By Yesterday was our first choir rehearsal in 2024. We started the new year with celebratory dinner and a mini-lecture on Brahms’ Requiem. The lecture was very educational…Brahms was grappling with his thoughts on God (does he exist? How can he let bad things happen?) as he sought comfort for the death of his dear friend Schumann and his mother a few years after. The results, after 12 years of introspection and writing, is the beautiful requiem.
I am sure many of us can relate to Brahms’ grappling. It is hard to see God in all the pain and misfortune of our world. I would encourage you to listen to the entire piece and see if it brings you peace.
I was responsible for the Closing Prayer, which I’ve posted here.
God is Always by Your Side
Please remind us of your presence in the year ahead, even when life is busy. We are so thankful that we serve a God who makes things new and gives us the grace of fresh starts and new beginnings. Be glorified in our lives this year.
In Jesus’s name, Amen
