Friday, August 17, 2018

Poem, Prayer, Praise



I know you saw this one coming...

Clearly if I shared a poem four days ago...

Talked about prayer two days ago...

That would leave the word, "Praise" for today.

Often times this brings to mind images of people with their hand in the air.  If that image works for you, I encourage you to hold onto it. 

For others, "Praise" can feel like a shirt that is too tight. 

"Praise" can feel forced.

"Praise" can even feel like something we "ought" to do...which would seem to run counter to the very definition.

For "Praise" to be praise...there is a spontaneity as the sacred surges in your soul.  You cannot contain yourself...you have to make a joyful noise.  You have to let the spirit escape from you in some way.  One of the reasons why I don't mind applause in worship is because it is a way to express joy in worship.  It often comes from such a deep place that we have to share in some way.  Other traditions make use of an, "Amen," which means, "May it be."  In other words, may it be that this joy I feel surging within continues to sustain me.

So, how would you define or describe praise.

Praise can be a photo...


Praise can be laughing with someone...

Praise can be sitting still...

Praise can be listening to this video...which gives me goosebumps....


Praise can be...

I hope you will fill in the blank and find more than a trace of God's grace.

With great hope and many blessings ~~   

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