Reflection: Loud-speaking thanks
Jack was big. Big because his body had to house an enormous heart. He’s one of my saintly heroes—big with love and kindness. He couldn’t help but woo people to Christ. I’m remembering breakfast at a Waffle diner when Jack said grace. There were no airs or pretentions, just his normal, big voice and a normal, heartfelt prayer: “We thank thee, heavenly Father…”
Though you weren’t there, I guarantee Jack’s prayer would not have made you cringe. In corporate thanksgiving we stir each other’s hearts to unified worship…and it resounds through all the world! The God we worship is every bit worthy of that renown. Did Jack’s morning grace make heads turn? Maybe. Did it please our Father? For sure.
I’m remembering another experience of loud-speaking prayer. In Nepali churches (like many countries of the world) everyone prays simultaneously. It’s like an undulating river of voices flowing from a collective heart to the throne of God. Once I got over the surprise and intentionally blocked the voices either side of me, I joined in. (Hard to concentrate! It’s a custom that must grow comfortable over time.) Did it please our Father? For sure. To each of those voices he was attentive. Was that lively Nepali church stirring individual hearts to unified worship? Yes. And resounding God’s praise through all the world!
Prayer:
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we …give you humble thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all whom you have made. We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your immeasurable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honour and glory throughout all ages. Amen.*
[take a song with you through the day, links below]
*Book of Common Prayer
Oh give thanks to the LORD for His love endures forever!
We were wandering and lost, and our Father brought us home
To a safe dwelling place, to a feast of joy and laughter
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! (chorus of song by Wendell Kimbrough)