"For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully,
even as I have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)
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Thursday, April 3, 2008
Open our ears, glorious Lord Christ,
to hear the music of your voice
above the chaos
of this world;
open our eyes to see the vision of your glory,
for you are our King, now and for ever.
This prayer concluded Psalm 29 in the Church of England's Morning Prayer from
Common Worship. Ironically but accurately, the "music of [Christ's] voice" is thereby associated with natural phenomena such
as the cataracts of a river and thunder storms.
Experiences while white-water rafting in West Virginia and backpacking in the
Smokies verify -- for me, at least -- that nature, no matter how chaotic itself, can open one's eyes to the divine glory.
But what peculiar music in the instances given by the psalm. Listening back to the New River's rapids and the Smokies'
electrical storms, I realize it was played solely by the percussion section!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to naught; •
he frustrates the designs of the peoples.
Psalm 33 was appointed for Evening Prayer today, and v. 10 jumps out to
confirm the folly of the Bush and Blair administrations (and their few allies) in their design upon Iraq. But instead of depairing,
I pray this prayer that was often said in Morning Prayer at Trinity when I was a boy:
O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to your merciful care, that, being guided by
your Providence, we may
dwell secure in your peace. Grant to the President of the United States ... and to all
in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do your will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in your
fear; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. (BCP, p. 820)
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Vulnerability and compassion
Compassionate God,
as you know each star you have created,
so you know the
secrets of every heart;
in your loving mercy bring to your table
all who are fearful and broken,
all who are wounded
and needy,
that our hungers may be satisfied
in the city of your peace;
through Christ who is our peace.
This all-inclusive prayer from the today's morning prayer link concludes the recitation
of Psalm 25. To one degree or another, everyone can count themselves fearful, broken, wounded, or needy. While I don't appreciate
it when people whine, I do think some authenticity about our hurts would promote healing.
As the congregation kneels at the altar rail, brought to the table by God's Church,
they are shoulder-to-shoulder, sometimes, with others whose very hurts they share, unbeknownst to them. It's not my place
to blow anyone's cover, but a little vulnerability somewhere along the line would be a healthy thing. They might be surprised
by the compassion they meet.
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