Singing in the Wilderness
by Sharon Hoyer
Several years ago my daughter and I attended Wednesday night services at a local Lutheran church during Lent. This was my Lenten practice and it especially appealed to me because of the Taize music. As I reflect on that time and the readings for today I am mindful of how God can use scripture and song to make us more aware of Him.
Scripture Psalm 102:1-2, 17:
Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry for help come to you. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call answer me quickly. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.
Song:
O Lord hear my prayer. O Lord hear my prayer. When I call answer me.
O Lord hear my prayer. O Lord hear my prayer. Come and listen to me.
Scripture Psalm 107: 1-2, 43:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord.
Song:
Bless the Lord, my soul and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.
Scripture Romans 8: 28, 31:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Song:
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord, be strong take heart.
Scripture John 6: 57-58:
Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven.
Song:
In God alone my soul can find rest and peace, in God, my peace and joy.
Have you been humming these songs and saying the familiar passages out loud? I hope so. During the days of Lent we are often more faithful to the reading of scripture than any other time of the year. The Bible is the story of the Trinity and life. It tells us to study and to sing. As we are in these wilderness days, looking forward to the cross and beyond, let us cry out to Him with our whole being.
Psalm 95 : 1:
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Song:
Stay with us, O Lord Jesus Christ, night will soon fall.
Then stay with us, O Lord Jesus Christ, light in our darkness.
Our darkness is never darkness in your sight, the deepest night is
clear as the daylight.
Rejoice! We have his promise. We can sing in the wilderness.
Image by Courtney Carmody (used by permission via Creative Commons).
