All-Knowing Creator

In the thirteenth century, Thomas Aquinas commented that in theology, we study God and all things related to God (Summa Theologica, I.1.7; my summary). To that end, having a whole worship series that focuses on the doctrine of God may seem unnecessary, since everything we do in worship is either about God or things related to God. And yet, the mystery of God deserves our attention in worship. So often we pray and sing and preach in worship in an attempt to make sense of things—the difficulties in our world, the miracles of God’s provision, how to faithfully respond to difficult situations and questions. But worship is also a place to join together in our wondering, to wade into the mysterious waters of our faith and trust that whatever else we find, God is there.

Of course, this week’s psalm invites us to recognize that we are also a mystery to ourselves. So, how do we invite people to enter into the mystery of themselves as well as the mystery of God? Perhaps begin with singing and reading the assigned verses from Psalm 139 together. This might look like singing a setting of the whole psalm (United Methodist Hymnal, 854) or singing a hymn that references Psalm 139, such as “God the Sculptor of the Mountains” (The Faith We Sing, 2060) or “All My Days” (Worship and Song, 3011). But then, also take time to read Psalm 139 together, maybe even a couple of different versions. The beauty of the Psalms is that they are theology presented in poetry and song, and reading multiple translations can help pull out different meanings and artistry within the text.

Also consider how connecting with creation assists us in searching out—and being searched out by—our all-knowing Creator. Bring signs of creation into the space. Fill the altar with all of the colors and textures you find outside in your context. Use fabric to mimic the blue of the sky or the blue-green of the rivers. Take time in worship to look out the windows or the doors. Take time to hear the songs of birds and the clamor of movement and life happening outside. Remind everyone that we encounter the Creator in creation.

And finally, affirm with and for one another that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made. Make this a prayer and blessing that we gift to one another because we are, first and foremost, given the gift of life from God, our Creator. But also, perhaps being fearfully and wonderfully made is not just an affirmation, but an invitation—an invitation to join God in searching and knowing. Searching and knowing ourselves, yes, but also searching and knowing God, because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by the all-knowing Creator who beckons us to dive deeper and deeper into knowledge of and relationship with God, self, one another, and all creation.