31 Oct 2024, 11:32Catherine Anthony Boldeau, BUC Stewardship Director
Psalm 141 - Complete Consecration
In Bible times, sacrifices were offered twice daily: in the morning and in the evening. The morning sacrifice was conducted around 9:00 am, and the evening sacrifice was conducted around 3:00 pm. The people gathered while the priests delivered worship and said prayers.
This is a psalm of complete consecration. David wrote this psalm while he was a fugitive, running for his life and unable to participate in corporate worship at the temple. Despite his circumstances, he still chooses to pray, to approach God directly. He recalls the sweet-smelling incense used in the temple services after the sacrifice was offered, symbolising his desire for his prayers to be as pleasing to God as the incense. Even though he is displaced and far from his place of worship, he asks God to hear his prayer, a meaningful, genuine, acceptable prayer that stems from a heart that is committed and single-minded.
The lifting of our hands to Father God denotes surrender. The giving of self and the shedding of ego. It signifies ending the day in a state of repentance, asking for forgiveness and knowing that God provides pardon. It helps to end the day with the assurance and peace that the God who took you through the day will take you through the night as He does not slumber or sleep.
As faithful stewards, let our morning and evening communion with Jesus guide us towards a 'God First' perspective. This perspective, when embraced, can bring us closer to God and help us navigate our lives with clarity and purpose.
In Bible times, sacrifices were offered twice daily: in the morning and in the evening. The morning sacrifice was conducted around 9:00 am, and the evening sacrifice was conducted around 3:00 pm. The people gathered while the priests delivered worship and said prayers.
This is a psalm of complete consecration. David wrote this psalm while he was a fugitive, running for his life and unable to participate in corporate worship at the temple. Despite his circumstances, he still chooses to pray, to approach God directly. He recalls the sweet-smelling incense used in the temple services after the sacrifice was offered, symbolising his desire for his prayers to be as pleasing to God as the incense. Even though he is displaced and far from his place of worship, he asks God to hear his prayer, a meaningful, genuine, acceptable prayer that stems from a heart that is committed and single-minded.
The lifting of our hands to Father God denotes surrender. The giving of self and the shedding of ego. It signifies ending the day in a state of repentance, asking for forgiveness and knowing that God provides pardon. It helps to end the day with the assurance and peace that the God who took you through the day will take you through the night as He does not slumber or sleep.
As faithful stewards, let our morning and evening communion with Jesus guide us towards a 'God First' perspective. This perspective, when embraced, can bring us closer to God and help us navigate our lives with clarity and purpose.
