from February 16, 2016
Here we are, just past that Holiday of Love and Hearts: Valentine’s Day. Do you know how many times the word “heart” is used in the Bible? 576 times in the Old Testament and 149 times in the New Testament. Just a brief catalogue:
Joshua: hearts of the people melt in fear
Judges: searching of heart
Samuel: Hannah was praying in her heart
Kings: Change of heart
Job: what you concealed in your heart
The Psalms have 127 mentions: lose heart, heart’s desire, pure heart, broken and contrite heart, callous and hard hearts
Proverbs: guard your heart
Luke: Mary treasured all these things in her heart
So, thinking about hearts and love:
Leader: Lord God, you have taught us that anything we do without love is worth nothing, for whoever lives without love is counted dead before you; send your Holy Spirit, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love, the true bond of peace and of all virtues; grant this for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ who is alive with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.
NZPB p. 624c This collect was written by Thomas Cranmer for Quinquagesima Sunday (the Sunday before Lent)
Reader: from John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Leader: God, your love reaches to the highest heavens
All: how can we keep silent?
Leader: You are the Father
All: who welcomes home the prodigal who has wandered far.
Leader: You are the Mother
All: who prepares a meal when others would simply ignore.
Leader: You are the Father
All: whose love extends beyond our thoughts or minds.
Leader: You are the Mother
All: whose tender touch makes a wounded spirit whole.
Leader: God, your love reaches to the highest heavens
All: we praise your mighty name!
Leader: You are the Father! You are the Mother!
All: whose gracious love we celebrate this day. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment