Singing the Church’s Song Together

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

I did a new thing today. I’d never used the Live feature on Facebook but there’s first time for everything. It became clear to me as the days passed this week that Grace Lutheran School needed to sing and pray. So that’s what we did. From the comfort of my couch I (with some great help from my family, who were generally more enthusiastic than they appear in this picture) shared a reading from Psalm 91 and a prayer. I offered encouragement and blessing. But mostly, we sang.

At least, I think we sang. I know that I was singing, and my kids added their voices. Frau Lyle, too. But while I was leading, I had no idea if anyone was joining in. Were people just sitting in their homes, watching? Ignoring? Laughing at the bald guy pretending he’s still cool-camp-counselor guy?

Based on the feedback I’ve seen, I wasn’t singing alone. What comfort there is in joining our voices together in the great choir that is the Church. Whether during silly chapel services or our livestream worship experiences on Wednesdays and Sunday, it is good to add our voices. Stuck in our own homes, our individual voices can sound thin, feel weak. And not just when we’re singing. We can just feel so alone. But you are not alone. Neither am I. We are together in Christ.

The psalmist sang of being stuck in a desolate pit, trapped in a miry bog. I can relate! But that’s not where God leaves us. God lifts us up. As Christ is lifted high on the cross, so are we lifted out of death and into life. Honestly, the only reasonable response to such grace is to sing. Keep singing the church’s strong. Whether you’re a trained singer or an off-key warbler, sing. Whether your voice feels strong or weak, sing. Let the Church’s song sustain you.

I began by writing that I did a new thing today. But that’s not right at all. God did a new thing today, drawing us out of desolation and isolation and putting a new song in our mouths. Let us continue to praise God, whose help and presence we need in new ways in this season.

Be patient. Sing boldly.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of help, thank you for finding us wherever we are; for not leaving us trapped and alone. Strengthen our voices and join us together. Use our song to share your grace and hope. Let all our words be in praise of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.