Earlier this week, with Tuesday's reading, we found ourselves in the company of the psalmist who encouraged us to "Praise the Lord." Such a verbal activity sometimes pushes us beyond our comfort zone. Many of us prefer to be more measured and sedate in our approach to the gospel. Yet here is a hymn that calls forth a response of praise over and over again—twelve times in fact, even if you only sing it through once!
This outburst of praise is consistent with what the writer of Psalm 147 observed. Implied in the swirl of praise is the realization that God has created us and all that exists. God, in the fullness of time, sent forth a Son that whoever believes in him may not perish but have eternal life. These things alone should give rise to a note of praise. So let us praise, praise, praise the Lord. And if we have life and breath, let us add a rousing Alleluia!
O Lord, you alone are worthy of praise, for you have formed us, called us, challenged us, and sent us out into the world to proclaim your holy Word. Praise the Lord, Alleluia. Amen.
Robert Brusic
Seminary Pastor Emeritus, Luther Seminary
Bachelor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School , 1964
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GOD PAUSE DAILY DEVOTIONS of Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Friday, 6 February 2015 Mark 1:
The next day Jesus awoke very early and went to a quiet place to pray. He had achieved a certain amount of notoriety from the healings he performed the day before. But now he sought solitude; and for a brief while he got it. In solitude he prayed. All too soon, however, Simon and the others found him, and they all set about the busy agenda of traveling throughout the country proclaiming the message and casting out demons.
Whatever else Jesus was doing in this text, he did two things worth thinking about. First, finding solitude in our busy world is not easy, but it is necessary. We are so overwhelmed by noise, activity and digital devices that we can be driven to distraction. Follow Jesus, seek solitude. Then Jesus prayed, which is something else more easily said than done. Still, it is well to follow Jesus and offer prayer regularly.
O God, you want to attract us in word and deed. In solitude help us to pray that your kingdom may come, that your will be done and that you would save us from the time of trial. Amen.
Robert Brusic
Seminary Pastor Emeritus, Luther Seminary
Bachelor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School , 1964
Mark 1:35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.
36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him.
37 When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."
38 He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do."
39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.[New Revised Standard Version
GOD PAUSE DAILY DEVOTIONS of Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Friday, 6 February 2015 Mark 1:
35 Early in the morning, well before sunrise, Jesus rose and went to a deserted place where he could be alone in prayer. 36 Simon and those with him tracked him down. 37 When they found him, they told him, “Everyone’s looking for you!”
38 He replied, “Let’s head in the other direction, to the nearby villages, so that I can preach there too. That’s why I’ve come.” 39 He traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and throwing out demons.[Common English Bible]
Whatever else Jesus was doing in this text, he did two things worth thinking about. First, finding solitude in our busy world is not easy, but it is necessary. We are so overwhelmed by noise, activity and digital devices that we can be driven to distraction. Follow Jesus, seek solitude. Then Jesus prayed, which is something else more easily said than done. Still, it is well to follow Jesus and offer prayer regularly.
O God, you want to attract us in word and deed. In solitude help us to pray that your kingdom may come, that your will be done and that you would save us from the time of trial. Amen.
Robert Brusic
Seminary Pastor Emeritus, Luther Seminary
Bachelor of Divinity, Harvard Divinity School , 1964
Mark 1:35 In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed.
36 And Simon and his companions hunted for him.
37 When they found him, they said to him, "Everyone is searching for you."
38 He answered, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do."
39 And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.[New Revised Standard Version
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