40 Days of Praise: Day 07 - Ashland Theological Seminary

40 Days of Praise

Day 07

Rachel Pierce

Having served for many years on a worship team, which included decades of songs that exalt our Lord and Savior, the lyrics of a few numbers come to mind, such as the Doxology, written by Ken Thomas:

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

Another more contemporary title that comes to mind is “Great Are You Lord,” by All Sons & Daughters. The lyrics say:

“You give life, You are love, You bring light to the darkness;
You give hope, You restore every heart that is broken,
And great are You, Lord
It’s Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise, we pour out our praise
It’s Your breath in our lungs, So we pour out our praise to You only.”

These songs cause me to meditate on how powerful and worthy of praise our savior is. In Isaiah 25:1 we read, “Lord you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.” Though the world would like to snuff out our praise and joy, it is only because of Him that we are able to have this mentality. One of my favorite passages which confronts my daily life is “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances’ for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:16-18) It has been in my darkest hours that I have had to revisit this passage and recall that to have this genuine joy I have to keep my focus on the Lord.

My challenge to you is who is bringing light to your darkness? Who is restoring your hope? Who deserves your praises?

About the Author,
Rachel Pierce

Office Manager and Assistant to the Executive Dean, Ashland Theological Seminary

Rachel is the Office Manager and assistant to the Executive Dean. She joined the Executive Dean’s office in 2017. Since then, her position has expanded to include managing the Seminary funds, working on Development and Alumni relations and coordinating human resources items and payroll.

Rachel and her husband of thirty plus year, an alumnus of Ashland Theological Seminary, have served in ministry together since 1997, though they have now retired from pastoral ministry. Over the years of ministry, Rachel served on the worship team, taught children’s ministry and helped with youth. She has three children, two sons-in-law and four precious grandchildren. Her hobbies include reading, traveling and crochet work.