Sing to the Lord

Synod assembly had begun with a brief devotion and hymn sing. During a lull in proceedings the woman next me turned and asked, “You’re a pastor, aren’t you?” “I am indeed,” I replied. “Why do you ask?” “Oh, I thought so,” said the woman. “You sing like a pastor-loud and off-key.” Sadly, I must plead guilty to her charge. I love to sing, but I have not been gifted with the best of singing voices. Our psalm today calls for a “joyful noise,” and my singing qualifies. It may be a noise, but at least it’s joyful.

I grew up with singing. Some of my earliest and most joyful memories are of my dear grandmother filling her day with hymns as she went about her chores. Today let’s celebrate our singing as we sing glad praises to God who created us and sustains us. The psalm calls upon even the floods to clap their hands and the hills to sing together with joy. May we join in?

This Sunday let’s rock the rafters of our churches, as we sing out our praises of God, in beloved old hymns and in new tunes we are just learning.

Hear my prayer, O Lord, for to you I sing forth in joy. Amen. — JRG