The God Pause Daily Devotional from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 4 November 2018 "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones," ELW 424

The God Pause Daily Devotional from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 4 November 2018 "Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones," ELW 424
1. Ye watchers and ye holy ones,
bright seraphs, cherubim, and thrones,
raise the glad strain: "Alleluia!"
Cry out, dominions, princedoms, pow'rs,
archangels, virtues, angel choirs:
"Alleluia! Alleluia!" Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
2. O higher than the cherubim,
more glorious than the seraphim,
lead their praises: "Alleluia!"
Thou bearer of the eternal Word,
most gracious, magnify the Lord:
"Alleluia! Alleluia!" Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
3. Respond, ye souls in endless rest,
ye patriarchs and prophets blest:
"Alleluia! Alleluia!"
Ye holy twelve, ye martyrs strong,
all saints triumphant, raise the song:
"Alleluia! Alleluia!" Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
4. O friends, in gladness let us sing,
supernal anthems echoing:
"Alleluia! Alleluia!"
To God the Father, God the Son,
and God the Spirit, Three in One:
"Alleluia! Alleluia!" Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
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On this All Saints Day, my thoughts turn to loved ones who have finished life here on earth and are now among the saints in light with God. It brings me peace to imagine the joy they must have, being in the presence of the Savior. I imagine the time when we will all be together again, singing alleluias. The poetry of "Ye Watchers" paints a picture of the extraordinary beings God created for life in the spiritual realm. What will it be like to see cherubim and seraphs, to behold thrones, dominions, princedoms and powers? Who can describe archangels, virtues and angel choirs? Add to this vision the patriarchs and prophets, the holy twelve, and martyrs and saints around the throne praising God with joy. My human limitations will never be able to grasp the wonder of the future God has prepared--but the previews keep me looking forward.
Eternal Creator, Redeemer, and Holy Spirit, your everlasting love for us brings hope to my heart. Despite my sins, Christ's death and resurrection has won for me the expectation of eternal life with you. We thank you for your profound love toward the saints, who are at rest with you, and for your promise of new life for us. Amen.

Betsy Dartt, '81

Visitation Pastor, Our Savior's Lutheran, Spring Valley, Minn.

The Luther Seminary

2481 Como Avenue

Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States

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