prayer!” And because God is ever faithful, figuratively and literally, we can “lie down and fall asleep in peace.” God surrounds us always. Thanks be to God.

Prayer: Lord God, you do fill our hearts with joy. Your face does shine upon us. We do not need to fear because you save and you rescue. When we rant and rave like the world, draw us to the Lord our refuge. Be intimately acquainted with our ways, O Lord, as we strive to grow intimately acquainted with your ways. Amen.


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God at Work

Reading: Psalm 105:1-6 and 37-45

Verses 5 and 45: “Remember the wonders God has done… that they might keep God’s precepts and observe God’s laws.”

Our passage from Psalm 105 can be quickly summed up in these words from verses 5 and 45. It is about remembering and praising God for all that God has done. In turn, this leads us and strengthens us in our walk of faith. In the Psalm are examples of all that God has done. We too could and should make such a list that details our faith journey.

The psalmist fills the opening verses with responses to God’s work in the lives of the Israelites: “give thanks… make known… sing… tell… glory… rejoice… look… seek.” Each is done or offered with an attitude of gratitude and with thanksgiving filling the heart. These are all ways that we too can offer our praise and thanksgiving to God.

Verses 37-45 (and the rest of the Psalm) are all about remembering the specific actions of God on behalf of the people of God. In our verses today the psalmist celebrates the actions of God during the exodus from slavery. God showed up and showed out again and again. The challenge today is to reflect on your faith life and then to write down a handful of times that God showed up and showed out in your life. It can be a simple list that you write down and then lift up in prayer. It can be on a timeline that you praise your way through. It can be a poem or a song that you put together, read or sung as an act of prayer and praise. Taking the time to be intentional about remembering and thanking God reinforces our faith and it strengthens us to “keep God’s precepts and observe God’s laws.” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, fill my heart with gratitude as I remember all that you have done in my life. Each step, each stage – a drawing in deeper into our relationship. Each moment, each season – a place of learning and growth in my faith. Please continue to work in my life, O Lord. And in turn may I serve you in this world. Amen.