Advent 2022 – Day 12
Thursday, December 8th
Music as Worship and Love
By Marianne Nichols / Season of life: CPA, Enjoys music, cooking, & reading
Scripture
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. ~ John 15:12
Each morning as I drive to work, my thoughts often race from one problem to another. As an employer managing a staff of 10 and an adviser to multiple businesses and individuals, there is always “opportunity” to ponder.
I began a ritual of praying for my clients and for my employees, mentioning them by name and speaking aloud concerns I feel, or offering thanksgiving for blessings they have offered me. Then I sing hymns, many of them memorized in my youth. The hymn phrases are familiar, but still cause me to pause
in wonder at their gravity…
Because He Lives – Jesus came to love, heal, and forgive… (What would Jesus do??? That is the answer!)
It Is Well With My Soul – Christ has regarded my helpless estate and shed his own blood for my soul… (Tears of amazement and awe always come with these words.)
Blessed Assurance – Echoes of mercy… whispers of love… (Quietly offering
what we all need.)
Softly and Tenderly – Jesus is calling for you and for me… (Oh, that means everyone, including that person who just got on my last nerve?!)
We ALL are God’s treasures. When we don’t know what God wants us to pray for, the Holy Spirit prays FOR US. All God’s creations have a song to sing, a story to tell, and a light to shine. Being so human, I need these moments with Him, to believe that God intends to work wonders in my day.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you that you remind me to recognize how much You love us. I ask for forgiveness and mercy for my failings. I ask for Your compassion in my heart. May Your Will be done today. In Your Name, AMEN.
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Reflections
In what ways do you find your mind racing throughout your day? What are you thinking about?
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In what ways could you turn these “racing mind” moments into an opportunity to expand your prayer life? What could you start praying for?
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Take a moment to listen to a favorite (or simply familiar) worship song. What words jump out at you? Spend a moment meditating on those words, asking the Lord what He might want to say.
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Lord God, may I “repeat the sounding joy” of who You are today!