Devotion • July 11
Today's Scripture
Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!
My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.
Happy are those who live in your house, ever singing your praise.
Happy are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.
As they go through the valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.
They go from strength to strength; the God of gods will be seen in Zion.
O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob!
Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed.
For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of wickedness.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; he bestows favor and honor. No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.
O Lord of hosts, happy is everyone who trusts in you. (NRSV)
Reflection
Psalm 84 is about pilgrimage, and its verses sing the praises of pilgrims who travel, often a long way on a difficult path, to worship God.
The authors of this psalm are the sons (descendants) of Korah who served God as doorkeepers of God’s house — the temple. The job of these doorkeepers was to prepare God’s house for visitors, for pilgrims, and to welcome people into the temple.
As Christ’s disciples, we have the privilege of being a “doorkeeper.” We must consider the “pilgrimage” each person has made during the past week that has brought them to our doorstep. Many arrive at church seeking peace, searching for comfort, or looking for hope in the middle of the world’s turmoil. By conscientiously offering each person we meet a warm greeting, a smile, or an invitation to Coffee Hour, we provide a small glimmer that what they seek will be found across our doorstep.
Prayer
God of welcome, help me to reflect your love through the offer of hospitality. Help me to demonstrate your love for each of your children by extending a warm greeting to each person I meet, by thoughtfully providing guidance to classrooms and restrooms, and by inviting those seated nearby to join me for a cup of coffee after service. God, let me be a doorkeeper who offers a glimmer of hope, a hint of comfort, or a glimpse at peace for those who seek. Amen.
Written by Sarah Younger, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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