Let all things their Creator bless
And worship Him in humbleness
O praise Him alleluia
Praise praise the Father praise the Son
And praise the Spirit Three in One
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Father, Son…

Giving glory to the Father and the Son is fitting. They have given us so much more than we can begin to understand. This entire hymn has called so many parts of creation to worship, each of them an incredible gift from the Father.

Each of them gifts we would not be able to even thank Him for if it were not for the work of His Son to make Him known to us. We could not thank Him if we did not know Him. We could not know Him without Christ’s work reconciling us to the Father.

So often we hear people say how thankful they are, yet gratitude seems odd without a recipient. After all, what word seems to fit most naturally after “Thank”? Is it not “you”. Without an object of the thanks, the gratitude seems a bit empty. Thankfully, we know Who to thank.

Praise praise the Father praise the Son

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, Ephesians 1:3 ESV

The Father not only made us but then blesses us with every blessing, many of which we can not even really fathom. They are made available to us through His Son. We praise them for the ones of which we are aware and so many more of which we are not.

And just who is the recipient of all this praise? First of all, God the Father, our Maker. He made us to praise, yet we went our own way.  Second, God the Son, who made the way for us to come back to the Father. Jesus reconciles us and reveals the Father to us.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to determine level of gratitude. Do you regularly find yourself giving thanks to God fo all He has done? Start with this your simple prayer “Jesus, thank You for making a way back to God.” 

AND Holy Spirit

Praising the Holy Spirit is simply not as common. A quick survey of our songs of worship, both old and new will reveal this. We praise the Father, and even more commonly the Son, but the comparatively the Spirit does not receive much praise.

This is especially odd when you consider the three different persons of the Trinity are just that, each one of the three. Pair that with the work the Holy Spirit does to teach us how to live and it becomes even stranger. The Holy Spirit is worthy of worship just like the Father and Son.

And praise the Spirit Three in One

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15

The Spirit is the one who guides us into all truth, bringing us to the place where we become aware of the blessings of God and develop the desire to give Him praise. The Trinity, creating us, revealing it, and empowering our praise. Hallelujah!

Third, the Holy Spirit does the work of bringing us to the end of ourselves so that we can see our need of a Savior. When He shows us Jesus is that Savior it fuels our praise. All three members of the Trinity doing their part to invite into and enabling our praise.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the person of the Holy Spirit. Do you routinely give Him praise? Give praise to Him and the other members of the Trinity by praying a simple prayer like this, “O Three in One, enable my praise.“

Spirit, thank You for informing my praise. I could not offer it to you, the Father or the Son, unless you enable me. Help me to yield to your instruction every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Trinitarian Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Praise praise the Father praise the Son – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-church-christianity-faith-2232024/
And praise the Spirit Three in One – https://pixabay.com/photos/dove-cross-hands-fire-god-trinity-5450109/

Death once the ancient enemy
Hear now our Easter melody
O praise Him alleluia
You are the pathway home to God
Our door to life through Christ our Lord
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

When the End is a Start

So often we look at death as being the end of life. For those in Christ, nothing could be further from the truth. It actually is a glorious beginning to a quality of life we can barely even begin to imagine.

Death is a result of sin. It was true in the garden and it still is. We can not escape death, but we can overcome the consequences of it, and accordingly not only have no reason to fear, but rather hold embrace it gladly for the pathway it creates for us.

Think of walking down a path late in the day. You can only see so far through the woods, around the bend, but your guide assures you all is well. You come to a point where through the fading light and mist you really can not see where the path leads. An ominous feeling comes over you. Though you are not afraid of the dark, you believe you have lost your way. Your guide seems unbothered.

Suddenly, the wind rustles through the leaves and the mist clears just enough for you to see a distant light glimmering through the trees. You sense that safety and rest is just a little further, and though you have no memory of this path you trust your guide. A way through the unknown darkness has emerged, which he knew all along, and you are glad to take it toward the light.

You are the pathway home to God

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESV

God offers us eternal life through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When we yield to Him as Lord, death is transformed into a pathway home instead of a final destination. This is a remarkably different perspective on death, one which we are able to understand and enjoy only because of Jesus.

For those who do not know Jesus death remains their enemy. He marks the end of life. For us he has a very different role. Death becomes our pathway home to God. For the believer, it is simply the next part of the rest of our journey, not the end of it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to determine your confidence in your guide. Make certain you are following Jesus. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, guide me to that pathway.” 

When a Grave is a Door

A grave seems like such a place of finality. The body is laid in its final resting place. Covered with soil it is left to decay.

But imagine the horizontal, rectangular opening of the grave is instead vertical. As opposed to thinking of your lifeless body being placed in it, imagine your eternal soul walking right through it. Instead of a destination, it becomes a doorway.

That is exactly what Jesus accomplished.

What if God allowed Jesus’ grave to have a doorway so that it would be easier for us to imagine ours as one as well? All that is required for us to see the grave as a door is faith in Jesus and His finished work of overcoming death with His resurrection. Do you believe?

Our door to life through Christ our Lord

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 ESV

Here Jesus shows that death becomes a door to life through him. Even though we die, we shall live. Above all the other reasons to give praise to God, this one certainly stands at the top for if all the others were true and this one were not our praise would be limited. Instead, it is eternal.

For those who do not know Christ, death appears to be a door that is closed. For the believer, death is a doorway to life. A door versus a doorway. They seem so close, but could not be further apart, not only in concept, but in reality. This stanza helps us to reconcile our enmity with death.

RESONATE!

Take a few moments and consider the door of the grave. Can you see it as such? Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, thank you for making death a doorway.“

Jesus, thank You for transforming my perspective of death. Looking at death differently helps me to live differently. Help me encourage death to praise you. In Jesus name. Amen.

Transitional Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
You are the pathway home to God – https://pixabay.com/photos/beyond-death-faith-heaven-god-2753554/
Our door to life through Christ our Lord – https://pixabay.com/photos/oasis-desert-door-jesus-open-2335767/

Earth ever fertile day by day
Bring forth Your blessings on our way
O praise Him alleluia
All fruit and crops that richly grow
All trees and flowers God’s glory show
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Growing Things

What incredible variety! There seems to be no end to the different kinds of vegetation that cover the earth, and most of them are pleasing to the eye. Yet not all are pleasing to the tongue, or even edible for that matter.

Still, there is an amazing assortment of fruit and crops that are not only edible, but absolutely delicious. Think about it. God made each of them to bring Him glory in their own unique way and when we consume them they should prompt us to do the same.

All fruit and crops that richly grow

The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. Genesis 1:12 ESV

They grow as a direct response to what God said they should do, what He spoke into existence, and it is good. And what about the crops? Which one prompts your praise above all others? Multi-colored corn on the cob for me. Simply delicious. Hallelujah!

Take a moment and consider the fruits of crops. Think of their colors, and their textures. Think of their flavors and their smells. They offer, each one of them, their unique praise to God, and give us a reason to do the same when we consume them. Make certain you do!

 

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to determine your favorite fruit or crop. Acknowledge it was made to bring God glory. Make this your simple prayer “Father, help me respond in worship.” 

Calling All…to Worship

It is both a call to worship to the plants and a reminder that they are all called to give glory to the One who made them.What does that better than a flower? How they are adorned surpasses even the wisest of Kings.

All trees and flowers God’s glory show

Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Luke 12:27ESV

Oh, the lilies, and frankly all the flowers for that matter. What variety and beauty! They are glorious to behold, and yet their glory points to the One whose glory they represent. When was he last time you took a moment to marvel at their beauty? Consider them now.

The trees and flowers show God’s glory. They are a delight for the eyes to behold. A field of daffodils in spring or a mountainside in colored leaves in the fall evoke a sound of praise for the sight seen. They are faithful to do their job. Can the same be said of you?

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider the lilies. Doing so should prompt your praise. Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, help me to be faithful to offer praise.“

Jesus, thank You for calling fire to praise you. Thank you for the way it aids and inspires my worship. Let me burn for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Deliberate Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
All fruit and crops that richly grow – https://pixabay.com/photos/grapes-berry-blue-fruit-stands-694181/
All trees and flowers God’s glory show – https://pixabay.com/photos/sunflowers-field-plants-flowers-4400520/

And all ye men of tender heart
Forgiving others take your part
O praise Him alleluia
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear
Praise God and on Him cast your care
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Bearing Pain and Sorrow

Is there something that you have been carrying for a long time? Maybe you long time is a few months. Maybe it is decades. What good has come of you continuing to bear the weight of that pain and sorrow?

Sometimes we are not even aware we are doing it. Bearing some injury or sadness, either of our own doing or of someone elses. It does not matter who was the perpetrator. It only matters now that you have either chosen to carry it, or not chosen to lay it down, whatever the case may be.

What is that thing you have lugged around for far too long?

Ye who long pain and sorrow bear

Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22 ESV

It can be difficult to forgive, especially when those receiving your forgiveness have been the cause of your pain and sorrow. Sometimes even more difficult is forgiving yourself, especially when you realize you are the source of much of the trouble and discomfort in your life.

Have you born pain and sorrow of any kind for a long time? It may be emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical. Have you deliberately chosen to cast that burden on the Lord? Maybe He has had you carry it for a reason. Maybe it is time to ask Him to bear it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to consider the pain or sorrow you have long borne. Can you name any good that has come from holding on to it? Make this your simple prayer “Father, I cast my pain and sorrow on You.” 

Casting Cares on God

There is a decision to be made. Will you continue to carry that burden, or will you give it to God? Seems like a simple and obvious transaction, but we certainly make it complex and obscure.

Having taken a few moments to identify the burden, maybe you are ready to praise God and give it to Him. Maybe you have become too familiar with the place it has worn in your soul. Possibly you are not certain you can lay it at His feet.

Praise God and on Him cast your care

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7ESV

The realization that you have brought much of your anxiety upon yourself is a difficult one. There is hardly a better remedy for that than accepting the care of our God, who loves us in spite of those things. Praise Him, and cast all your cares and anxieties upon Him. Accept His care.

You may find that when you give those things to Him, He cares for you like you never understood before. Maybe He will remove the weight of them. Maybe He will show His care by sustaining you through them. Either way, you will know His care for you like never before.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and determine to deal with your cares by repositioning your life through praise. Praise allows You to see God clearly and only then can you see your trouble plainly. What care! Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, I praise You for caring for me.“

Jesus, thank You for calling fire to praise you. Thank you for the way it aids and inspires my worship. Let me burn for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Deliberate Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear –https://pixabay.com/photos/stress-anxiety-depression-unhappy-2902537/
Praise God and on Him cast your care –https://pixabay.com/photos/woman-praying-believing-god-person-571715/

Thou flowing water pure and clear
Make music for thy Lord to hear
O praise Him alleluia
Thou fire so masterful and bright
Thou givest man both warmth and light
O praise Him alleluia

All Creatures of Our God and King 
By: St. Francis 1225, trans. William Henry Draper 1919

Listen to this modern version of this ancient hymn as you prepare to ponder the lyrics.  Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.

Here is podcast content always available as part of an extensive archive of resources. We have lots of tools and options designed to help you be Resonant!  Check them out today and please consider becoming a Subscriber to support our mission of providing these tools to everyone with access to the internet!!

Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below!  It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.

Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.

As we continue our journey through this ancient hymn ask the Holy Spirit to help you issue this call to worship. Be sure to find your place in the praise. Let’s think about this.

Fiery Flames

Next up, fire. There are many references to fire in Scripture. It is a purifying agent, and a destroyer. It is not easily mastered, especially if fuel is readily available. In this passage we look at its role in offering a sacrifice to God, but one expression of it as a tool for His purposes.

Thou fire so masterful and bright

The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings. Leviticus 6:12 ESV

The ability of fire to consume an offering is impressive. The offering is worship and the way fire does its work is worship. Worship ups worship. This is part of what fire was made to do. When something does what it was made to do it brings glory to its creator. Fire and our Lord are one beautiful expression of that.

There is a very obvious power to fire. That power has a terrifying aspect to it because of its ability to burn and consume. If you have ever stood close to a raging fire, you are well acquainted with that power. Nothing in creation compares to this incredible vehicle of praise.

Spirit, show me the unique, worshipful nature of the flame.

 

 

RESONATE!
Take a few moments to consider the power of fire. It consumes many things and purifies others. That is the purpose for which it was made. Make this your simple prayer “Spirit, show me the unique, worshipful nature of the flame.” 

Warm Worship

What tempts you to keep your distance from the flame? Are you concerned what it what consume that you are not ready to part with? Are you afraid of what may illuminated if you come near to the light?

Don’t be. Come near to the fire.

Thou givest man both warmth and light

And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Mark 14:54ESV

On a cold night it also provides warmth and light, as we see in this passage from the evening Jesus was betrayed. Many a weary sojourner have felt the comfort of a fire as it performed its service, crackling and blazing as the chill and terror of the night was pushed back. Alleluia!

There is also this incredibly welcoming aspect of fire. If you have ever been cold and wet and drew and near to an open fire, you are well acquainted with its influence. Peter knew it that evening in the courtyard but was unable to push back his fear and worship with it.

RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider your source of fear. Will you allow the warmth and brightness of the flame to push it back. Give Jesus praise by praying a simple prayer like this, “Jesus, help me take a cue from the fire when I am cold.“

Jesus, thank You for calling fire to praise you. Thank you for the way it aids and inspires my worship. Let me burn for You. In Jesus name. Amen.

Warm Thinking!

Are these thoughts helping you to develop greater spiritual awareness?  Sign-up in the form to the right above to get updates of new tools to help you be Resonant.

Image Attribution
Thou fire so masterful and bright – https://pixabay.com/photos/fire-bowl-fire-flames-burn-hot-1397864/
Thou givest man both warmth and light – https://pixabay.com/photos/campfire-fire-burn-adventure-wood-1585353/