Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD all the earth. - Psalm 96:1
Image used by permission of Pikist
“Sing a new song to the Lord!” I’ve heard that refrain at every turn for the past two weeks. It showed up in my morning prayers. In the antiphons at Mass. In the CTR prayer book. In the worship songs my sons chose to lead. Finally it began to dawn on me, the Lord was speaking.
“What is my song?” I wondered. “How do I sing to God? What new thing is the Spirit bringing forth in me?”
The question reminded me of a vision I had in March of 2019. I was in Austria at the time, worshiping with a small group of Fr. Peter’s friends at his former home. While the group was singing, I suddenly saw, with the eyes of my heart, the Father’s hand. It was open, and in His palm there I was, dressed in blue, dancing. It was a beautiful dance, and the Father watched with joy and fascination. This is what touched me most – His interest in the dance. It was the Holy Spirit within me inspiring the moves, giving me both grace and strength to execute them. This I knew at once. And yet, the dance was entirely free and new. It was a unique collaboration between the Spirit and me, His creature. This is why the Father watched with such sincere delight. I was singing a new song!
Though it has been almost two years since I saw that image, its beauty and its truth stirs me ever deeper. The arthritis which runs in my family has since settled into my bones. I cannot leap, or twirl, or even raise my hands in praise without considerable pain. But this new limitation does not keep me from dancing. What moved me in the Father’s hand, I knew immediately, was my contemplation of the Trinity, my meditation of His Story. Writing is the way I dance. It is the new song which brings my Father joy.
Last year I sang a song about Abraham. That was a meditation which produced a book that is yet to be published. This year I will sing about my two fathers – the one on earth and the One in heaven. I know the theme of this song. It is a story of healing and reconciliation. But the dance itself is intricate. There are many moves and leaps that I cannot yet see. I will need the Holy Spirit to enlighten and lead me.
I am thankful for the many new songs I heard from my brothers and sisters last year – for the chorus of praise “like many waters” which rose to our Father’s throne. Each voice unique. Each melody adding depth to the great anthem of heaven’s praise.
I think of my daughter’s joy as she learned to flip on the trampoline.
And my friend’s new job caring for the least of God’s children.
I remember the family in our community who welcomed two girls into their home this year.
I recall porch visits and Zoom calls with dear friends, both near and far. Holy friendship is a song unto the Lord.
I cherish the sermons I have read and the teachings I have heard.
Our family celebrated the engagement of our third child this year. He will be married in just a few days to begin a new song with his wife.
I held my newborn granddaughter just days ago. She is an entirely new song begun in 2020.
For the song writers in this community
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
For our preachers and teachers
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
For our intercessors
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
For those with hidden gifts of service
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
For the painters and sculptors
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
For the dancers and dramatists
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
For the mothers and fathers
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
For the children in our midst
May you sing a new song unto the Lord
I want to end this meditation with an unusual invitation. I would love to hear what song the Lord gave you to sing in 2020. We build one another up, and thus bless Christ our Head, when we speak of the ways His Spirit has blessed us. Please tell us about your song in the comment section.