Sing Praises unto the Lord; Selah

There is a mystery in the book of Psalms, a untranslated Hebrew word that occurs 71 times at the conclusion or transition between particularly weighty meditations dealing with God’s judgement, deliverance, faithfulness and salvation. It seems to be a call to thoughtful listening, and may have cued the musicians to bring attention to a point by pausing or coming to a crescendo.

You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

Psalm 32:7 ESV

The mysterious contemplative call-word is Selah (Hebrew: סלה; pronounced: SAY-lah)

And so, without further adieu…

Selah Hope Gilley is the name that we have chosen for our 5th baby girl.

She came a little early (at 37 weeks and 2 days) after Bethany’s water broke at home. Our older 4 girls stayed home with Mimi and we headed to the hospital. Selah was born at 1:39 in the afternoon, at St. Thomas Midtown in Nashville, on November 15th, rather precipitously, but without complications.

We are so thankful to God for this reminder that he is still investing himself and commiting himself to bring light and life into this world.

I dusted off this prayer that I wrote for newborns and mothers before Ruth was born (who is now 4) and prayed it over Bethany and Selah.

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[I layed hands on Bethany and Selah]

Naked we come from our mothers’ womb
And naked we will depart;
Blessed be the name of the Lord,

Blessed be the name of the Lord, who with this mother, and through this labor,
has brought forth this miracle of life;

[I made the sign of the cross on Selah’s forehead during the blessing below]

Blessed be the name of the Lord, may he bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

[I prayed this over Bethany]

Blessed be the name of the Lord, who knitted this child together in your womb, who creates and sustains all things. May He uphold you and go with you in the good work of motherhood that you have begun. May He fill you with all faith, hope, and love; causing you and your family to delight yourself in Him, forevermore.

Blessed be the name of the Lord,

The name by which we are saved- the Lord Jesus Christ,

Amen.

May she remind us all to “Selah.” To reflect deeply on how God has been at work and to live in hope.

Love,

Nathan Darrell Gilley & Bethany Joy Rudge Gilley

And our Daughters: