2024 01 05

Vivaldi - Gloria (RV 589)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eWjQOdYzMQ

ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY: Worthy is the Lamb & Amen Chorus from Handel's Messiah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCcGqMHndxo

"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105 When I was a lay missionary teacher with the Order of the Holy Cross (a monastic order of the Episcopal Church) in Bolahun, Liberia (1962-1963) there were times when I traveled at night using what was called a "bush lantern" (probably what we would call a Hurricane Lantern). Those walking trips through the jungle and the verse above from Psalm 119 have become for me a model of the Christian life. The lantern didn't give off much light, but it did give enough to show me the next step or two. Since I carried it by its wire handle, the lantern was down low next to my feet. Because the lantern was low, any bushes or grass beside the path would throw up large, frightening shadows which I would see if I took my eyes off the light at my feet. Sometimes as I approached a village, I would see the cooking fires in the distance. Their light was a reassurance that I was heading in the right direction but was useless for seeing where to place the next step. For that I still had to rely on the light from my lantern – going a step at a time. Jesus, I want to walk as a child of the light, please help me to clearly see the next step you want me to take. Thank you.

I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt; put me to doing, put me to suffering; let me be employed for thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee; let me be full, let me be empty; let me have all things, let me have nothing; I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.
From the Watch Night Service by John Wesley

Lord, my times are in your hand; you are the stability of my times.
You are my hiding place; you are my refuge, and underneath are
your everlasting arms. Thank you.
     Ps 31:15, Is 33:6, Ps 32:7, Dt 33:27

A Word Received: Let my word guide your steps.

Albany Intercessor