Proper 5
Preaching
Aids To The Psalms
Exploring The Message
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I;
for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me abide in your tent forever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah.
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Psalm 61:8
So I will always sing praises to your name,
as I pay my vows day after day.
Alternate Image
"Yo God! Listen up! I'm in deep trouble," yells the Singer.
"The wolves are hot on my trail, and I think they are faster than
I am; help!" This Singer has gone hiking in the woods. He has
gotten lost and as darkness descends a pack of wolves, or some
scary animals, have found him and begun to track him. It is very
frightening and he is running up and down hills, in and out and
around trees and he is getting more and more tired. As he is
dashing through the trees he notices a person on his right
running with him, apparently also trying to escape his fanged
pursuers. Then the Singer spies another runner on his left
keeping pace and smiling encouragement. The Singer notices
another runner to the right and yet another runner on his left
and still another runner behind him. Soon he sees that he is in a
company of runners. It is good company,
company that calms his fears as they share common dangers. As
they run the Singer spies another runner who has stopped and is
holding up his hands apparently encouraging all the runners to
stop. Fearful, yet buoyed by the camaraderie, they do stop and
face their assailants. However, the fanged creatures have
disappeared. They may return, but the Singer feels more confident
in the company of those around him. The Singer resolves to stay
with this group of newfound friend runners. Reflection
"The heritage of those who fear your name." Life, whether we
are believers or not, is often scary. We are easily frightened by
things that go bump in the night, of demons of our own or others
making. That is not new or unusual for saints or sinners. It is
good to be in the company of others at such times. To be in the
company especially of those who possess a greater fear in their
lives. A fear that is not based on being frightened or scared but
upon being in awe; those who possess the fear of God. And best
yet is to know that we stand in the company of one who has
experienced our fears and is God incarnate, God in the midst of
our flight. That company allows us to stand faithful and cease
our fearful flight, to stand on our common ground of faith and
confront all that may threaten us.
From the end of the earth I call to you,
when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I;
for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.
Let me abide in your tent forever,
find refuge under the shelter of your wings. Selah.
For you, O God, have heard my vows;
you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
Psalm 61:8
So I will always sing praises to your name,
as I pay my vows day after day.
Alternate Image
"Yo God! Listen up! I'm in deep trouble," yells the Singer.
"The wolves are hot on my trail, and I think they are faster than
I am; help!" This Singer has gone hiking in the woods. He has
gotten lost and as darkness descends a pack of wolves, or some
scary animals, have found him and begun to track him. It is very
frightening and he is running up and down hills, in and out and
around trees and he is getting more and more tired. As he is
dashing through the trees he notices a person on his right
running with him, apparently also trying to escape his fanged
pursuers. Then the Singer spies another runner on his left
keeping pace and smiling encouragement. The Singer notices
another runner to the right and yet another runner on his left
and still another runner behind him. Soon he sees that he is in a
company of runners. It is good company,
company that calms his fears as they share common dangers. As
they run the Singer spies another runner who has stopped and is
holding up his hands apparently encouraging all the runners to
stop. Fearful, yet buoyed by the camaraderie, they do stop and
face their assailants. However, the fanged creatures have
disappeared. They may return, but the Singer feels more confident
in the company of those around him. The Singer resolves to stay
with this group of newfound friend runners. Reflection
"The heritage of those who fear your name." Life, whether we
are believers or not, is often scary. We are easily frightened by
things that go bump in the night, of demons of our own or others
making. That is not new or unusual for saints or sinners. It is
good to be in the company of others at such times. To be in the
company especially of those who possess a greater fear in their
lives. A fear that is not based on being frightened or scared but
upon being in awe; those who possess the fear of God. And best
yet is to know that we stand in the company of one who has
experienced our fears and is God incarnate, God in the midst of
our flight. That company allows us to stand faithful and cease
our fearful flight, to stand on our common ground of faith and
confront all that may threaten us.
