Kyrie Eleison

These days I've really been enjoying reading the Psalms -- I'm not sure why. I'm living very happily with my new and beautiful bride! Usually I like to read Psalms when I feel depressed, but I'm enjoying them now when I'm feeling good and enjoying living with Allison. Yesterday my Hebrew professor gave a devotion from Ps. 115:1, which reads,

"Not to us, O LORD, not to us,
But to Your name give glory,
Because of your mercy,
Because of your truth."

The construction of the first line in Hebrew is about as strong a negation as is possible in Hebrew. The psalmist repeats the phrase twice so the reader is sure not to miss the point. I don't think it is so much that we as humans need to be reminded to give God glory as much as to be reminded NOT to glorify ourselves.

In talking with Allison last night, I was reminded once again of my own selfishness and how addicted I am to my own damned sin. It seems like every where I turn, my motivations are always self-glorifying and self-worshipping. We worshiped at an Orthodox church this past Sunday, and I was moved by the lines that we sang and chanted over and over again...

...Lord, have mercy.