The Liturgy Letter Newsletter – Pentecost Sunday 2016
African Psalms: Psalm Project Africa
Stream this fabulous album of indigenous Psalms from the African collective “Psalm Project Africa.” Find more music over at Soundcloud and read about the project here.
Ascension of the Lord (May 5, 2016)
“Ascension Day” by Christina Rossetti
ASCENSION DAY
By Christina Rossetti
“A Cloud received Him out of their sight.”
When Christ went up to Heaven the Apostles stayed
Gazing at Heaven with souls and wills on fire,
Their hearts on flight along the track He made,
Winged by desire.
Their silence spake: “Lord, why not follow Thee?
Home is not home without Thy Blessed Face,
Life is not life. Remember, Lord, and see,
Look back, embrace.
“Earth is one desert waste of banishment,
Life is one long-drawn anguish of decay.
Where Thou wert wont to go we also went:
Why not today?”
Nevertheless a cloud cut off their gaze:
They tarry to build up Jerusalem,
Watching for Him, while thro’ the appointed days
He watches them.
They do His Will, and doing it rejoice,
Patiently glad to spend and to be spent:
Still He speaks to them, still they hear His Voice
And are content.
For as a cloud received Him from their sight,
So with a cloud will He return ere long:
Therefore they stand on guard by day, by night,
Strenuous and strong.
They do, they dare, they beyond seven times seven
Forgive, they cry God’s mighty word aloud:
Yet sometimes haply lift tired eyes to Heaven–
“Is that His cloud?”
Psalm 97 Playlist
Liturgy Letter Newsletter (Seventh Sunday of Easter 2016)
The Liturgy Letter – 7th Sunday of Easter 2016
Jesus calls us to love one another (John 17:20-26). Just as he cared for Paul and Silas in jail (Acts 16:16-34), so he will release us from our imprisonment of sin. The heavens proclaim his power and glory (Psalm 97). Come, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21)!
–Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Easter Wallpaper
Bono, Eugene, and a Psalms Playlist
I case you haven’t seen it yet, Fuller Seminary recently released this video featuring Bono and Eugene Peterson discussing their mutual love for the Psalms. Continue reading Bono, Eugene, and a Psalms Playlist
Liturgy Letter (6th Sunday of Eastertide 2016)
The Liturgy Letter – 6th Sunday of Eastertide 2016
As we follow the early Christians’ example, such as that of Lydia (Acts 16:9-15), we praise God and ask for His blessings (Psalm 67), the presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:23-29) and his healing from our sickness of sin (John 5:1-9). We anticipate living in the light of His presence forever (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5). Let everyone praise Him and wait in the light of His resurrection.
–Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional