“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow," ELW 884
Devotion
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise him, all creatures here below;
praise him above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
My grandmother is ninety-seven years old. As dementia continues to become more prominent, she tends to face her days with a more negative attitude. A friend who specializes in care of older adults suggested playing music for her from the era when she was ages twelve to twenty-two. "You'll be amazed at how the music will bring her back to herself," she shared.
This past summer we asked congregational members to suggest hymns they'd like to sing during worship. The reasons shared for each request ranged from it being a late spouse's favorite to reminders of God's love first learned about in childhood. Hymns have the power to bring us back to a time in which we felt God's presence in a special way.
"Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow" always reminds me of my first experiences singing of God’s love with the cherub choir at my home congregation. Having a hard day? Try listening to a favorite hymn online and allowing the words and the music to remind you of God's love.
Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of music. Lead me back to those hymns that remind me of your presence and love. Amen.