Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:
Psalm 50:  1-6
A psalm of Asaph. 1 The Mighty One, God, the Lord, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. 3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. 4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 “Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.
Reflection:
Gather to me my faithful one, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice" (v.5)  In the context of a psalm in which the author employs some very imposing langurage about the mighty one, God the Lord, this tender invitation is a beautiful reminder that we are dearly loved children of  the Almighty.
Upon that foundation- God's love- we are in a covenant with God that the psalmist says was made "by sacrifice."  When we are gathered to God, when we live as his faithful ones, necessarily that will entail sacrifice.  The season of Lent starts tomorrow, and it is appropriate to reflect on the proper place of sacrifice in our relationship with God as his people, his children.
As is true with many worthy pursuits, sacrifice is difficult, but it is good. the hope that we can hold onto, even when sacrifice is hard, is that our covenant is made with one who is righteous.
Prayer:
Loving God please prepare our hearts for the season of Lent.  Gather us to you as your faithful ones, and show us the way of sacrifice.  Amen
(The Covenant Home Alter, author Josh Danielson)