Hallelu
Reading: Psalm 149:1-9
“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful.”
Collage credit: Jerry Wheat
My first experience with church camps and conferences came during the summer between ninth and tenth grade. A large group from our church attended the Synod Youth Conference held in the mountains of western Pennsylvania. It was the first of many experiences as camper or counselor over the next ten summers.
One of my most vivid memories is of the times of singing, both in worship and for fun. there were many songs new to me, but they are now part of my spiritual experience.
The first one we learned was "Hallelu . . . Praise ye the Lord." We were divided into two groups, one to sing the 'Hallelus' and one for 'Praise ye the Lord.' We sang with great energy!
Think about the songs of praise familiar to you. Where and when did you learn them? What is most meaningful about them?
This Psalmist is celebrating God's power to save and redeem. God's judgment, however it comes, is always for the purpose of leading us into new life. While we might not use the same pictures, we can celebrate that same redemption today. Praise the Lord!
For Reflection: For what am I praising the Lord?
A Prayer Seed:
Come, we that love the Lord,
And let our joys be known;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
And thus surround the throne.
Isaac Watts, 1709
