Pause; Ask; Listen (Week 3: God's Commandments)

 

Introduction

This Lent, we are joining forces with our friends at First United Methodist Church, Wadesboro, Calvary Episcopal Church, and First Baptist Church, Wadesboro to offer each congregation's unique perspective on the same overarching theme.  That theme is: Pause; Ask; Listen.  As part of this theme, we here at First Presbyterian are offering up a weekly opportunity to pause what we are doing to read a piece of scripture, ask a questions or two relating to our daily lives, and listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit as a piece of music plays.

This week's reading comes from Mark 8, in which Jesus tells us to ignore the temptation to focus on human things and instead focus on the divine vision he shows us.

There are two question/music options listed after the scripture below.  We invite you to try one or both of them.

Scriptures

Psalm 19: 7-14

 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
    making wise the simple;
⁸ the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
    enlightening the eyes;
⁹ the fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
    and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.

¹¹ Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
¹² But who can detect one’s own errors?
    Clear me from hidden faults.
¹³ Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
    do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless
    and innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.  (NRSVUE)

 

Option 1

How do God's commandments teach me to love God and one another?

Psalm 19 in Hebrew

Option 2

Which of God's commandments do I struggle to obey?  Why?