All This for a King

Point Park, where 3 rivers meet, Pittsburgh

O Praise Him.

This morning as I turned to pray I heard Spirit words, a worship song I used to sing by David Crowder Band.  (To listen, pause the play-list at sidebar and click here.) 

I was reminded how my delight is found in this place of praise and serenade of Son, and how, when I give myself to holy, Spirit helps me sing along with heaven's hosts.

Friends from House of His Presence Pittsburgh (HOHPP) sent an invitation to 24 hours of prayer and praise this weekend.  It echoed the call to purpose:  We were born to praise.  Our lives were given to fellowship with God.

I have learned, when I hush my thoughts, tune to heaven's frequency, wait for God's heartbeat to become my own, my body becomes a living instrument, my breath, Spirit song.

I understand why the enemy works hard to take us out, tempts us to focus on the dark.  When we turn our gaze from Son, we see only shadows of what we're to become. 

We run all scatter, like Peter Pan, following the beat of a different drummer, chasing illusions, empty pleasures that will never be enough, instead of fulfilling our highest calling to become sons of God and co-heirs with Christ.

But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.  - 1 John 3:2 (NIV)

Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. - Romans 8:17 (NIV)

Oh, we often forget the suffering part.  To be honest, I don't want to go there -- where beauty hides in ugly, and life springs forth from death.  I don't like the pain, the dark.  Though I am dust, I run circles, hide in caves, chase shadows to avoid the dirt.

But I am reminded again today, though just a pot made from clay, cracked and weak, I am one of God's key players.  I was formed to carry light.  I was created to sing life. 

I must go there, face the dark, be willing to plant my feet in earth and claim it for the King.  I must call forth the beauty He sees.  And love, I must love, whatever the cost -- I must pick up my cross and follow.

Yes, today I remember.  All this for a King.

I sing because of love, because there is no other.  I fix my eyes on the Son, and I am blinded with beauty and truth.  I see what He sees--not a city covered in shadow, but one bursting with streams of light.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

I sing over Pittsburgh today, these words, this call to praise.  The King will find a resting place here, where the three rivers meet.  He has declared it from the heavens.  In the earth, His friends agree.   God's word never returns to Him void, but yields a harvest fit for a King.

Yes, all this for our King.

Bride of Christ, join me in singing over our cities today, over our families and neighbors and those caught dogging shadows.  All around, the nations rage -- let's sing heaven sounds over them too.  In everything we do, let it be as praise to the King.

Pittsburgh, hear this song of the Spirit.  Wake up from your slumber, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!

O Praise Him
by David Crowder Band.
Copyright (C) 2003 Sparrow Records

Turn your ear to heaven and hear
The noise inside
The sound of angels' awe
The sound of angels' songs
And all this for a King
We could join and sing
All to Christ our King

How constant, how divine
This song of ours will rise
Oh, how constant how divine
This love of ours will rise
Will rise

Oh praise Him
Oh praise Him
He is holy
He is holy
Yeah

Turn your gaze to heaven and raise
A joyous noise, yeah
The sound of salvation come
The sound of rescued ones
And all this for a King
Angels join to sing
All for Christ our King

Oh praise Him
Oh praise Him
He is holy
He is holy
Yeah

Oh la, la, la, la, la, la
Oh la, la, la, la, la, la
Oh la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. la

Oh praise Him
Oh praise Him
He is holy
He is holy
Yeah

How infinite and sweet
This love so rescuing
Oh, how infinitely sweet
This great love that has redeemed
As one we sing

Alleluia
Alleluia
He is holy
He is holy
Yeah

Oh praise him
Oh praise him
He is holy
He is holy
Yeah

Oh la, la, la, la, la, la
Oh la, la, la, la, la, la
Oh la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la. la

If you would like more information about 24/7 prayer and worship at House of His Presence Pittsburgh, click here. 

Photo Courtesy:  flickr - Jennifer Murawski