May 7th Virtual Worship
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty, Dwight Huntley, Matthew Leone, Rene Vazquez
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Technology Team: Michael Kendall, Mark Raker, Jerry Weissinger
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Lead Me and Guide Me
In you, O Lord, I seek refuge; do not let me ever be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me. Incline your ear to me; rescue me speedily. Be a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me. You are indeed my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord. I will exult and rejoice in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have taken heed of my adversities and have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.
[Reading Above - Psalm 31]
Most scholars describe Psalm 31 as a prayer of lamentation (verses 1-18) and a prayer of thanksgiving (verses 19-24). A lamentation is a sincere complaint offered to God in a time of adversity. A lamentation presupposes that God is understanding and loving enough to hear our complaints. A prayer of lamentation does not stop with the complaint. The lament is offered in the context of trust in God’s compassion and power to see us through adversity and finds its culmination in a prayer of thanksgiving for Divine deliverance.
Questions for Reflection:
The description of God as a rock of refuge may refer to the ancient practice of the Temple as a sanctuary for those seeking asylum from unjust adversaries. How does this practice help you think about how our nation welcomes asylum seekers?
The opening of verse 5 (Into your hand I commit my spirit) is the phrase that Jesus quoted at his death (Luke 23:46). How is this phrase an affirmation of faith rather than an acquiescent fatalism?
In verse 6 the psalmist writes: You hate those who pay regard to worthless idols. I think the psalmist is wrong about that. I think these words come from a place of deep hurt that reflect the way the psalmist feels, not God. How do you interpret this phrase?
A Spiritual Practice to Try:
Try writing your own lamentation. It should include:
Your honest complaint of an experience of painful adversity.
An affirmation of faith despite the pain.
A concluding offering of thanks that anticipates or celebrates Divine deliverance.
Feel free to share your lamentation with me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.
A Practice to Focus on Discipleship:
Incorporate a faith journal in your spiritual practice. Use the journal as a way to:
jot down needs and blessings with words or drawings or pictures
respond to the questions for reflection in the sermon notes
make notes about the weekly scripture lessons and sermons
create a to-do list of discipleship actions
list questions you want to explore
write prayers, stories, poems, or letters
be creative!
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com.