Blogging toward Sunday

Sunday, April 1, 2012, the Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church Choir presents the cantata, 

"God's Wondrous Love."

In our culture we are blessed by music in so many forms. The genres of music and the ways in which we may access music seem endless. In fact, the number of songs daily downloaded onto listening devices (like I-Pods) is staggering. Needless to say, that was not the case in biblical times. There was no sheet music to use or hymnals (red or blue:) available. Yet, music was important in the religious life of the people. We know this because of the numerous references to music found throughout the Bible. Also, we know this by the "song book" of the Hebrew people: Psalms. The Psalms, or the Psalter, as it is sometimes called, is a collection of prayers and songs written throughout Israel's history. Included are psalms of lament and woe, psalms of thanksgiving, and other songs and prayers.

In light of the cantata that we will be enjoying Palm Sunday, it seems fitting that we prepare our hearts and minds for worship by reflecting on psalms of praise. During the week, take some time to read through Psalms 145 through 150, which are beautiful hymns of praise. Better yet, read them ALOUD, allowing the sound of your voice to rise like incense before God as an offering of your adoration.

Walter C. Sutton has written a lovely prayer that might enhance your time of preparation:

Today, I delight in your works, great Maker of Music. Music is one of your greatest gifts. Thank you, God, for melody, harmony, counterpoint, and syncopation. Music makes me laugh, or cry. It gets me up to dance, or compels me to sit quietly before its majestic passage. Music touches me in ways that words cannot. Thank you, God for music.

Let all God's people say, "Amen!"

As always, I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday morning, if not before.
Shalom,
Glenda