08/14/2021
As men and women of faith we take communion, and in consuming the body of Christ we honor His instruction by remembering Him as we do so, but what are our remembrances, and how do we enter into them? Sometimes we stand in a line before the communion table, and one by one we take the body and the blood of Jesus, then individually we pray as the vision of His life races through our minds. At other times we are led together to consume the elements, and then recite known prayers in a singular form of remembering. Yet, what do we remember as we do this? So, when we pray alone we remember those things that our own spirit sees, as a group we all pray together what the spirit has laid on the heart of whoever directs us, but what is the effect of praying separately yet together? What does the result of Saints singing individual prayers together sound like, and present to the Lord?
“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.”
Acts 1:14 ESV
This week I joined a group of songwriters from across the country as they gathered together for a time of devotion. Individually they were so different, each with an inspired song of faith that made them, and their walk with Jesus, who they were, but as I listened to them something amazing occurred to me… together they were the harmony, and the orchestration of faith. Together we voiced our worries, our hurts, our challenges, our lives, and all of these varied concerns, and threads, were woven into one spiritual song by a single chord… the chord of Christ. What sprang from this time together was an intricate and beautiful sound of healing, worship, faith, and a picture of Christ that was made more complete by our diversity. What individually was a solo, and a solitary voice, when joined together became one incredible song of life, and prayer. Iron began to sharpened iron, temptations and concerns were shared, and the healing of body, mind, and spirit flowed forth like a chorus we all knew, and yet each of us needed to sing.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.””
Matthew 18:20 ESV
So regardless of whether we remember Jesus in a solo, sing of Him jointly in one voice as a choir, or raise up our personal sounds of praise individually yet together, in prayer we are doing as He asked of us, and all of these remembrances are joined together in golden bowls and brought before God as the sound of a new song in Heaven and the scent of fresh incense.
“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.””
Revelation 5:8-10 ESV
This week I heard the sound of a new song being written and sung. It was harsh, yet smooth, hard, and at the same time soft. It was worried, but calmed, bold, then humbled, and carried in its melody the hopes of all men. It was the sound of the world and all of the Saints, it was God’s children remembering every aspect, and glimpse of Jesus as He manifest Himself in them.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Son Jesus Christ, and the life He lived on earth for us to remember. Thank you for each of us who remembers Him in our own way, and the glimpses we have of Him that are our very own. Thank you for our prayers that rise up before you, and bring you glory. Hear our voices Lord, and the sounds of our harps and other instruments of praise as we make a new song from our lives and faith to offer you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who sings your love to us, and hears our songs of worship as we raise our hands, and voices, towards you. Praised be your name Holy Father for each morsel of bread, and taste of wine, that are the body and blood of Jesus. Praise you for our memories of Him whether they be of his conception, birth, life, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension, or our daily walk with Him. In all of life help us to see Him, worship Him, and seek to obey and glorify you through Him. Wash us clean in His blood Father, and lift us up in righteousness to sit at your table forevermore. There let us sing and play your praises always as a glorious song of your grace and glory… forever pleasing to your ear.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:15-21 ESV
Rich Forbes