In worship, after hearing the Word, the church is called to respond. Often that response is in the form of an offering. In seeking what to pray this morning, this song came to me. We can offer ourselves to God even when we have nothing more to give. If this is what you can offer today- it is a bountiful gift. If there is more, then present it to God.
Our offerings have been presented and then comes The Doxology. We have to have marching tunes, right?
It’s funny, for a few years we church “shopped”. We really liked this one non-denominational “seeker” church. Our kids especially loved the vibe there. We went for a few weeks and appreciated the experience but something was missing. Upon reflecting, I realized I missed the traditions of my home denomination. Me?! Hippie want to be, missing tradition?!
It was clear to me why the church left out things like the Lord’s prayer, the doxology and the Apostle’s Creed. The church was trying not to exclude the un-churched. In their attempt to include, I felt excluded. There were pieces missing that I wanted for our children.
Repeating the words and songs that people for centuries have spoken/sung together brings me comfort, grounding. It helps me to feel at one with God.
My only hippie hope is that one day I can sing this song with a little peppier of a cadence and more true emotion. Just once or twice and then back to the traditional version.
You are invited to sing it however it feels good.
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
