Tuesday, April 14, 2020  

Today’s Hymn
Lord Jesus, think on me, and purge away my sin.
From earthborn passions set me free, and make me pure within.

Lord Jesus, think on me, amid the battle’s strife.
In all my pain and misery be thou my health and strife.

“Lord Jesus, Think on Me” (vv. 1–2) by Synesius of Cyrene
Hymn 417, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
I recently phoned a friend whom I seldom see but talk with every couple of months. I called just to stay in touch. Our conversation was all rather normal, given the self-isolation circumstances we are currently living through, but at the end of the conversation he said, “I want you to know I love you.” I was really surprised at his frankness and openness and responded with a simple “I do too.” My conversations with friends don’t normally finish with “I love you,” but maybe they should.

In these days of “shelter at home” it is important to take a moment to consider who or what is really important and to acknowledge those people or things in some way. What is important for me is staying connected with family and friends, sharing beauty and music, and becoming closer to God. When this pandemic is over, nothing will be the same as it was before. We will not just hit the resume button and have everything return to what it was before the pandemic started. Everything and everyone will be changed by this shared experience, and it is up to each of us to determine what that change will be.

Hopefully we can all learn what really matters to us, stay true to those things that are important, and share those truths to make the world a better place for everyone. A good place to start is saying “I love you” to a friend.

Prayers
Always-loving and ever-living God, help me know what is really important, and help me to live into that truth with all my being. Help me to know myself better, to cherish loved ones more fully, to appreciate beauty with more depth, and to love you, O God, more with each passing day. Amen. P.S. I want you to know I love you.

Written by John W. W. Sherer, Organist and Director of Music

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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