The Fount of Every Blessing

Wednesday Prayer for South Main Chapel & Mercy Center

On behalf of Pastor Kurt Stutler,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

Welcome, family and friends of South Main Chapel and Mercy Center, and to others who have chosen to pause during this pandemic to remember God’s promise, to sing, and pray that we might nourish our souls.

The Apostle Paul began his letters with words like this to remind those who hear his message to give God the glory for rescuing us. His letters were read to followers of Jesus all over the land. Whether there was one or two or an entire congregation of people, they gathered to listen to his teaching. Paul faithfully began his messages by first giving God the glory and acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Savior. So must we.

This week, we are prompted to read portions of Psalm 105. In just 45 verses, the psalmist summarizes God’s faithfulness through times of great trouble. From Abraham to Jacob, through famine and great trials, for a thousand generations, we are assured that God will not forget the oath sworn to Issac. I can imagine our Jewish forefathers singing this psalm with great joy as they recall the stories of old and seek to encourage one another.

May we be encouraged as we read these key verses of Psalm 105 that capture this theme:

¹ Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
² Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
³ Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
⁴ Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.

⁵ Remember the wonders he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,
⁶ you his servants, the descendants of Abraham,
his chosen ones, the children of Jacob.

Psalm 105:1-6

²³ Then Israel entered Egypt;
Jacob resided as a foreigner in the land of Ham.
²⁴ The Lord made his people very fruitful;
he made them too numerous for their foes,
²⁵ whose hearts he turned to hate his people,
to conspire against his servants.
²⁶ He sent Moses his servant,
and Aaron, whom he had chosen.

Psalm 105:23-26

^45b Praise the Lord.

Psalm 105:45b

Praise the Lord!

This psalm helps us remember that we are not the first to endure hardships. When we read through the ancient stories, our present struggles seem to pale in comparison, but that isn’t the point. It’s not about comparison. Instead, focus on the main theme:

God is faithful.

He is the source of every blessing, and he will not forget his people. He will not forget you and me during times of difficulty.

A famous hymn comes to mind as I reflect on these words, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. In 1758, Robert Robinson reflected on the trials in his life and reminded us of God’s promise, that streams of mercy are always flowing, his redeeming grace is never-ending. Even when we wander, even when we find ourselves far from God, he will remain steadfast.

Here are three verses of Hymn 400 to remind us of God’s love.

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love.

Here I raise my Ebenezer
Hither by Thy help I’ve come
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the face of God
He, to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love!
Here’s my heart, oh, take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Prayer

God, our Father, hear our confession as we admit our hearts and minds tend to wander even when we know better. Thank you for songs that remind us that you sent your son to walk amongst us and that he willingly shed his blood for our sins to redeem all who call Jesus Lord and Savior. As we enter this seventh month of pandemic and uncertainty, may we continue to lean on your Word for strength and assurance. Give us patience in the process, wisdom to act appropriately, and grace when we stumble. Jesus, grant us your peace even though we find ourselves physically distant, keep us connected through your Spirit.

May our words and actions be wrapped in kindness to others, to family, friends, neighbors, and strangers. May we learn new ways to love you, our Lord, our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; and help us to love our neighbors as ourselves. May our unity, our commitment, our love for each other be more contagious than any coronavirus ever could be. And may eternity provide evidence of those that chose Christ in these troubled times.

Grant us your peace.

Amen.