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A Prayer in Praise of God and His Scandalous Goodness

     Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the saints. Let Israel rejoice in their Maker; let the people of Zion be glad in their King. Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with tambourine and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. Psalm 149:1-5
     What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Rom. 8:31-32
     Dear heavenly Father, it’s a glorious fall weekend. You’ve painted our trees with the palate of heaven—reds, oranges, yellows, gold and green blended into a tapestry of wonder on a canvas of rich blue sky and puffy white clouds.
     Of course we will join the Psalmist in rejoicing in you, our Maker; for creation declares your glory, beauty, passion and majesty. Of course we will sing a new song of “new creation” joy, as we anticipate the life we will share in the new heaven and new earth. Of course we will be glad in our king—King Jesus, and take up tambourine and harp, and get onto the dance floor together.
     For the beauty of this weekend is just a hint and whisper of what’s ahead—a preview of coming attractions; a veritable down-payment—the firstfruits of eternal life unfolding from bloom to full bouquet; a teaser and trailer of the glorious forever Jesus is preparing for us.
     Father, as easy as it is to praise you for being such a glorious Creator, we praise you even more, for humbling us by your law, driving us to Jesus and crowing us with salvation. Your name is Redeemer! Oh, wonders of wonders—instead of condemnation hanging over us, we’ve been given a coronation of mercy, grace and love! And now, you don’t merely tolerate us, as a legally justified people; you greatly delight in us, as your beloved, adopted children
     How can we possibly keep from singing and dancing when we consider everything you’ve done for us in Jesus? We’ve already been saved from sin’s penalty; we are being saved from sin’s power; and we will be fully saved from sin’s presence. In giving us Jesus, you have given us all things. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
     Of course we will rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on our beds; for we can go to sleep each night with the assurance of your acceptance and the peace of Jesus’ righteousness; the endlessness of your mercies and the limitlessness of your patience; the sufficiency of your grace and the guarantee of our inheritance. Hallelujah, what a salvation! Hallelujah, what a Savior! So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ grace-full and glorious name.

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