Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions

Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.” vs. 3

Psalm 84:1-7

This psalm was likely sung by believers as they made their way to Jerusalem for one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals of Judaism. It was an exciting time, and everyone looked forward to making their offerings and worshiping in the temple. This was the place of the Holy of Holies, the actual dwelling place of God on earth, and it was a big deal to come into God’s sacred presence. The psalmist mentions that even birds flew through the open courts and made nests for themselves in various nooks and crannies. Most believers now recognize that God cannot be confined to a particular temple or church, and furthermore, aren’t likely to allow birds to live in their sanctuaries, though an exception might be made for bats in their belfries. St. Francis, however, appreciated God’s bird connections, and even went into the forest to preach to our feathered brothers and sisters. It’s a whimsical thought, this notion that the gospel is for the birds, and it reminds us that worshiping in nature can be a sacred act. To simply sit in a garden or a forest, watching the birds and praying with them, will likely be more valuable for our God-connections than watching praise music performers from comfortable sanctuary pews.

Thought for the Day: Why do we love to watch birds?

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