As Long as the Sun and the Moon Endure

In the 16th century, Anglicans decided there should be a regular cycle of prayer and chose psalms, Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel readings for every day to be read at the Daily Office services. Since then, Anglicans and Episcopalians all over the world have read the appointed lessons on a regular basis.

Reading these scriptures has been a part of my daily practice for a long time; it has been a way to be centered in scripture regardless of what is going on around me. Thus yesterday morning, the day after the most contentious election in my life time, I looked forward to my practice. When I discovered that the psalm appointed for the day was Psalm 72, I was awed. In preparation for whatever might happen in this election, I have been quoting this psalm and reassuring myself and others that the sun would still rise the day after the election, so would the moon, and we would be called to continue to do the same work for the good of the world. And there, chosen for this very day, was Psalm 72.

As the psalmist says at the end of Psalm 72,

"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds.

And blessed be his glorious name for ever! and may all the earth be filled with is glory.

Amen. Amen"