Psalm 111 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 111 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Verse 2Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.
Verse 3Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
Verse 4He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds; the Lord is gracious and merciful.
Verse 5He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant.
Verse 6He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
Verse 7The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.
Verse 8They are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
Verse 9He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name.
Verse 10The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.
Devotion
“Oh, my Lord!” I thought as the child ran through the chancel area, during worship, to get a basket to collect the disposable communion cups. My piety has very little room for such things: kids running down for the children’s message, kids running to get a bell, or a small musical instrument to play during the closing hymn. Kids running with enthusiasm to contribute to the service ... how dare they!!
These kids run like they don’t have a care. They run totally free and unconstrained. They run, as kids do, to serve God and God’s people. Who will teach these kids? Maybe… they are the ones teaching.
I guess I need to make sure my piety has room for the new activities of God. My piety should have room for hearts wholly committed to serving God and God’s people, especially when they are so young; especially when they are so young.
Prayer
Almighty Lord, as we consider what it means to be church, to be in worship, to be in Your service, in this post-Christian era, may we have the eyes to see and consider You and Your activity, even if it is not the way it used to be. Amen.