Thursday, June 6, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
Psalm 67

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us,

that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth.

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.

May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him. (NRSV)

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Reflection

There are so many things I love about this psalm. The opening line is related to a number of benedictions that I hear on Sundays. The closing line indicates that God continues to bless us, whether we see it and acknowledge it or not. The psalm also tells us how to respond to this grace, with praise, gladness, and singing.

I want to take just a second, however, to reframe this a little. Often, when groups are addressed, they listen in group speak. Look at the text again. Gracious to us. God’s face shining on us. Let the people praise you, O God. Here is what is key to my understanding as a musician and educator. Groups don’t learn. Individuals do. We may sound better as an ensemble but I can’t assume that each has learned something unless I intentionally ask each to consider what made our sound better. I will often ask, “Did you do something different that time?” I will also frame questions differently. “This time through, I want each of you to…” Let’s look at this psalm that way for a moment.

May God be gracious to each of us and to bless each of us. Let each of God’s peoples praise God. Suddenly this becomes more personal. God’s face shines upon me! The Lord has blessed me greatly and in so many ways. That can be easy to forget when the sledding gets tough. Still, when I add one simple word or thought — each. I realize how immense the reach of our God is. God loves each of us, therefore, God loves and cares for me and for each of you.

May God continue to bless each of us and let each of us to the ends of the earth revere God until that glorious day when each is reunited with the God of Love and Compassion.

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Prayer
God of grace and mercy, continue to pour out your blessings on each of your peoples so that each might praise you and sing and shout for joy in all corners of your world. Soli Deo Gloria. Amen.

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Written by Robert Sinclair, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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