Let us, with a gladsome mind,
praise the LORD, for He is kind:
for His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
2 Let us blaze His Name abroad,
for of gods He is the God:
for His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
3 He with all-commanding might
filled the new-made world with light:
for His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
4 All things living He doth feed;
His full hand supplies their need:
for His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
5 He His chosen race did bless
in the wasteful wilderness:
for His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
6 He hath with a pious eye
looked upon our misery:
for His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
7 Let us therefore warble forth
His high majesty and worth:
for His mercies shall endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
John Milton (1608-1674)
Tune: Monkland – can be heard here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS6tLc32ubk
Reflection
Love it. In that last verse, ‘Let us therefore warble forth.’ Not the words I’m used to but oh so familiar, whether it’s me with a sore throat doing my best or a congregation with some great – or not so great – warblers!
Our tradition of congregational hymn-singing is one of our great treasures – as are our shrinking ranks of organists, pianists, and other musicians. What a difference it makes to have a confident musician accompanying and/or leading the singing, whether live or via one of the various Magic Machines that provide accompaniment. We need to value our clever tech people who can master these machines, and their contribution to our worship services.
Because praise is good for us – opening up our lungs and lifting our hearts. And praise is necessary – reminding us that our God is ‘ever faithful, ever sure. His mercies shall endure’ and we can trust in Him, whatever the politicians, the economy, or the climate do. Whether we’re singing lovely hymns that we know off by heart or bright modern worship songs that fearlessly confront the world we live in, we’re reaching out to our heavenly Father who hears us and delights to hear us. ‘For His mercies shall endure, ever faithful, ever sure.’
Prayer
Faithful God, we praise you and worship you. Lift our hearts as we sing our praises to you this morning. Thank you that you delight in our praises however tunefully or otherwise we warble them to you!
Amen.
