I.
We continue to reflect on “praise” and for this week and the following two weeks we will spend time with three passages from the Book of Revelation.

Sometimes just a mention of the Book of Revelation will have folks turning away if not running away. I invite you to put aside any preconceived notions about the book and approach these passages with an open mind, ready to take in what each has to say about praise and worship.

Let me suggest you read this week’s passage, then give yourself a few minutes for it to soak in somewhat. Then reread it paying attention to who is mentioned and again resting with this. Then a third reading paying attention to what what each person and group says (or sings),

Let’s begin –

II,
Revelation 7:9-17 (NRSV)

After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, saying,

“Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, singing,

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor
and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?” I said to him, “Sir, you are the one that knows.” Then he said to me, “These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

For this reason they are before the throne of God,
and worship him day and night within his temple,
and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them.

They will hunger no more, and thirst no more;
the sun will not strike them,
nor any scorching heat;

for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of the water of life,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

III.
What is the “worship” song that the angels, elders and four creatures sing?

How does it strike you?

Do you think it would be fitting for a “Call to Worship” or benediction, an opening or closing prayer in congregations you might be familiar with?

Would you be comfortable saying or singing these words with others assembled to worship?

Why don’t you “try it on”? Repeat it a few times.

What most draws you to it or pushes you away from it?

And, remember, it is ok if it is not to your personal taste. In either case, give yourself some time to consider how it strikes you?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}