Devotion for March 22, the fourth Sunday in Lent
Psalm 96:9 (KJV) | O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
This morning we will say Morning Prayer together. For more years than not, these prayers were used in the principal service on a Sunday. Indeed, it was shocking when the church went from Holy Communion three times a year to once a month!
Notice today in Morning Prayer, from the opening word of Psalm 95, Latin Venite “Come!” (13th Century) as it invites (seduces?) you to worship God! The beautiful Suffrages, the responsive prayers, literally our “pleadings” before God. Notice the wonderful General Thanksgiving (1650) written by Bishop Edward Reynolds, a Puritan and known to be the greatest preacher of his time. Why at 23, he took over the post which had been held by the poet John Donne.
Why do I tell you this? Not just to annoy you with facts—but because isn’t it fantastic to be part of a church which has inherited such wisdom from so many? Isn’t it terrific that we have been brought back to the beauty of this liturgy in this very trying time? That we have it and it belongs to us! Was written for us.
In these days of recovery I continue to be amazed at God’s never failing love.
PRAYER
Oh, author of all that is beautiful, lovely and true,
touch the hearts of all those in quarantine,
all those who are ill or alone or afraid,
and give us that prevalent joy
which passes all understanding.