In Crisis Counsels we are following the spiritual journey of the Psalmist in Psalm 42, as he wrestles with a time of great trouble. As he seeks to find spiritual direction, he says, “These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.” (Psalm 42:4)

He calls to mind times of worship from the past! He particularly thinks of a major festival day from times past, and what it was like to process into the temple with songs of praise.

Last Sunday was a major festival day in our church year, but it was an Easter like no other – with empty pews. Nevertheless, we live-streamed worship with songs of praise; and in our traditional service we used a couple of video clips from previous Easters showing a full congregation and a full choir in joyous song. It was a way of doing what the Psalmist did – calling to mind how we used to “go with the throng into the house of God with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.” In this strange period of separation, there is power in keeping alive the memory of our connection as a congregation. We can continue to be connected in spirit – and virtually through computers! – as we lift our hearts together to God.

Prayer – We thank You, O God, that we are joined spiritually as a congregation and can continue to look together to You in faith. Click To Tweet

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.