“Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth” (Psalm 78:1).

On Sunday morning, I was blessed to lead worship with the people of God at St. Paul, Jenera. Right after the children’s message, Bibles were presented to the 3rd Graders by the Christian Education Committee. I was able to take part in the presentation, handing brand new Bibles into eager, outstretched hands. These young people were excited to receive God’s Word. Later in the service I noticed a couple of the students paging through their new Bibles.

Psalm 78 begins with a focus on God’s Word. “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth”. What follows is a lengthy (72 verses) narration of the great deeds of God, including the Exodus from Egypt, the wandering in the wilderness, and the move into the land.

In the recital of Israel’s memory from God’s Word, there is hope for the future. And that’s what I saw on the faces of those 3rd graders on Sunday morning. I saw hope. Hope for both the printed and the Living Word of God. Hope was truly present, and hope is always such a beautiful thing to behold.

So, what is bringing you hope these days?

A Prayer for Grace to Receive the Word

Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, which you have given us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, pg. 72)