“Father of orphans and defender of widows is God in his holy habitation.”  Psalm 68:5

Ankeny United Church of Christ is up to Psalm 68 as they read through the Psalms a chapter (or less) at a time during Sunday worship.  Since I’m a bit of Psalm nerd when Pastor Nathan asked me to fill the pulpit I immediately spent time reading, reflecting, and then studying Psalm 68.

The book I read for the Children’s Message yesterday.

On first read I was taken by all the images – names – for God:

• One who rides the clouds!
• Guardian of orphans
• Defender of widows
• Giver of a home to the lonely
• Redeemer of the prisoner
• Leader through the wasteland
• Sender of rain
• Refresher of land
• Provider for the poor

That’s just the first ten verses!

The next verses are about God the mighty Warrior.  Which I’d like to ignore.  But it got me thinking.

• How do the names we use for God shape our faith?
• How do those names shape the way we treat others?

What is your favorite name for God?   How does it shape your faith?