MEDITATION:
Written by Peggy Stackle.
The old hymns of the church are where I first learned theology. Yep, I’m a traditionalist and it’s the old hymns that taught me how to sing God’s praises. One of my happiest memories was standing up to sing during the Sunday worship service at Hollywood Presbyterian church. I was between my mother, an alto, and my dad, a base, and being immersed in amazing sound in harmony. What Wondrous Love Is This, is an American folk hymn. The words were published about 1811 in a camp meeting songbook. The words from the first stanza include: “What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the heavy cross for my soul, for my soul, to bear the heavy cross for my soul.” This is what Lent is all about. It’s an astounding feeling knowing that God loves each of us as He does. How do we deal with that? How can we return His wondrous love? The answer is easy, the implementation isn’t. We demonstrate our love for God in our relationships with others. This has been made more difficult during this time of pandemic. In order to preserve our health, we have to give up being around each other. We must meet by Zoom – NOT a fan. Human touch has a healing effect. One of the best things you can do when visiting the elderly or someone who is living alone is give them a hug. I’m a hugger and I’m part of a group of huggers. So here’s a hug for you: (8). You’re the 8, the hug is parenthetical. God’s love for you is real.
PRAYER:
Written by Columba (521-597), an Irish abbot and missionary who spread Christianity through Scotland. He founded the Abbey of Iona, which was a dominant religious and political institution in the region for centuries.
O Lord, give us, we beseech You, in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son, our God, that love which can never cease, that will kindle our lamps but not extinguish them, that they may burn in us and enlighten others. You, O Christ, our dearest Savior, yourself kindle our lamps, that they may evermore shine in Your temple, that they may receive unquenchable light from You that will enlighten our darkness, and lessen the darkness of the world. Lord Jesus, we pray that You give Your light to our lamps, that in its light the most holy place may be revealed to us in which You dwell as the Eternal Priest, that we may always behold You, desire You, look upon You in love, and long after You, for Your sake. Amen.
MUSIC MEDITATION:
What Wonderous Love: St. Olaf Choir.
Pathways Press.com 