Friday, July 15, 2016
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Dissolved Hierarchies
Steadfast
love and faithfulness meet
When justice and peace embrace
In the kiss of brotherly love.
In this clasp divisions
Melt into the clear liquid
Of a spring-like rain
Falling soft upon the earth
An outpouring of justice
That mimics the quiet
Descent of dew
Coming down from heaven
Where the Originator
Of Peace sits on the right,
Having taken once again
His crown after breaking down
Ancient walls erected by
Pride and slithering serpents.
In peace we wait for you, O Lord.
In oneness we wait for you, O Lord.
O great Provider of all that
We need for life and prosperity,
Send us peace,
Send us unity,
Send us joy.
Dissolving Hierarchies © 2016 Nancy Gerst, cf. Psalm 85:10, Isaiah 45:8
I chose these painting of bluebonnets to accompany this poem because of the beautiful blue color hues. Blue is a color that promotes peace and tranquility, and can give both physical and mental relaxation. Blue reduces stress, creating a sense of calmness, relaxation and order.
The color of sea and sky, we feel a sense of calm when we gaze at these parts of God's creation. How needed this kind of peace of mind and body is in today's world! To offer peace to others, we must first be at peace ourselves.
I pray that you, dear friend, know this kind of peace, not just from viewing a lovely color in nature, but by going a step deeper and knowing the Peaceful Color Maker, Jesus Christ, as your friend and peacemaker. May that friendship equip you to offer peace to everyone you meet today!
MUSIC LINKS
O God of Love, O King of Peace - hymn setting of Henry William Baker's poem from 1861
1 O God of love, O King of peace,
Make wars throughout the world to cease;
The wrath of sinful man restrain;
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
2 Remember, Lord, Thy works of old,
The wonders that Thy people told;
Remember not our sins' dark stain;
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
3 Whom shall we trust but Thee, O Lord?
Where rest but on Thy faithful word?
None ever called on Thee in vain:
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
4 Where saints and angels dwell above,
All hearts are knit in holy love;
O bind us in that heav'nly chain:
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
Thou, O Lord, Are a Shield for Me - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. This choral group has long been a shining example of peace and cooperation between the races.
Deep Peace (A Gaelic Blessing) - John Rutter's setting sung by the boychoir Libera.
When justice and peace embrace
In the kiss of brotherly love.
In this clasp divisions
Melt into the clear liquid
Of a spring-like rain
Falling soft upon the earth
An outpouring of justice
That mimics the quiet
Descent of dew
Coming down from heaven
Where the Originator
Of Peace sits on the right,
Having taken once again
His crown after breaking down
Ancient walls erected by
Pride and slithering serpents.
In peace we wait for you, O Lord.
In oneness we wait for you, O Lord.
O great Provider of all that
We need for life and prosperity,
Send us peace,
Send us unity,
Send us joy.
 |
| Bluebonnet Paintings by Julian Onderdonk, 1919 |
Dissolving Hierarchies © 2016 Nancy Gerst, cf. Psalm 85:10, Isaiah 45:8
I chose these painting of bluebonnets to accompany this poem because of the beautiful blue color hues. Blue is a color that promotes peace and tranquility, and can give both physical and mental relaxation. Blue reduces stress, creating a sense of calmness, relaxation and order.
The color of sea and sky, we feel a sense of calm when we gaze at these parts of God's creation. How needed this kind of peace of mind and body is in today's world! To offer peace to others, we must first be at peace ourselves.
I pray that you, dear friend, know this kind of peace, not just from viewing a lovely color in nature, but by going a step deeper and knowing the Peaceful Color Maker, Jesus Christ, as your friend and peacemaker. May that friendship equip you to offer peace to everyone you meet today!
MUSIC LINKS
O God of Love, O King of Peace - hymn setting of Henry William Baker's poem from 1861
1 O God of love, O King of peace,
Make wars throughout the world to cease;
The wrath of sinful man restrain;
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
2 Remember, Lord, Thy works of old,
The wonders that Thy people told;
Remember not our sins' dark stain;
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
3 Whom shall we trust but Thee, O Lord?
Where rest but on Thy faithful word?
None ever called on Thee in vain:
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
4 Where saints and angels dwell above,
All hearts are knit in holy love;
O bind us in that heav'nly chain:
Give peace, O God, give peace again!
Thou, O Lord, Are a Shield for Me - Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. This choral group has long been a shining example of peace and cooperation between the races.
Deep Peace (A Gaelic Blessing) - John Rutter's setting sung by the boychoir Libera.
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