The Worship Quote of the Week for (09/16/2003):

Open My Heart Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE is a beautiful prayer that dates from the early eighth century. The author is The "Venerable" Bede, the "servant of Christ" and historian that gave us THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE ENGLISH PEOPLE, completed in AD 731. OPEN MY HEART Lord God, open my heart and pour into it the grace of your Holy Spirit. By this grace may I always seek to do what is pleasing to you; may my thoughts always reflect your thoughts; and may my affections be solely directed towards the unending joys of heaven. Thus may I on earth fulfill your commandments, that I may be worthy of your everlasting reward. — The "Venerable" Bede (c.673-735), from HEARTS ON PILGRIMAGE, compiled and directed by Sara Singleton (Carol Stream: Oasis Audio, 2003). This is a wonderful "audio sanctuary," twenty fifteen-minute audio devotionals that are filled with Scripture, thoughtful prayers, and musical selections. Please go to www.heartsonpilgrimage.com for a description and audio sample. [I have been listening to HEARTS ON PILGRIMAGE (Series One) for the last two weeks in the car. It has been a wonderful blessing to me—a true time of sweet communion with God. Imagine a beautiful combination of historic and contemporary prayers, Scripture passages, and contemplative vocal and instrumental selections that focus on our great Savior. I have found these personal worship experiences to be both comforting and challenging. I hope you will listen to the demo on the web site and maybe find a copy for yourself or a friend.] Have a great week. Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu/icw