Something to Listen to

I know that it wasn't one of my first moments of what I can now call a "thin place," but it was certainly an early time. It was the early 1980's. Our family was steeped in church life--all of it. I remember being a bit struck by the language and tone of a new canticle from the Lutheran Book of Worship, the LBW or "green book." (The lyrics and a YouTube video of it in worship are below.) In a world where so many things clamored for attention, we were singing "...Listen! You Nations of the World..." This is the beauty of meaningful worship, to feel a part of the announcing of God's Good News to the world, and to be a part of something that is actually worth listening to. We were singing words that were entirely true. Together, we were sharing a moment of proclaiming a good set of words to the world. It is an outward focused song about the salvation history of God and our part in it. It is a beautiful thing when the heart and mind encounter something that it wants to hear and knows that it can share, wholly good and full of promises that go far beyond anything else you have heard.

Habakkuk 2:1-5

I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.

Moreover, wealth is treacherous; the arrogant do not endure. They open their throats wide as Sheol; like Death they never have enough. They gather all nations for themselves, and collect all peoples as their own.

We praise you O God!

Your life is abundant around us. Even as seasons change, your goodness does not. Teach us to be patient and watchful, yet vigilant and seeking your justice. Make us bold in our faithful action. Empower our kindness and loving sacrifices that we may spread your vision throughout the world. Shower all in need with your tender-loving care as we life them before you,... We thank you for always listening and always giving us something to say. In the Name of the Christ, Jesus, who is coming into this world and who is already at work among us in the Spirit. Amen.

For more, sing along!

Listen! You Nations

Refrain

        Listen! you nations of the world:

        listen to the Word of the Lord.

        Announce it from coast to coast;

        declare it to distant islands.

 

1      The Lord who scattered Israel

        will gather his people again;

        and he will keep watch over them

        as a shepherd watches his flock.  Refrain

 

2      With shouts of joy they will come,

        their faces radiantly happy,

        for the Lord is so gen’rous to them;

        he showers his people with gifts.  Refrain

 

3      Young women will dance for joy,

        and men young and old will make merry.

        Like a garden refreshed by the rain,

        they will never be in want again.

        Break into shouts of great joy:

        Jacob is free again!

        Teach nations to sing the song:

        “The Lord has saved his people!”

 

Text: John W. Arthur, b. 1922

Text © 1972 Contemporary Worship 5: Services of the Word, admin. Augsburg Fortress

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