Lenten Word 38: Singing

"Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting." (Psalm 147:1 ESV) When our girls were little, one by one, each would learn to sing. They learned from worship in church, from hearing songs played on the radio, and seeing kids sing on shows they watched on television. Yet, their singing was the result of a joy they felt in their heart. The younger they were the more innocent the song, sometimes just humming with a true melody; later actual hymns or songs they had learned, but always bringing joy to Nellie's and my hearts.

This day is the day associated with Maundy Thursday, the day Jesus celebrated Passover with the disciples, the night He washed their feet, the night He was betrayed, and the night in which He started the Last Supper or Eucharist. After the supper was over the twelve and Jesus sang a hymn and left the upper room for prayer in the garden of Gethsemane.

I wish I knew what hymn that was, but like almost all ancient hymns, and I'm talking about those hymns written during Jesus' time, have disappeared for the most part. Though for many our Lenten Journey has been somber, the joy of the Lord continues to be our strength. What we have done during these 40 days has brought us closer to the Lord and there is no sadness or sorrow in Jesus' presence. May we lift our voices high in praise today at every opportunity we get; maybe even in worship tonight!

PRAYER: Loving God, author life and song, bring a new song to our hearts that tells of Your steadfast goodness and love towards us. May we make a joyful noise in praising You always. In Jesus we pray and sing, amen.