Sunday, July 23, 2023

– Monday prior to Proper 12

 


Psalm 105:2-6 –This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” No doubt, these words sound familiar to your ears. They are sung as part of the Old Testament canticle in the Service of Prayer and Preaching.

The Service of Prayer and Preaching is wonderful service to be used on Sunday mornings where Communion is not being celebrated. From Henry Gerike's 2012 post in “Unwrapping the Gifts,” a bi-monthly publication of the LCMS' Worship Ministry.

One of the contributions of the Lutheran Service Book to the worship life of many congregations is the “Service of Prayer and Preaching” (LSB 260-267). It is a service that provides a liturgical structure for services in which the Lord’s Supper is not celebrated. While most will be probably use this service on a Sunday morning, it can easily be used at other times of the day.”[1]

The “Old Testament Canticle” is a setting of Isaiah 12:2b-6 by composer Phillip Magness that can be sung by the entire congregation or with congregation only singing the refrain and a soloist or choir singing the verses.

This historical psalm was evidently composed by King David. The first fifteen verses of this Psalm were used as a hymn at the carrying up of the ark from the house of Obededom,  It is recorded in 1 Chronicles 16:7, "Then on that day David delivered first this psalm to thank the Lord, into the hand of Asaph and his brethren." Such a song was suitable for the occasion, for it describes the movements of the Lord's people and His guardian care over them in every place.

This psalm reminds us that the Lord keeps His promises. They are for you. As you begin another week reflect on the promises fulfilled in Jesus’ life, sufferings, death and resurrection.  Jesus’ words and actions are for you!

God our Father, through the death and resurrection of Your Son You have fulfilled the promise to Abraham, Joseph and Moses to redeem the world from slavery and to lead us into the promised land. Grant us living water from the rock and bread from heaven, that we may survive our desert pilgrimage and praise You forever, through Jesus Christ our Lord.[2]

 



[1] http://www.wrestlingwiththeology.org/wiki/index.php?title=08_Prayer_Services
[2] Prayer for Psalm 105, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Volume II copyright © 1995 American Lutheran Publicity Bureau Delhi, NY
Image copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things


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