Lent Devotions 2018 FINAL

Psalm 25:1-10
1
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2
O my God, in you I trust;
do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3
Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame;
let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
6
Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love,
for they have been from of old.
7
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!
8
Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in the way.
9
He leads the humble in what is right,
and teaches the humble his way.
10
All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness,
for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.
“Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.”
Psalm 25:4 – Walter Pelz, composer
that the choir has sung many times at St. Andrew’s. Sung
with guitar and oboe accompaniment, the music evokes the words of the psalmist. The music
is quietly urgent, yet contemplative, entreating God to lead and teach us how to live day by
day.
Born in 1926, Walter Pelz the composer is a lifelong Lutheran who has written hundreds of
compositions for the church. He taught music and conducted ensembles at Bethany College in
Lindsborg, Kansas, one of our ELCA colleges. Now 91 and retired, he continues to be active in
his calling as a church musician.
How many people has he reached and continues to reach through his God-given gift of music
making? How many people can we reach with our own God-given gifts? God calls us daily to
make a difference and teaches us what is right and faithful. The psalmist is there to help us
speak to God when we cannot find the words. Walter Pelz knew this and gave us a special,
evocative way to hear these words. Well done, Walter.
O God, we give you thanks for Walter and for all servants of the church who show us the way, the truth
and the life we are called to live. We pray for the strength to remain faithful and the grace to do your
will. Amen.
- Ruth Lackstrom