The WORD Magazine - January/February 2021

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EDITORIAL

WHAT SHALL I RENDER? Bishop JOHN

I WILL WALK BEFORE THE LORD IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING. I BELIEVED, THEREFORE HAVE I SPOKEN: I WAS GREATLY AFFLICTED: I SAID IN MY HASTE, ALL MEN ARE LIARS. WHAT SHALL I RENDER UNTO THE LORD FOR ALL HIS BENEFITS TOWARD ME? I WILL TAKE THE CUP OF SALVATION, AND CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD. I WILL PAY MY VOWS UNTO THE LORD NOW IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL HIS PEOPLE. PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS. – PSALMS 116:9–15

hen I awoke this morning, a line from this psalm was in my head, on my heart, and singing in my body: What shall I render unto the Lord? I usually awaken pleased to greet the day. I’ve buried enough friends to know that e­ very day is a precious gift, so I begin each day greeting God and thanking Him for the day. This

day, however, was different. Undeniably, I was shaken by this psalm, so I share it with you in the hope of understanding the message and getting on with my day. We understand the psalms to be prayers. They are the largest portion of our corporate worship as the Church, the called-out and gathered community of God. It is our prayers that define us. What we pray is what we ­believe,

The Word

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The WORD Magazine - January/February 2021 by St. Thomas Antiochian Orthodox Church - Issuu