Le dons de Dieu pour le peuple de Dieu

by chuckofish

One of the books I grabbed at the estate sale last Saturday was a Book of Common Prayer en francais.

Although I took French for something like ten years growing up, I am the first to admit that I learned next to nothing. I was able to pass the foreign language requirement (barely) in order to get a master’s degree back in 1979 and I have a pretty good ear and can watch French television shows–but that’s about it.

We do not presume to come to this thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy Table. But thou art the same Lord whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the flesh of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink his blood, that we may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen.

How great is that? I am going to have fun reading and trying to remember some of these prayers in French.

Of course, we Presbyterians have a problem with “written prayers” because they frequently mask the emptiness of the heart. This short article by Derek Thomas explains how outward demonstrations of piety may be no more than mere hypocrisy.

And I loved this. “Can you imagine how proud you’d be if you were this 13-year-old sniper’s parents? Job SERIOUSLY well done, young man.” True story.

Have a good Tuesday!

J’aime le Seigneur: il entend le cri de ma prière…