Benedictions Galore!

My parents were visiting from Chicago this last Sunday.  They loved being here, and my father mentioned, “We got, like, three benedictions!  That was great!”  He was referring to the portion before the peace, one at the end of the Eucharist and one right before everyone went out “into the world.”

In my last blogpost, “Bonfires and Taylor Swift,” (weigh in on it if you haven’t yet), I mentioned that there are many purposes for having music on Sunday morning.  One of these purposes is to make communal proclamations.  So the last song of Sunday communal worship is a really important song.  As you sing it, please know that it is intentionally designed to be a part of the communal benediction.

This week I want to give you the words to the modern hymn that will be our closing song so that you can meditate on some of its truth proclamations and yearnings that are rooted throughout the Scriptures (especially the Psalms).  Copy and paste it into a Word document and put it on your bathroom mirror, evening bedstand, or in your Bible.  It is my hope that these words can truly reflect the desires of your heart.

O Great God

O great God of highest heaven, occupy my lowly heart.
Own it all and reign supreme.
Conquer every rebel power.
Let no vice or sin remain that resists Your holy war.
You have loved and purchased me.
Make me Yours forevermore.

I was blinded by my sin.
Had no ears to hear Your voice.
Did not know Your love within.
Had no taste for heaven’s joys.
Then Your Spirit gave me life; opened up Your Word to me.
Through the gospel of Your Son, You gave me endless hope and peace.

Help me now to live a life that’s dependent on Your grace.
Keep my heart and guard my soul from the evils that I face.
You are worthy to be praised with my every thought and deed.
O great God of highest heaven, glorify Your Name through me.

(Bob Kauflin 2006 Sovereign Grace Praise)