In Crisis Counsels we are following the spiritual journey of the Psalmist in Psalm 42, as he wrestles with a time of great trouble. As he seeks to find spiritual direction, he says, “These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: how I went with the throng, and led them in procession to the house of God, with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.” (Psalm 42:4)

He calls to mind times of worship from the past! He particularly thinks of a major festival day from times past, and what it was like to process into the temple with songs of praise.

Last Sunday was a major festival day in our church year, but it was an Easter like no other – with empty pews. Nevertheless, we live-streamed worship with songs of praise; and in our traditional service we used a couple of video clips from previous Easters showing a full congregation and a full choir in joyous song. It was a way of doing what the Psalmist did – calling to mind how we used to “go with the throng into the house of God with glad shouts and songs of thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival.” In this strange period of separation, there is power in keeping alive the memory of our connection as a congregation. We can continue to be connected in spirit – and virtually through computers! – as we lift our hearts together to God.

Prayer – We thank You, O God, that we are joined spiritually as a congregation and can continue to look together to You in faith. Share on X

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.