Thursday, April 30, 2020  

Today’s Hymn
Mortals, join the happy chorus
which the morning stars began.
Love divine is reigning o’er us,
joining all in heaven’s plan.
Ever singing, march we onward,
victors in the midst of strife.
Joyful music leads us sunward
in the triumph song of life.

“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” (v. 3) by Henry van Dyke
Hymn 611, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
In the Franciscan tradition, nature is considered to be the first Bible, the first revelation of the nature of who God is. Today’s hymn verse invites us as humans to join the chorus of all of nature in following the path of the stars and the sun as they make their triumphant journey across the sky. It is as if they are following their life purpose in playing an essential part in heaven’s plan. We too are invited to be a part of heaven’s plan in recognizing and living out our roles as a part of the very fabric of the universe. This verse sounds to me like a wake-up call, to notice and become aware of our interconnectedness, the invitation of Love Divine to consciously march, dance, and sing in this parade of love and life.

Prayer
Dear Source of All, we offer gratitude to you for inviting us to be a part of something much bigger than any one of us, the whole of creation. Guide us as we seek to enter into this state of union with you and all you have created, joining in with our own song in this triumphant symphony of life. With great love and devotion. Amen.

Written by Susan Schemper, Spiritual Counselor, Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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