Marilyn's Musings

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“Our Father” as I listened to Pastor Debbie on Sunday it really started to sink in how amazing those two words are.  I will admit to being one of those people who say The Lord's Prayer every Sunday in church and at other times during the week but don’t really think about the words.  I am ashamed to admit that I am “one of those” who just says it because we should be saying it, it is a wonderful prayer, a comforting prayer and one that should be said with respect and love. When I think about saying it, I can’t get my head around how many millions of people are saying it in so many different languages.  He is their Father, too.  I can’t wait to continue on this journey of learning more about this prayer.  See you Sunday to continue on, Pastor.

When I think of The Lord's Prayer a special memory comes to mind.  When my kids were young and went to Sunday School at Old North, we would sit in the balcony so if, when they were young, they needed me the teacher could just come and tap me on the shoulder and the service wouldn’t be disturbed.  As they got older, we stayed there because on holidays we could see when the sermon was almost done by seeing the book on the podium. When Steph was in 3rd grade she and her friend Alicia learned The Lord's Prayer as part of their lessons that year.  That year was a difficult one for my family as my mother passed away the week before Palm Sunday.  We knew it was happening but I am sure everyone knows the ups and downs of losing a mom and grandmother.  That Palm Sunday morning we went to church and although it was a beautiful service I was sad and feeling lost. Steph wanted to sit with Alicia as she was feeling sad too, so they sat in the pew behind me. As the service came to an end and it was time to say The Lord’s Prayer, I got tears in my eyes and had a hard time saying the prayer but then, something special happened.  As I sat there, I heard two little voices start to say the prayer. They were sitting behind me and as the prayer was being said those little voices got stronger and stronger.  They knew the prayer and were confident in saying it.  The Sunday School Teachers gave me such a gift that year.  The girls knew the prayer and were comfortable saying it out loud with the congregation.  And I knew God was letting me know everything was going to be ok.  Mom was with Him and her granddaughter knew the most important prayer.  I smiled and said the prayer through the tears and truly Thank God that day for His message of love and comfort.

As I write my musings every week, I have very little contact with my readers. There are a few close friends, including my sister, that send me a little note.  If there is anyone else reading this that would like to share a special memory or make a comment please do.  I would love to hear from you. I have been doing this for about 6 years or so now and look forward to sitting down on Mondays and “musing” for you or with you.

As this week goes on, we will be in a very hot spell.  Please be careful, everyone.  There are a lot of outdoor activities celebrating July 4th but please hydrate and stay in the shade.  I would love to go see the parade of the ships coming up the Hudson River.  It will be majestic to see these beautiful ships.  I don’t know if I will make it or not.  The traffic will be overwhelming and even seeing it from Jersey will be extremely crowded.  Let’s see if it cools off for Saturday.  

I tried to find bible verses to tie in with July 4th.  It was a very interesting search.  I did find a lot of information but I will share just a few with you today. I have copied these for you to read.  Now is when I wish I did better in my history classes in school.  Here we go:

Historical and Spiritual Context

The 4th of July commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the birth of the United States as a nation founded on liberty and self-governance Many of the Founding Fathers were influenced by Christian principles and thinkers like John Locke, who grounded natural rights in the will of God. The Declaration itself acknowledges that all people are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness,” which Christians interpret as recognition of God-given dignity and freedom

Key Takeaway

For Christians, the 4th of July is a dual celebration: it honors the historical achievement of national independence and invites believers to reflect on spiritual freedom, divine providence, and the responsibilities of living faithfully in a free society. It is a time to give thanks, pray for the nation, and consider how faith and citizenship intersect in daily life.

July 4th is not only a day for picnics and parades, but a day to celebrate our freedoms and try to live the way God has taught us to live.  The men that wrote that Declaration 250 years ago knew what was important and they made sure their faith in God was included for all men to see for many years.

There is a hymn in our hymnbook that I love.  It says it all about God being the “God of Our Fathers”. While singing it, think of the words and be grateful that we know the loving God we do and that 250 years ago those men who wrote the Declaration of Independence knew Him too.  I hope you get caught up in the music as I did.  

“God of Our Fathers”

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=RGexeAILgjQ&si=-iHN40-3gwFrlJCl

Preview YouTube video God of Our Fathers Preview YouTube video God of Our Fathers