First: you begin with Christ's body (US!) or the Christian community: "We present OURSELVES..." and "WE gather ... " and "To pray TOGETHER."
I'm really moved and inspired by the reminder of this togetherness. Even though church can be messy (maybe most of the time!), it is also the time we are united, physically and spiritually, with brothers and sisters who are equally broken. It is almost sacramental simply to be together to worship.
Second: Your emphasis on "His life in ours."
So much morality seems to be religious versions of the self-help movement. You keep reminding us that true morality (and true happiness) is only found as His life grows in us, or, as we become one with Him.
As you say, "We can only live obediently ... As You live Your life in us."
I like your point that it’s sacramental to be together to worship. If sacrament is an outward sign of an inward work (what I remember from Catholic Catechism) then that fits. The very fact that such different people come together around seeking Jesus is surely an outward sign of His work in our hearts.
I was struck listening this week, to the old song, Sing Your Praise to the Lord, the phrase they use of “when he first gave his life to you” or something like that, so it’s a riff on that. And it’s always good to remind ourselves that we can only live well by his power at work within us.
Blessings on your worship. We broken people are so precious to Him, every one of us. May you and yours find more and more depth of peace and hope and love in Him.
Amen, Carol!
Blessings.
Oh, that we could only love back a tiny speck of that unending devotion which is showered up on us daily by the Lover of our Souls!
Hi Karen,
Delightful poem yet again! Two things struck me.
First: you begin with Christ's body (US!) or the Christian community: "We present OURSELVES..." and "WE gather ... " and "To pray TOGETHER."
I'm really moved and inspired by the reminder of this togetherness. Even though church can be messy (maybe most of the time!), it is also the time we are united, physically and spiritually, with brothers and sisters who are equally broken. It is almost sacramental simply to be together to worship.
Second: Your emphasis on "His life in ours."
So much morality seems to be religious versions of the self-help movement. You keep reminding us that true morality (and true happiness) is only found as His life grows in us, or, as we become one with Him.
As you say, "We can only live obediently ... As You live Your life in us."
Thank you!
Sam
Welcome, Sam.
I like your point that it’s sacramental to be together to worship. If sacrament is an outward sign of an inward work (what I remember from Catholic Catechism) then that fits. The very fact that such different people come together around seeking Jesus is surely an outward sign of His work in our hearts.
I was struck listening this week, to the old song, Sing Your Praise to the Lord, the phrase they use of “when he first gave his life to you” or something like that, so it’s a riff on that. And it’s always good to remind ourselves that we can only live well by his power at work within us.
Blessings on your worship. We broken people are so precious to Him, every one of us. May you and yours find more and more depth of peace and hope and love in Him.
Yes, Amy Grant, "...when He first gave His life to you..."