Reading: Psalm 66:1-9
1 Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; 2 sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise. 3 Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! Because of your great power, your enemies cringe before you. 4 All the earth worships you; they sing praises to you, sing praises to your name.” Selah 5 Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds among mortals. 6 He turned the sea into dry land; they passed through the river on foot. There we rejoiced in him, 7 who rules by his might forever, whose eyes keep watch on the nations-- let the rebellious not exalt themselves. Selah 8 Bless our God, O peoples; let the sound of his praise be heard, 9 who has kept us among the living and has not let our feet slip Reflection I have several books of hymns with histories of the songs and biographies of the writers. Knowing the context behind these pieces often adds a layer of inspiration to their messages. I’ve also learned that some of these hymnists lived In Lewisburg, PA, the town where I work. The Rev. Henry Harbaug, whose wife and daughter died within four months of each other, responded with “Jesus, I Live to Thee”. Robert Lowry, credited with over 500 hymn tunes and favorites like “Shall We Gather at the River,” “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus,” and “I Need Thee Ev’ry Hour” was a student and later instructor at Bucknell University. In Williamsport, nearer to where I live, James Milton Black was a choir leader and Sunday School teacher. He also composed “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” and about fifty other hymns. John Henry Hopkins, the journalist turned clergyman, penned “We Three Kings” while music director and deacon of Christ Episcopal Church on Mulberry Street. When I walk by these homes and historic churches, or sing one of their hymns in worship, I enjoy a sense of history and communion with the congregants who first sang their songs of praise – and wonder what new songs will give voice to God’s glory in centuries to come. –Heather Wolf Prayer Gracious God and Holy Spirit; thank you for the inspiration you give to our songwriters, poets, musicians, and artists. Thank you for these creative leaders who share their God-given talents with the rest of us, so we may all celebrate your everlasting love. In Jesus’ name I pray: Amen.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Authors
Anyone is welcome to contribute! If you'd like to write for us, please e-mail [email protected] Email
Get our daily devotions delivered to your e-mail box each day by signing up below:
Archives
May 2022
Subscribe |