Third Sunday in Lent

Third Sunday of Lent, March 19, 2017 Psalm 95: 6

Psalm 95:6 English Standard Version (ESV)

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
    let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!

Do these words sound familiar? They should. We sing them as part of the liturgy. The Venite which translates “O Come, Let Us Sing” is a direct quotation of Psalm 95:1-7 It can be found on pg. 220 in the Lutheran Service Book in the Order of Matins and on pg. 235 in Morning Prayer. 

Hebrews 4:7 attributes this Psalm to King David. This portion of Scripture is recited on Wednesday at the end of the daily Jewish morning prayer services. These verses are recited in both Christian and Jewish congregations because of their inspiring message. When we sing these verses, we are singing the same Scripture that God’s people have been singing for thousands of years. Our worship is timeless. These words connect us to countless generations of the past. It is the bond we have to each other. It links us to a life with Jesus, which will have no end. The next time you find yourself singing these verses either in Matins or in Morning Prayer consider how these words of Scripture have inspired literally millions of people as the journey from grace to glory.  

Almighty God, you know that I have no power in myself to help myself: Keep me both outwardly in my body and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ the Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen 1

[1] Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent,  http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

Luther’s Seal © Ed Riojas, Higher Things