A Devotion for Monday, May 4, 2020
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 100 (NRSV)
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he that made us, and we are his;[a]
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
Thoughts from “The Word in Season”
Thanks and Praise
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.”
As a music education major during my first two years of college, one of my required courses was vocal techniques. I remember our teacher saying at one point that everyone can sing. Some of us, though, have wrongly been told that we cannot sing or should not sing. Others of us who might sing in ways that involve more than voices – perhaps by hearts and hands – have not always been made to feel included.
The psalmist directs the whole earth to make a joyful noise – to shout – to God. The whole earth is implored to make a joyful noise and praise God with thanksgiving. Some of us will inevitably do so with music; yet there are many other ways to praise God as well. No matter what method we choose, what matters is that we give thanks for God’s goodness, provision, and faithfulness in our lives and that we do so often. Together with all creation, we are invited to worship the Lord with gladness and bless God’s holy name.
Prayer: Sustaining God, I have many reasons to give you thank. Help me praise you with gladness. Amen.
Prayer Concern: Sign Language Interpreters
Hymn for Reflection:
“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” (ELW #858)
Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear now to his temple draw near
Joining in glad adoration!
Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning
And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting sustaining.
Have you not seen all that is needful has been
Sent by His gracious ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;
Surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do
if with His love he befriend you.
Praise to the Lord! Oh, let all that is in me adore Him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!
Let the amen sound from His people again.
Gladly forever adore Him!
If you would like to borrow an ELW or a WOV hymnal (or both) during this time of sheltering in place, you may pick one up in the narthex on the table to the right as you come in. They have been sanitized for you protection.
Please put your name on the check-out list so we can remind you to bring it/them back when we are able to resume worship in the sanctuary. Also, please sanitize them before you bring them back.
“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength,
but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.”
– Romans 10:13 (NRSV)
Blessings & Peace,
Pastor Wayne
Want to do something positive in this uncertain, anxious time?
Write an encouraging card, note or letter
for one of our shut-ins (Ken Bechtler, Myrtle Danielson, Helen Randall and Barb Morphew) which can be brought to church for delivery (place in the basket in the breezeway).
Or, make some cheerful, simple artwork –
for others and for yourself – that can be put in a window to cheer you up, and those who may see it in your neighborhood.
Do you Quilt?
How about making Masks out of quilting fabric? It’s supposed to be one of the best fabrics to use, and there are patterns online to make them.
Write a Devotion
to post here and share with others, something encouraging or inspirational.
Perhaps it could be a remembrance or experience of God’s faithfulness or love at work in your life.
Pray …
For those affected in any way by the Covid-19 pandemic, especially Felicity Luthanen who has tested positive.
For our congregation in this time of separation, that we would yet be held together.
What about a Sign Campaign?
Would we want to make simple roadside signs – from the people of Messiah – indicating prayers and support for medical, food, pharmacy, and other essential service workers (especially “on the front lines”)? What do you think? Could be a visible way of “sharing the love of Christ” in this time.
Have another idea? Let me know, and I will share it here!