Opening Song:

Then At Last (Psalm 32) by Wendell Kimbrough

Lyrics:

Blest is the soul that’s free from deceit
No need to hide what he says from what he means
Blest is the heart forgiven by love
Whose every fault our good Lord covers up

Long I disguised and buried my shame

Ran through the night and I groaned through the day
Shelter I sought where I thought I was safe
But oh silent soul how you wasted away

Then at last I told all my sins

And with shouts of joy lovin’ arms drew me in
To my one true safe place
In the love of God and the family of grace

So listen up if you truly want to live

Do not hide alone in the dark like this one fool did
Be not like the mule as he fights against the reins
Come let your broken heart be bound by grace

Passage:

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away

through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up[b] as by the heat of summer. Selah

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,

and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly

offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,

but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Musical Reflection:

Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby
Reflection Notes:

This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection.

Prayer:

Most loving Father, whose will it is for us to give thanks for all things, to fear nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you who care for us: Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested to us in your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.