Thoughts for the Day

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us -
so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.
May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.

The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.
May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

(Church in Wales Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

From a young age I sang the psalms weekly in church, at Choir practice and on a Sunday, letting them wash into my soul in the same way that other traditions would absorb Gospel songs, although since mother my was a Baptist I was pretty familiar with those as well. Psalm 67 is one of those that I love. It is a peaen of praise to God. It's Latin name is the Deus misereatur, and in a well known setting by J. Nares verses 3 and 5 in some music books (one of my grandsons called it 'The P-Salter') are in unison with a descant above, which emphasises the words "Let all the people praise thee'.

James Nares was born in Norwich in the 18th century. He began his career as the Deputy Organist of St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, moved from there to become Organist of York Minster, and then moved to the Chapel Royal in 1756 as organist and composter to George III. His anthems and chants are still sung, in cathedrals and choirs.

When we sing we forget everything but our singing (well alright, how hard it is to get the top notes sometimes); we can find a headache disappears; unhappiness becomes peace; and we are restored to a slightly better place. Praising God is the same! When we forget ourselves and remember all He has done for us, we find ourselves in a happier frame of mind.

God you are merciful to us
and You bless us each and every day.
You send the sun and the rain,
the wind and the snow,
and even though we know we
are damaging our planet,
still you care for us.
We praise You for You judge us fairly,
and we bless You for Your mercy
on us Your children.
Amen.