Proper 19
Worship
Aids To The Psalms
I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;
I will remember your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all your work,
and muse on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have displayed your might among the peoples.
With your strong arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
the very deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
the skies thundered;
your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lit up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
your path, through the mighty waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hands of Moses and Aaron.
Alternate Image
The Singer lies in a hospital bed after a serious accident. Many of his bones have been broken, organs have been damaged, his vehicle has been totally destroyed, hospital bills are mounting, all is bleak and dismal. The Singer feels in the pits, abandoned, alone, forsaken and forgotten with no family or visitors at his bedside. Why? Why? Why echoes in his mind. The accident was not his fault, the other driver, drunk of course, was not even injured. Why? Is life just a crap shoot? Did his guardian angel go on strike? Has God reneged on promises to care for him? The Singer begins to pray. His prayer vents his anger and frustration towards God. He feels better. He also feels a bit silly. Now, focused on God, the Singer considers all that God has done for him. God has presented him with life. God has created a beautiful world for him to enjoy and share. God has given him health and when that health is threatened there is medical personnel to care for him. And, God has promised him total health in eternity. The Singer sees that he is a part of God's creation. God's creation is good. The Singer falls asleep secure in God's caring hands.
Reflection
The beauty of the Psalm portion just printed is preceded by a personal lament that is loaded with the pronoun "I." The psalmist is in real pain. He has faced a personal crisis and his song is that of a deep groan. Wisely, the psalmist turns his complaint towards God and so focused, receives the comfort of a wider vision. This is a good lesson for us. When life has dealt with us harshly it is good for us to take our complaints, our moans and groans to God. This shows that we are God's and can turn to God in all situations. And, when we focus on God our troubles come into better focus. Then the prayer can become dialogue as God enables us to see the blessings God gives us throughout life. We remember we are the high point of God's creation, that God cares for us steadfastly.
I will remember your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all your work,
and muse on your mighty deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
you have displayed your might among the peoples.
With your strong arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
the very deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water;
the skies thundered;
your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lit up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
Your way was through the sea,
your path, through the mighty waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock
by the hands of Moses and Aaron.
Alternate Image
The Singer lies in a hospital bed after a serious accident. Many of his bones have been broken, organs have been damaged, his vehicle has been totally destroyed, hospital bills are mounting, all is bleak and dismal. The Singer feels in the pits, abandoned, alone, forsaken and forgotten with no family or visitors at his bedside. Why? Why? Why echoes in his mind. The accident was not his fault, the other driver, drunk of course, was not even injured. Why? Is life just a crap shoot? Did his guardian angel go on strike? Has God reneged on promises to care for him? The Singer begins to pray. His prayer vents his anger and frustration towards God. He feels better. He also feels a bit silly. Now, focused on God, the Singer considers all that God has done for him. God has presented him with life. God has created a beautiful world for him to enjoy and share. God has given him health and when that health is threatened there is medical personnel to care for him. And, God has promised him total health in eternity. The Singer sees that he is a part of God's creation. God's creation is good. The Singer falls asleep secure in God's caring hands.
Reflection
The beauty of the Psalm portion just printed is preceded by a personal lament that is loaded with the pronoun "I." The psalmist is in real pain. He has faced a personal crisis and his song is that of a deep groan. Wisely, the psalmist turns his complaint towards God and so focused, receives the comfort of a wider vision. This is a good lesson for us. When life has dealt with us harshly it is good for us to take our complaints, our moans and groans to God. This shows that we are God's and can turn to God in all situations. And, when we focus on God our troubles come into better focus. Then the prayer can become dialogue as God enables us to see the blessings God gives us throughout life. We remember we are the high point of God's creation, that God cares for us steadfastly.
