The Offertory

Psalm 51 as it relates to offering out treasure to the Lord

THE OFFERTORY

Psalm 51: 10-11

"Create in me a pure heart, O God; and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me."

The offertory - the song sung during the church service when the offering is brought forward from the congregation to the altar - that was sung every Sunday at the church I grew up in in Northern Indiana always began “Create in me a clean Heart, O God,” from the old red 1958 edition of the Lutheran Service and Hymnal. Growing up as a member of that church, I never knew the words were a psalm.

But what do the words mean? What exactly is a steadfast spirit? Oftentimes, my natural laziness kicks in when asked to help with something. I force myself to ask myself, “What is the right thing to do for everyone?” Once I figure that out, that is what I do. To my chagrin, the answer usually isn’t “Sit in my recliner.”

Today’s Practice: What worship memories from your youth do you have? How do you cultivate them?