In my denomination, we begin every service with the Call to Worship, a call-and-response litany. I have heard it since my toddler days. I now recite my response from memory. When I listen to the call—the leader’s statement—and recite the response, I engage with the words, thinking about what they mean. By happenchance, I discovered that every statement in this litany is a scripture from either the book of Psalms or Habakkuk. The Call to Worship encourages us worshipers to be of one accord, setting our hearts, souls, and minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). It invites God’s presence into our worship. I dearly miss the Call to Worship during this pandemic-forced virtual worship era.
Lately, regardless of my devotional path, the Holy Spirit has emphasized scriptures that address how I should live. These scriptures remind me of Rev. Cross’ declaration that my behavior as a Christian may be the only Bible someone may see. Similarly, Francis of Assisi said, “The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today.” God’s Word provides clear guidance of how to live my life as a follower of Jesus the Christ. My beloved Call to Worship has inspired me to create a personal litany for living using those “how to live” scriptures. In my litany, God is the leader, and I am the respondent. (Note: I have made pronoun changes in the scriptures in keeping with my goal of a first-person relationship with God.)
As you read this litany, I recommend doing so aloud. Engage with the Scriptures. Listen to the words. Converse with God.
GOD: I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.[1]
Me: Like the Holy One who called me, be holy myself in all my conduct [be set apart from the world by my godly character and moral courage]; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I AM HOLY.”[2]
GOD: Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.[3]
Me: If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.[4]
GOD: I have shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?[5]
Me: To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with my God.[6]
GOD: Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.[7]
Me: [I will] take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.[8]
GOD: Seek good, not evil, that you may live.[9]
Me: Then the Lord God Almighty will be with me.[10]
GOD: Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own job.[11]
Me: Do everything without grumbling or arguing.[12]
GOD: So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.[13]
Me: I am therefore Christ’s ambassador, as though God were making his appeal through me.[14]
GOD: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.[15]
Me: If I keep Your commands, I will remain in Your love.[16]
Prayer: As the spiritual proclaims, “Lord, I want to be a Christian. Lord, I want to be more loving. Lord, I want to be more holy. Lord, I want to be like Jesus.” Lord, I want to be a Christian, not in name only, but in action. I pray that I live my life as a reflection of You. In Jesus name, Amen.
Scriptures
| ↑1 | Leviticus 11:45 (NIV) |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | 1 Peter 1:15-16 (AMP) |
| ↑3 | Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV) |
| ↑4 | Exodus 33:13 (NIV) |
| ↑5, ↑6 | Micah 6:8 (NIV) |
| ↑7, ↑8 | Isaiah 1:17 (NIV) |
| ↑9, ↑10 | Amos 5:14 (NIV) |
| ↑11 | 1 Thessalonians 4:11 (MSG) |
| ↑12 | Philippians 2:14 (NIV) |
| ↑13 | Matthew 7:12 (NIV) |
| ↑14 | 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV) |
| ↑15 | John 15:12 (NIV) |
| ↑16 | John 15:10 (NIV) |
And, guess what we are doing this Sunday? (Smile). Call me “Convicted.”
Always inspirational. I also learn terms and reasons why as I read your blogs. Thanks for sharing. I will pass it on!