Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:20 KJV)

It is the apostle’s wish that the entire life be filled with gratitude, song and praise towards God. If that principle would come to fruition all base coarseness and rudeness that try to prevent things being good, noble and beautiful from thriving amongst us would be set back quite severely. It would also combat the primitive tradition of following the most animalistic passions. Just listen to the daily banter and chit-chat. What’s being discussed? Many get their words and thoughts filled from the dirty gutters and follow even dirtier ways in their mind than what their feet tread on. Some are even ashamed to have elevated thoughts and modes of speech, because they believe that’s a sign of haughty aloofness, whereas wallowing in the mud is to them a sign of being down to earth. It is as if they are rather embarrassed if the Holy Spirit invites them to a holy and heavenly lifestyle.  Meantime they should say thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for liberating them from the derogative bondage and vulgar existence. Who would not be keen to be freed in this way and led to a new and noble way of life.

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, free us from the damned illusion that a Christian should continue sinning as if it is normal and the only way. Sensitize our conscience that we are frightened by godlessness and unfaithfulness in our thoughts, words and deeds. Let us strive for holiness, purity and righteousness to which you have saved and freed us through your most precious blood.   Amen.

God Himself is present: Let us now adore Him And with awe appear before Him. God is in His temple– All within keep silence, Prostrate lie with deepest reverence. Him alone God we own, Him, our God and Savior; Praise His name forever.

God Himself is present: Hear the harps resounding; See the hosts the throne surrounding! “Holy, holy, holy”– Hear the hymn ascending, Songs of saints and angels blending. Bow Thine ear To us here: Hear, O Christ, the praises That Thy Church now raises.

O Thou Fount of blessing, Purify my spirit, Trusting only in Thy merit. Like the holy angels, Who behold Thy glory, May I ceaselessly adore Thee. Let Thy will Ever still Rule Thy Church terrestrial As the hosts celestial. (Gerhard Tersteegen, 169701769 tr Frederick W. Foster 1760-1835)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Friday after the twentieth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 360 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.