Today, I was given the wonderful opportunity to sit with a group of folks at the third installment of our "Get Ready" Sunday school Lenten lessons based upon the spiritual practices. I found myself sitting across the table from some amazing, thankful folks. When the prompt was given, "Share one time where you found God answered your prayers," I was amazed to see how free people felt to open up about their greatest moments. For the third week in a row, I watched as someone was reduced to tears... overjoyed.
Ms. Nordt walked us through bible verse after bible verse, giving us pictures of God, as presented in new and old testament scriptures. She presented Hebrew vocabulary, giving substance to words I had heard in hymns and in really long bible verses. I learned so much in this short class. However, it was the worship connection, what Reverend Robinson called Corporate Worship, which led me to a closer relationship with those around me and with God today.
Fathers, sisters, brothers healed. Patience in the journey. Guidance for shaky parents.
The most stunning part was that I have walked past these people for two years now, heading into church. I have worshiped with them...sang the hymns, listened to our marvelous choir and incredibly talented choir and choir director and felt closer to God through worship... Like church camp... like campfire worship close to God.
But these last few weeks, under the kind and gentle direction of our Sunday school presenters, I have felt further connected to our church family. These lessons, reminding us of our focus on spiritual growth during the Lenten season.
This was to get us talking about the importance of a "koinonia," a deep fellowship, in the spirit. A worship song which has followed along with me... in the back of my proverbial pickup truck... is Rich Mullins' song, "Sing Your Praise to the Lord." You may have heard Amy Grant sing this song. That's where I heard it first. But it was written by Rich Mullins. This recording shows the lost lyrics that were not included in Grant's version.
"From the rising of the sun
To the place where it sets
The name of the Lord is to be praised
The Lord is exalted over all the nations
His glory above the heavens
Who is like the Lord our God
The One who sits enthroned on high
He who stoops to look down upon
Down upon this earth and its sky
And that is why you gotta sing"
Simple praise. Giving your time and adoration... giving yourself.
Link of the day...
http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-07-22-housechurch21_ST_N.htm
a growing trend in folks finding worship within the community using "house churches"
Quote of the day...
"Worship is the human response to Divine Initiative." - Richard Foster
Bible verse of the day...
"Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God." Colossians 3:16.
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