Imperfect Praise

Life Notes—August 13, 2009

“…as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19-20

I am not one to spend a lot of specific, dedicated time just praising God. While I try to be aware and appreciative of the awesome wonder around me, and while I try to give at least partially conscious credit to God for the countless blessings of my life, I seldom take intentional time and devote it to just praising my merciful and generous Creator. Until Sunday mornings, that is. Maybe that is why our worship services feel so good. Maybe that is why, when I miss a Sunday or two (as I have the past two weeks), I can hardly wait to pick up my guitar and sing the next Sunday morning. I can just close my eyes and sing songs of praise to God and, sometimes in spite of the congregation present, it feels like it’s just me and God. And that feels awesome!

Don’t get me wrong. I do not claim to have any special talents that my God would find impressive or amazing. I know there are probably hundreds of people in Lawrence alone who can sing or play guitar or write songs much better than I can. But no one in the universe can praise my God in the very personal and specific way I do. And the same is true for you (yes, you!). God created each of us as unique and gifted individuals. And, according to numerous scriptures in the Bible, God longs to have those unique gifts returned, whether in song or word or deed.

I feel my closest connection to God when I sing songs of praise. I really don’t think God cares whether I sing in tune or sing the right words or hit a wrong chord—what means the most to God, I suspect, is the praise pouring out of my heart. Somehow, I doubt God hears with human ears.

Won’t you join us in ‘singing and making melody to the Lord’ this week? Tom’s sermon title is “A Wise Use of Time,” based on the scripture from Ephesians 5:15-20. Life worship is at 10:45 in Brady Hall. Traditional worship is at 8:30 and 11:00. Contemporary worship on the west campus is at 9:30.

Come lift your heart singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with us! Greg Hildenbrand, Life Worship Music Coordinator