Monday, January 23, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Psalm 15

O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill?

Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart;

who do not slander with their tongue, and do no evil to their friends, nor take up a reproach against their neighbors;

in whose eyes the wicked are despised, but who honor those who fear the Lord; who stand by their oath even to their hurt;

who do not lend money at interest, and do not take a bribe against the innocent. Those who do these things shall never be moved. (NRSV)

Reflection

Psalm 15 is considered to be an “entrance liturgy.” In other words, this is a psalm that worshipers would use to prepare their hearts for the worship of God. Although we do not know exactly how ancient worshipers expressed this ritual for preparation, in my imagination, this psalm functions like what happens in the Loggia each Sunday morning. Every Sunday morning, worship leaders and the choir meet in the Loggia to prepare our hearts and minds for worship.

We gather in a group and the preacher of that day leads us in a prayer meant to center us, to help us be aware of God’s grace, and to implore God to use us to communicate that grace for all who will gather in-person and online. The prayer always ends with “And may the words of my mouth and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our Strength and our Redeemer.” This is our ritual of entrance. Before we walk into the sanctuary, we ask for God to use us and for our work to be faithful.

How do you prepare for worship? Do you say a quiet prayer as you come into the doors or click on the website link? Do you find the music of the prelude creates the space during which you can pause and ask to be ready for God’s holy intrusion in your life? If not, are you willing to try?

Prayer

Holy God, meet me once again as I come to you this day. Give to me a fresh sense of your claim on my life and your hope for your world. May my words and my meditation be faithful, or may they harmlessly slip away. Amen.

Written by Shannon J. Kershner, Pastor

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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