Thursday Hymn

I hope you won't mind that I'm a bit heavy on the John of Damascus/John M. Neale hymns lately. Blame it on their genius! I think the former especially has just made it to my "must meet in Heaven" list!

Let Us Rise in Early Morning

Text: John of Damascus, 8th c. Greek, Engl. tr. John M. Neale, 1862?
Tune: CWM RHONDDA, John Hughes, 1907

Let us rise in early morning,
And, instead of ointments, bring
Hymns of praises to our Master,
And his Resurrection sing:
We shall see the Sun of Justice
Ris’n with healing on his wing,
Ris’n with healing on his wing.

Thy unbounded loving-kindness,
They that groaned in Hades’ chain,
Prisoners, from afar beholding,
Hasten to the light again
And to that eternal Pascha
Wove the dance and raised the strain,
Wove the dance and raised the strain.

Go ye forth, his saints, to meet him!
Go with lamps in every hand!
From the sepulcher he riseth:
Ready for the Bridegroom stand:
And the Pascha of salvation
Hail, with His triumphant band,
Hail, with His triumphant band.

Wednesday Hymn

O Sons and Daughters, Let Us Sing

Text: Jean Tisserand, 15th c. (Latin), Engl. tr. John M. Neale, 1851
Tune: O FILII ET FILIAE, 15th c. French

O sons and daughters, let us sing!
The King of Heaven, the glorious King,
Over death today rose triumphing.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

That Easter morn, at break of day,
The faithful women went their way
To seek the tomb where Jesus lay.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

An angel clad in white they see,
Who sat, and spake unto the three,
“Your Lord doth go to Galilee.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

That night th’apostles met in fear;
Amidst them came their Lord most dear,
And said, “My peace be on all here.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

When Thomas first the tidings heard,
How they had seen the risen Lord,
He doubted the disciples’ word.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

“My piercèd side, O Thomas, see;
My hands, My feet, I show to thee;
Not faithless but believing be.”
Alleluia! Alleluia!

No longer Thomas then denied;
He saw the feet, the hands, the side;
“Thou art my Lord and God,” he cried.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

How blessed are they who have not seen,
And yet whose faith has constant been;
For they eternal life shall win.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

On this most holy day of days
Our hearts and voices, Lord, we raise
To Thee, in jubilee and praise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Tuesday Hymn

Come, Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain

Text: John of Damascus, 8th c. (Greek), Engl. tr. John M. Neale, 1859
Tune: ST. KEVIN, Arthur Sullivan*, 1872 (numerous other tunes sometimes used)

Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness;
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness;
Loosed from Pharaoh’s bitter yoke Jacob’s sons and daughters,
Led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.

’Tis the spring of souls today; Christ has burst his prison,
And from three days’ sleep in death as a sun hath risen;
All the winter of our sins, long and dark, is flying
From his light, to whom we give laud and praise undying.

Now the queen of seasons, bright with the day of splendor,
With the royal feast of feasts, comes its joy to render;
Comes to glad Jerusalem, who with true affection
Welcomes in unwearied strains Jesus’ resurrection.

Neither might the gates of death, nor the tomb’s dark portal,
Nor the watchers, nor the seal hold thee as a mortal;
But today amidst the twelve thou didst stand, bestowing
That thy peace which evermore passeth human knowing.

“Alleluia!” now we cry to our King immortal,
Who, triumphant, burst the bars of the tomb’s dark portal;
“Alleluia!” with the Son, God the Father praising,
“Alleluia!” yet again to the Spirit raising.



* Note: Yes, this is Arthur S. Sullivan, of Gilbert and Sullivan operetta fame. And did you ever wonder who composed the tune for "Onward, Christian Soldiers"? Yep. Sir Arthur did. There's your church music trivia for the week!

Easter Monday

This Joyful Eastertide

Text: George R. Woodward, 1894
Tune: EASTER-TIDE, Dutch, unknown composer, 1685

This joyful Easter-tide,
Away with care and sorrow!
My Love, the Crucified,
Hath sprung to life this morrow.

Refrain

Had Christ, that once was slain,
Ne’er burst his three day prison,
Our faith had been in vain;
But now hath Christ arisen,
Arisen, arisen, arisen!

My flesh in hope shall rest,
And for a season slumber;
Till trump from east to west,
Shall wake the dead in number.

Refrain

Death’s flood hath lost his chill,
Since Jesus crossed the river:
Lover of souls, from ill
My passing soul deliver.

Refrain

A Musical Journey to Easter

Dear readers,

This has been a blessed week. At every point, the week has been marked by powerful music. Here is a re-tracing of the steps we took together at my church.

Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! We sang "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" as our opening hymn on Palm/Passion Sunday while the children waved palm branches. The choir sang the "Palm Processional" from our upcoming cantata (April 15), Benjamin Harlan's "Wondrous Love" (the movement combined "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" and the refrain from "The Holy City"). After our pastor guided us scripturally from the palms of Sunday to the Friday cries of "Crucify him!", we closed the service with "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross."

Thursday we gathered again for Maundy Thursday communion, with our "informal service" music group (minus our lead singer, whose husband suffered a heart attack on Wednesday--doing well, praise God) singing "The Wonderful Cross" and our pianist providing exquisite communion musical meditation. The service ended with the hymn, "Go to Dark Gethsemane," as we did a ceremonial removal of Lenten purple and draped the communion table cross in black.

Our Good Friday was an evening service, so the sanctuary was fully draped in black. We have a very large central wooden cross on the front chancel wall, over which was displayed a black banner with a stark silver-gray outline of the suffering Savior in crown of thorns. It was visually stunning. We had diminished lighting and seven votive candles on the draped communion table, which were distinguished one by one during the final Scripture reading. Earlier readings were punctuated with several hymns, including "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" and "Jesus, Remember Me." The choir sang a dramatic piece by Don Besig and Nancy Price, "Within the Shadow of the Cross." The opening verse was done as a solo by a nearly ten-year-old girl, who sang absolutely perfectly (we were very proud of her; it was only her second time to sing a solo in public). The her solo's final phrase, "A little child, like me," which was echoed by the choir at the end of the piece: "A child of God, like you and me." The entire congregation filed out as we sang, "Were You There?" and gathered (shivering) on the sanctuary porch, where the pastor chained and padlocked the doors until Easter morning.

During the Easter Vigil, we offered a Catacombs service. The pastor and I were not actually in attendance, though we were able to listen at a distance. The simulation is that the church leaders had been arrested and all printed resources destroyed by "the authorities" who had declared Christian gatherings--and the faith itself--illegal. Those who attended this service had a combination of worship and discussion focused around how to keep the faith alive amidst persecution, when the only worship and study resources are the memories of the saints. We listened as the group of twenty or so people sang hymns of their own choosing ("Amazing Grace," "Jesus, Remember Me," "I Love to Tell the Story," and "Jesus Loves Me"), shared various memorized Scripture passages (including the 23rd Psalm and John 3:16-17), and recited the Apostles' Creed together. Testimonies were shared. There was excellent discussion about the difference between what Americans tend to call "persecution" and true persecution of faithful Christians. After 50 minutes, the "lookout" (pastor) gave a signal door knock to warn that the "patrols were on their way into town," and after closing with a prayer circle and ending with the Lord's Prayer, the group dispersed by ones and twos to return home.

I was still at church, working on final details for this morning's services, when the final scheduled on-site vigil prayer partner, a high school senior boy, finished his "shift" at midnight. He knocked at the office door to tell me he was leaving. I wished him a happy Easter and told him I'd see him later in the morning. He smiled as he realized it was technically a few minutes into Easter morning, and made my whole day by offering me the ancient greeting: "He is risen!" Of course, I replied, with joy in my heart, "He is risen indeed!"

Our liturgical dance group presented the sunrise service, which was once again reluctantly moved indoors because of our area's snow storm (no lie!) much of the day yesterday. It was near freezing this morning; in our part of Texas, that's not considered "outdoor weather." It is done entirely by school-age children and junior and senior high youth. They re-enact the entire passion and resurrection story in their unique combination of dance and American Sign Language. It is stunningly beautiful. As the Lord Jesus (one of my youth handbell ringers) was taken down from the cross and cradled by his mother (a high school girl), there was no one I could see who was not in tears. They perform to recorded music, which included
"Via Dolorosa," "At the Foot of the Cross," and "Was It a Morning Like this," among several other pieces.

We broke "new" ground with our informal group at the 9:00 service. We have had only piano/keyboard accompaniment until about a month ago, when a good guitarist joined us. Still, this means we don't have a complete rhythm section for the more energetic songs we do. Nevertheless, we presented a passable rendition of "My Redeemer Lives" this morning, greeted by more enthusiastic "Amens" than normal. People sang the chorus (many times) with gusto. (Though this is far from a favorite of mine, there's something to be said for people singing "My Redeemer lives! My redeemer lives!" with conviction.) At both the 9:00 and 10:45 services, the pastor preached on 1 Corinthians 15, focusing on "if" Christ had not been raised from the dead and looking at the reliable evidence passed on to us of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We were challenged both to believe the evidence we have received, and to testify to our own experience of the risen Christ in our own lives. Powerful!

At the late service, our handbell choir rang "Come Ye Faithful, Raise the Strain," which is one of the best efforts we've had all year. They also rang on the first hymn, "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." The children of the church, including several of the many young guests we welcomed today, sang "He Is Exalted" and did a superb job. I've "come around" on the appropriateness of "In the Garden" at Easter; this is our prayer hymn through the rest of April. The choir took it a little easy, given our scheduled cantata next week, and sang Hal Hopson's arrangement of a William Boyce work, which Hopson calls "Let the Praise Go 'Round" (actually, it consists of a three-part canon to the primary text of "Hallelujah," which made it very appropriate for Easter). We closed with one of my personal least-favorite Easter hymns, "He Lives," but here again, it's hard to argue with "He lives...you ask me how I know...he lives within my heart."

Bells. Children's voices. Piano. Keyboard and guitar. Choral music. Enthusiastic hymn singing (we ARE Methodist!). All in worship of the One who suffered, died, and rose from the dead, for us.

Christ is risen, indeed! Hallelujah!

Resurrection Day - Easter Sunday

The Day of Resurrection

Text: John of Damascus, 7th c. (Greek); tr. by John M Neale, 1862
Tune: LANCASHIRE, Henry T. Smart, 1835

The day of resurrection! Earth, tell it out abroad;
The Passover of gladness, the Passover of God.
From death to life eternal, from earth unto the sky,
Our Christ hath brought us over, with hymns of victory.

Our hearts be pure from evil, that we may see aright
The Lord in rays eternal of resurrection light;
And listening to his accents, may hear, so calm and plain,
His own “All hail!” and, hearing, may raise the victor strain.

Now let the heavens be joyful! Let earth the song begin!
Let the round world keep triumph, and all that is therein!
Let all things seen and unseen their notes in gladness blend,
For Christ the Lord hath risen, our joy that hath no end.

Holy Week: Saturday (Lent 40)

Ave Verum Corpus (Hail, True Body)

Text: 14th c., attr. to Innocent VI (d. 1362)

Tune/Choral Settings: Various composers, notably Byrd, Mozart, and Elgar


Ave verum corpus, natum
De Maria Virgine,
Vere passum, immolatum
In cruce pro homine,
Cujus latus perforatum
Unda fluxit et sanguine,
Esto nobis praegustatum
In mortis examine.

English Translation:
Hail, true Body,
Born of the Virgin Mary,
Who truly suffered, sacrificed
On the cross for humanity,
Whose pierced side
Flowed with water and blood,
Be for us a foretaste
Of death's trial.

Holy Week: Good Friday (Lent 39)

He Never Said a Mumbalin' Word

Text and tune: African-American Spiritual

They crucified my Lord,
And he never said a mumbalin’ word;
They crucified my Lord,

Refrain:
And he never said a mumbalin’ word.
Not a word, not a word, not a word.

They nailed him to a tree,
And he never said a mumbalin’ word;
They nailed him to a tree,

Refrain

They pierced him in the side,
And he never said a mumbalin’ word;
They pierced him in the side,

Refrain

The blood came trickalin’ down,
And he never said a mumbalin’ word;
The blood came trickalin’ down,

Refrain

He bowed his head and died,
And he never said a mumbalin’ word;
He bowed his head and died,

Refrain

Holy Week: Maundy Thursday (Lent 38)

Bread of the World

Text: Reginald Heber, 1827
Tune: EUCHARISTIC HYMN, John S. B. Hodges, 1868

Bread of the world, in mercy broken,
Wine of the soul, in mercy shed,
By whom the words of life were spoken,
And in whose death our sins are dead.

Look on the heart by sorrow broken,
Look on the tears by sinners shed;
And be thy feast to us the token,
That by thy grace our souls are fed.

Holy Week: Wednesday (Lent 37)

Go to Dark Gethsemane

Text: James Montgomery, 1820
Tune: REDHEAD, Richard Redhead, 1853
or GETHSEMANE (Monk), William H. Monk, 1861 (adapt. of a 1553 Christopher Tye tune)

Go to dark Gethsemane, ye that feel the tempter’s power;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see, watch with him one bitter hour,
Turn not from his griefs away; learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

See him at the judgment hall, beaten, bound, reviled, arraigned;
O the wormwood and the gall! O the pangs his soul sustained!
Shun not suffering, shame, or loss; learn of Christ to bear the cross.

Calvary’s mournful mountain climb; there, adoring at His feet,
Mark that miracle of time, God’s own sacrifice complete.
“It is finished!” hear him cry; learn of Jesus Christ to die.

Early hasten to the tomb where they laid his breathless clay;
All is solitude and gloom. Who has taken him away?
Christ is risen! He meets our eyes; Savior, teach us so to rise.

Holy Week: Tuesday (Lent 36)

Ah, Holy Jesus

Text: Johann Heermann, 1630; tr. Robert Bridges, 1899
Tune: HERZLIEBSTER JESU, Johann Crueger, 1640

Ah, holy Jesus, how hast thou offended,
That we to judge thee have in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by thine own rejected,
O most afflicted.

Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone thee.
’Twas I, Lord, Jesus, I it was denied thee!
I crucified thee.

Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered;
For our atonement, while he nothing heedeth,
God intercedeth.

For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and thy life’s oblation;
Thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion,
For my salvation.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee,
I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee,
Think on thy pity and thy love unswerving,
Not my deserving.

Holy Week: Monday (Lent 35)

Throned upon the Awful Tree

Text: John Ellerton, 1875
Tune: ARFON, Hugh Davies, c. 1906 or GETHSEMANE (OUSELEY), Frederick A. Gore-Ouseley, 1869

Throned upon the awful tree,
Lamb of God, Your grief I see.
Darkness veils Your anguished face;
None its lines of woe can trace.
None can tell what pangs unknown
Hold You silent and alone.

Silent through those three dread hours,
Wrestling with the evil powers,
Left alone with human sin,
Gloom around You and within,
Till the appointed time is nigh,
Til the Lamb of God may die.

Hark, that cry that peals aloud
Upward through the whelming cloud!
You, the Father’s only Son,
You, His own anointed One,
You are asking “can it be”
“Why have You forsaken Me?”

Lord, should fear and anguish roll,
Darkly o’er my sinful soul,
You, Who once were thus bereft
That Your own might ne’er be left,
Teach me by that bitter cry
In the gloom to know You nigh.

Palm-Passion Sunday

All Glory, Laud, and Honor

Text: Theodulph of Orleans, c. 820, tr. John M. Neale, 1851
Tune: ST. THEODULPH, Melchior Teschner

Refrain

All glory, laud and honor,
To thee, Redeemer, King,
To whom the lips of children
Made sweet hosannas ring.

Thou art the King of Israel,
Thou David’s royal Son,
Who in the Lord’s name comest,
The King and Blessèd One.

Refrain

The people of the Hebrews
With palms before thee went;
Our prayer and praise and anthems
Before thee we present.

Refrain

To thee, before thy passion,
They sang their hymns of praise;
To thee, now high exalted,
Our melody we raise.

Refrain

Thou didst accept their praises;
Accept the prayers we bring,
Who in all good delightest,
Thou good and gracious King.

Refrain

Lent: Day 34

Adoramus Te, Christe

Text: anonymous Latin
Various tunes

Adoramus te, Christe,
Et benedicimus tibi,
Quia per sanctam crucem tuam redemisti mundum,
Qui passus es pro nobis.
Domine, miserere nobis.

English translation:
We adore Thee, O Christ,
And we bless Thee,
Who by the holy cross hast redeemed the world,
Who hast suffered for us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.

(Perhaps the most familiar settings of this text are one by Palestrina, and with a different translation, by Theodore DuBois in the final chorale of The Seven Last Words of Christ.

Lent: Day 33

Out of the Depths I Cry to Thee

Text: Martin Luther, 1523, Eng. tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863
Tune: AUS TIEFER NOT, Martin Luther, 1524

Out of the depths I cry to Thee;
Lord, hear me, I implore Thee!
Bend down Thy gracious ear to me;
I lay my sins before Thee.
If Thou rememberest each misdeed,
If each should have its rightful meed,
Who may abide Thy presence?

Thou grantest pardon through Thy love;
Thy grace alone availeth;
Our works could ne’er our guilt remove;
Yea, e’en the best life faileth.
For none may boast himself of aught,
But must confess Thy grace hath wrought
Whate’er in him is worthy.

And thus my hope is in the Lord,
And not in my own merit;
I rest upon His faithful Word
To them of contrite spirit.
That He is merciful and just,
Here is my comfort and my trust;
His help I wait with patience.

I apologize for missing this morning's post. Thank you for reading and for sharing your comments. --Ps.

Lent: Day 32

Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?

Text: St. 1 - Thomas Shepherd, 1693; St. 2 - Unattrib.; St. 3 - George N. Allen, 1844; St. 4-5 - Henry W. Beecher, 1855

Tune: MAITLAND, George N. Allen, 1844

Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for everyone,
And there’s a cross for me.

How happy are the saints above,
Who once went sorrowing here!
But now they taste unmingled love,
And joy without a tear.

The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free;
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s a crown for me.

Upon the crystal pavement down
At Jesus’ piercèd feet,
Joyful I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear Name repeat.

O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
When Christ the Lord from Heav’n comes down
And bears my soul away.

Lent: Day 31

Christ, of All My Hopes the Ground

Text: Ralph Wardlaw, 1817

Tune: HENDON, H. A. Cesar Malan, 1827 or
SONG 13 (GIBBONS), Orlando Gibbons, 1623
(Cyberhymnal link)

Here is another hymn that is not very well-known today. It blessed me this morning, as I pray it does you.

Christ, of all my hopes the Ground;
Christ, the Spring of all my joy;
Still in Thee may I be found,
Still for Thee my powers employ,
Still for Thee my powers employ.

Let Thy love my heart inflame;
Keep Thy fear before my sight;
Be Thy praise my highest aim;
Be Thy smile my chief delight,
Be Thy smile my chief delight.

When affliction clouds my sky,
And the wintry tempests blow,
Let Thy mercy beaming eye
Sweetly cheer the night of woe.
Sweetly cheer the night of woe.

When new triumphs of Thy Name
Swell the raptured songs above,
May I feel a kindred flame,
Full of zeal, and full of love!
Full of zeal, and full of love!

Life’s best joy, to see Thy praise
Fly on wings of Gospel light,
Leading on millennial days,
Scattering all the shades of night!
Scattering all the shades of night!

Fountain of overflowing grace,
Freely from Thy fullness give;
Till I close my earthly race,
May I prove it “Christ to live!”
May I prove it “Christ to live!”

When, with wasting sickness worn,
Sinking to the grave I lie,
Or, by sudden anguish torn,
Startled nature dreads to die,
Startled nature dreads to die.

Jesus, my redeeming Lord,
Be Thou then in mercy near!
Let Thy smile of love afford
Full relief from all my fear,
Full relief from all my fear.

Firmly trusting in Thy blood,
Nothing shall my heart confound;
Safely I shall pass the flood,
Safely reach Emmanuel’s ground,
Safely reach Emmanuel’s ground.

When I touch the blessèd shore,
Back the closing waves shall roll;
Death’s dark stream shall never more
Part from Thee my ravished soul,
Part from Thee my ravished soul.

Thus, O thus, an entrance give
To the land of cloudless sky;
Having known it “Christ to live,”
Let me know it “gain to die,”
Let me know it “gain to die.”

Lent: Day 30

"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross"

Text: Isaac Watts, 1707
Tune: HAMBURG, Lowell Mason, 1824


When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

Lent: Day 29

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Text: Elizabeth Clephane, 1868
Tune: ST. CHRISTOPHER, Frederick C. Maker, 1881

Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat, and the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me;
And from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess;
The wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by to know no gain or loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.

Fifth Sunday in Lent

"O Love, How Deep"

Text: Unknown 15th c., tr. Benjamin Webb, 1854
Tune: DEO GRACIAS (The Agincourt Song), 1415
(Can be sung to various other LM [long meter, 8.8.8.8] tunes )

O love, how deep, how broad, how high,
It fills the heart with ecstasy,
That God, the Son of God, should take
Our mortal form for mortals’ sake!

He sent no angel to our race
Of higher or of lower place,
But wore the robe of human frame
Himself, and to this lost world came.

For us baptized, for us He bore
His holy fast and hungered sore,
For us temptation sharp He knew;
For us the tempter overthrew.

For us He prayed; for us He taught;
For us His daily works He wrought;
By words and signs and actions thus
Still seeking not Himself, but us.

For us to wicked men betrayed,
Scourged, mocked, in purple robe arrayed,
He bore the shameful cross and death,
For us gave up His dying breath.

For us He rose from death again;
For us He went on high to reign;
For us He sent His Spirit here,
To guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.

To Him Whose boundless love has won
Salvation for us through His Son,
To God the Father, glory be
Both now and through eternity.

Lent: Day 28

"Refiner's Fire"

Text and music: Brian Doerksen

I appreciate this simple song from the contemporary worship tradition. You can read the full lyrics and listen to it (and buy the Vineyard album) here.


Refiner's Fire, my heart's one desire
Is to be holy, set apart for You, Lord.
I choose to be holy...

Lent: Day 27

"Lord, in the Strength of Grace"

Text: Charles Wesley, 1762
Tune: GREENWOOD, Joseph E. Sweetser, 1849

Here is another, little-known Wesley hymn that I especially like:

Lord, in the strength of grace,
With a glad heart and free,
Myself, my residue of days,
I consecrate to Thee.

Thy ransomed servant, I
Restore to Thee Thy own;
And, from this moment, live or die
To serve my God alone.

Lent: Day 26

Grace Greater than Our Sin

Text: Julia H. Johnston, 1911
Tune: MOODY, Daniel B. Towner, 1910

(This hymn is not yet in the public domain. You may read the full text here.)

Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.


The refrain is what "makes" this hymn, for me. How precious the reminder that no matter the sin, God's grace is more than sufficient!

Lent: Day 25

"My Faith Looks Up to Thee"

Text: Ray Palmer, 1830
Tune: OLIVET (or MASON), Lowell Mason, 1830

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray, take all my guilt away,
O let me from this day be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart, my zeal inspire!
As Thou hast died for me, O may my love to Thee,
Pure warm, and changeless be, a living fire!

While life’s dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread, be Thou my Guide;
Bid darkness turn to day, wipe sorrow’s tears away,
Nor let me ever stray from Thee aside.

When ends life’s transient dream,
When death’s cold sullen stream over me roll;
Blest Savior, then in love, fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above, a ransomed soul!

Lent: Day 24

"Blessed Be Your Name"

Text and Music: Matt Redman

This current worship song favorite is one of the better ones, at least theologically. Musically, it has a more interesting melody than many, and a strong though predictable harmonic structure and beat. People like singing it, I think because it points beyond us and to the Author of life. The message is that, in all of life's circumstances, we praise God's holy name.

You can find the full text of the song here. Here's an excerpt of the text:

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering,
Though there's pain in the offering,
Blessed be your name.

Every blessing you pour out
I'll turn back to praise;
When the darkness closes in, Lord,
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord,
Blessed be your name...

Lent: Day 23

"In the Cross of Christ I Glory

Text: John Bowring, 1825
Tune: RATHBUN, Ithamar B. Conkey, 1849 (most common tune among several)

In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o’er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o’ertake me,
Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,
Never shall the cross forsake me,
Lo! it glows with peace and joy.

When the sun of bliss is beaming
Light and love upon my way,
From the cross the radiance streaming
Adds more luster to the day.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure,
By the cross are sanctified;
Peace is there that knows no measure,
Joys that through all time abide.

In the cross of Christ I glory,
Towering o’er the wrecks of time;
All the light of sacred story
Gathers round its head sublime.

Fourth Sunday in Lent

"My Hope Is Built"

Text: Edward Mote, c. 1834
Tune: SOLID ROCK, William B. Bradbury, 1863 (most common among several tunes)

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face,
I rest on His unchanging grace.
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
Refrain

His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
Refrain

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I then in Him be found.
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
Refrain

A St. Paddy's Day Pun

(ht to Zorra)

While there are still a few minutes left of the day in my time zone, here's a wee chuckle for ye:

Lent: Day 22

"O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee"

Text: Washington Gladden, 1879
Tune: MARYTON, H. Percy Smith, 1874

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret; help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.

Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the homeward way.

O Master, let me walk with Thee,
Before the taunting Pharisee;
Help me to bear the sting of spite,
The hate of men who hide Thy light.

The sore distrust of souls sincere
Who cannot read Thy judgments clear,
The dullness of the multitude,
Who dimly guess that Thou art good.

Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer, company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.

In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broadening way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.

I've included a couple of interior verses that aren't sung anymore, because they spoke to me as someone who participates online. Internet communication emboldens some of us to "taunting Phariseeism" at times, I'm afraid. Good advice on how to look to the Master for help in responding to them and to those who disagree with us, as Christ himself would respond.

Lent: Day 21

Make Me a Captive, Lord

Text: George Matheson, 1890
Tune: DIADEMATA, George J. Elvey, 1868 (most common tune)

Make me a captive, Lord, and then I shall be free.
Force me to render up my sword, and I shall conqueror be.
I sink in life’s alarms when by myself I stand;
Imprison me within Thine arms, and strong shall be my hand.

My heart is weak and poor until it master find;
It has no spring of action sure, it varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move till Thou has wrought its chain;
Enslave it with Thy matchless love, and deathless it shall reign.

My power is faint and low till I have learned to serve;
It lacks the needed fire to glow, it lacks the breeze to nerve.
It cannot drive the world until itself be driven;
Its flag can only be unfurled when Thou shalt breathe from heaven.

My will is not my own till Thou hast made it Thine;
If it would reach a monarch’s throne, it must its crown resign.
It only stands unbent amid the clashing strife,
When on Thy bosom it has leant, and found in Thee its life.

Lent:: Day 20

Here we are at the halfway point of Lent. I wish you blessings on your journey to Jerusalem with the Savior. I am home for a third straight day with the flu, so perhaps that's why this particular hymn spoke to me so directly today:

"Heal Us, Emmanuel"

Text: William Cowper, 1779
Tune: GRAEFENBERGER, Johann Crueger, 1647

Heal us, Emmanuel, hear our prayer,
We wait to feel Thy touch;
Deep wounded souls to Thee repair,
And Savior, we are such.

Our faith is feeble, we confess
We faintly trust Thy Word;
But wilt Thou pity us the less?
Be that far from Thee, Lord!

Remember him who once applied
With trembling for relief
“Lord, I believe,” with tears he cried;
“O help my unbelief!”

She, too, who touched Thee in the press
And healing virtue stole,
Was answered, “Daughter, go in peace;
Thy faith has made thee whole.”

Concealed amid the gathering throng,
She would have shunned Thy view;
And if her faith was firm and strong,
Had strong misgivings too.

Like her, with hopes and fears we come
To touch Thee if we may;
O send us not despairing home;
Send none unhealed away.


This hymn, like many I've included can be read and MIDI files heard at The Cyberhymnal.

Lent: Day 19

"Take Up Thy Cross"

Text: Charles W. Everest, 1833
Tune: GERMANY, William Gardiner, 1815

“Take up thy cross,” the Savior said,
“If thou wouldst my disciple be;
Deny thyself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after me.

Take up thy cross, let not its weight
Fill thy weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear thy spirit up,
And brace thy heart and nerve thine arm.

Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let thy foolish pride rebel;
Thy Lord for thee the cross endured,
And saved thy soul from death and hell.

Take up thy cross and follow Christ,
Nor think til death to lay it down;
For only those who bear the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

Lent: Day 18

"We Walk by Faith"

Text: Henry Alford, 1810-1871
Tune: MARTYRDOM, attr. to Hugh Wilson, 1766-1824

1. We walk by faith, and not by sight:
No gracious words we hear
of him who spoke as none e'er spoke,
but we believe him near.

2. We may not touch his hands and side,
nor follow where he trod;
yet in his promise we rejoice,
and cry, "My Lord and God!"

3. Help then, O Lord, our unbelief,
and may our faith abound;
to call on you when you are near.
and seek where you are found:

4. That when our life of faith is done
in realms of clearer light
We may behold you as you are
in full and endless sight.

5. We walk by faith, and not by sight:
No gracious words we hear
of him who spoke as none e'er spoke,
but we believe him near.

Lent: Day 17

"My Life Flows On (How Can I Keep from Singing?)"

Text: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
Tune: HOW CAN I KEEP FROM SINGING, Robert Lowry

My life flows on in endless song,
above earth's lamentation.
I hear the clear, though faroff hymn
that hails a new creation.

Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?

2. Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing? (Refrain)

3. What though my joys and comforts die?
I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. (Refrain)

4. The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing? (Refrain)

I sometimes think of this as one of the "national anthems" for Christian singers, a kind of sacred "An die musik." I commend it to you.

Third Sunday in Lent

"Guide My Feet"

African-American spiritual

1. Guide my feet while I run this race. (Yes, my Lord!)
Guide my feet while I run this race. (Yes, my Lord!)
Guide my feet while I run this race,
For I don't want to run this race in vain!

2. Hold my hand ...

3. Stand by me ...

4. I'm your child ...

5. Search my heart ...

6. Guide my feet ...


My apologies to those of you who read regularly and have missed the daily posts. I had a difficult wedding to coordinate on Saturday and a regular marathon Sunday, and have been too exhausted and muddled to find blogging time. I'm posting Sunday's, today's, and tomorrow's hymns tonight (Monday).

Lent: Day 16

"All the Way My Savior Leads Me"

Text: Fanny Crosby
Tune: ALL THE WAY, by Robert Lowry

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

Lent: Day 15

"I Want Jesus to Walk with Me"

African-American Spiritual


I want Jesus to walk with me
I want Jesus to walk with me
All along my pilgrim journey
I want Jesus to walk with me

In my trial, Lord, walk with me
In my trials, Lord, walk with me
When the shades of life are falling
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me

In my sorrow, Lord walk with me
In my sorrows, Lord walk with me
When my heart is aching
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me

In my troubles, Lord walk with me
In my troubles, Lord walk with me
When my life becomes a burden,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me

The text to this and many other spirituals can be found at negrospirituals.com.

Lent: Day 14

"Arise, My Soul, Arise"

Text: Charles Wesley, Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742

Tune: LENOX, Lewis Edsen, 1782

Here's another largely unfamiliar hymn, finally one from within the "family" of the Methodist movement. Charles Wesley reported amazing numbers of people who received assurance of their salvation while singing this hymn. Leave it to "Daddy Charles" to portray so personal an experience of a difficult concept--the atonement--in a (then) popular hymn!

Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.

He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.

Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Forgive him, O forgive,” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die!”

The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.

My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And “Father, Abba, Father,” cry.

Lent: Day 13

"I Lay My Sins on Jesus"

Text: Horatius Bonar, 1843
Music: Sung to a variety of tunes including MISSIONARY SONG (MASON) and AURELIA

I lay my sins on Jesus,
the spotless Lamb of God;
he bears them all, and frees us
from the accursed load;
I bring my guilt to Jesus,
to wash my crimson stains
white in his blood most precious,
till not a stain remains.

I lay my wants on Jesus;
all fullness dwells in him;
he heals all my diseases,
he doth my soul redeem:
I lay my griefs on Jesus,
my burdens and my cares;
he from them all releases,
he all my sorrows shares.

I rest my soul on Jesus,
this weary soul of mine;
his right hand me embraces,
I on his breast recline.
I love the name of Jesus--
Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
like fragrance on the breezes
his name abroad is poured.

I long to be like Jesus,
meek, loving, lowly, mild;
I long to be like Jesus,
the Father's holy Child:
I long to be with Jesus,
amid the heavenly throng,
to sing with saints his praises,
to learn the angels' song.

This hymn is sometimes on the "hit list" of those who accuse women of "feminizing" the church. They seem to think that a "manly man" wouldn't be caught dead resting in Jesus and seeking to emulate his meekness, lowliness, mildness, and love (see final verse). As I read it, we strong, self-sufficient humans must become like little children, climbing into Jesus' lap at his invitation; what little child is reluctant to snuggle trustingly into the embrace of a beloved adult? I'm sorry for the people who have such a worldly view of masculinity, that this hymn says nothing to them. It is speaking to them, of course; it's only that their ears are closed to its message. To the rest of my readers, I commend it to you. It's not a perfect hymn, no. I don't know if I've ever read or sung a perfect hymn. I'm content to let heaven hold that unique joy. Meanwhile, there's much to commend "I Lay My Sins on Jesus."

Lent: Day 12

"Jesu, Jesu"

Text: Thomas Colvin, 1969
Tune: CHEREBONI, folk song from Ghana, arranged 1969 by Thomas Colvin; harmonized 1988 by Charles Webb.
(Link here for The Cyberhymnal's entry for this copyrighted hymn.)

One of the challenges during the "preparatory/penitential" seasons of Lent and Advent is allowing ourselves to become too introspective, especially those of us who are introverted by nature. This hymn always reminds me that our focus should be the Lord Jesus, and if we claim to be his disciples, just what is entailed in following him. Here is the refrain and one verse of the hymn:

Refrain:
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
Show us how to serve the neighbors we have from you.

Loving puts us on our knees,
Serving as though we are slaves;
This is the way we should live with you. (Refrain)

Lent: Day 11

"Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy"

I've always liked this old American hymn, particularly sung to RESTORATION, with its minor modality and stark harmonies. It reminds me that, when all is said and done, my only hope as a sinner is the mercy of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

Text: Joseph Hart, Hymns Composed on Various Subjects, 1759, alt.; re­frain anon­y­mous.
Tune: RESTORATION, from The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, by Wil­liam Walk­er (New York: Hast­ings House, 1835).

Come, ye sinners, poor and needy,
Weak and wounded, sick and sore;
Jesus ready stands to save you,
Full of pity, love and power.

Refrain: I will arise and go to Jesus,
He will embrace me in His arms;
In the arms of my dear Savior,
O there are ten thousand charms.

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome,
God’s free bounty glorify;
True belief and true repentance,
Every grace that brings you nigh.

Refrain

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,
Lost and ruined by the fall;
If you tarry till you’re better,
You will never come at all.

Refrain

Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness He requireth
Is to feel your need of Him.

Refrain

Second Sunday in Lent

"O Jesus, I Have Promised"

Text: John E. Bode, 1868
Music: Tune ANGEL'S STORY, Arthur H. Mann, 1861

For full text and this and alternate tune MIDIs, click here.

O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my Friend;
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my Guide.

O let me feel Thee near me! The world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me, around me and within;
But Jesus, draw Thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear Thee speaking in accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self will.
O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
O speak, and make me listen, Thou Guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee
That where Thou art in glory there shall Thy servant be.
And Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend.

I also like the final verse that is generally omitted from hymnals:

O let me see Thy footprints, and in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly is in Thy strength alone.
O guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end;
And then in Heaven receive me, my Savior and my Friend.

Lent: Day 10

Shepherd Me, O God

Text and Music by Marty Haugen, paraphrasing Psalm 23

What would Lent be without at least one reflection on Psalm 23? One of the most profound settings of this psalm, for me, is Haugen's "Shepherd Me, O God." It is written, as many of Haugen's GIA settings are, in a cantor verse/congregation refrain pattern. The refrain goes:

"Shepherd me, O God,
Beyond my wants,
Beyond my fears,
From death into life."

The "bridge" verse goes like this:

"You have set me a banquet of love
In the midst of hatred,
Crowning me with love
Beyond my pow'r to hold."

You can listen to "Shepherd Me, O God", and purchase it in MP3 format, here.

If you're unfamiliar with the GIA liturgical music tradition, I encourage you to do some reading of their many fine examples of scripture-made-song. Though Haugen's is one of the "biggest" names in this tradition, he's by no means the only one. An entire generation of Catholics and other Christians (who are open to ecumenical use of these fine resources) have experienced the Scripturesin a new, approachable way, thanks to GIA's publishing of these composers' and hymnists' creations. It's probably the most effective modern phenomenon in the psalm-singing tradition.

Lent: Day 9

Give Me Jesus
Text and Music: Traditional African-American Spiritual

Oh when I come to die
Oh when I come to die
Oh when I come to die
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus

I heard my mother say
I heard my mother say
I heard my mother say
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus

Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Dark midnight was my cry
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus

In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
In the morning when I rise
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus

I heard the mourner say
I heard the mourner say
I heard the mourner say
Give me Jesus
Give me Jesus
You may have the world
Give me Jesus

Texts to this spiritual, as well as many others, may be found Negrospirituals.com.

Lent: Day 8

Lamb of God

Music and Text: Twila Paris (from the Kingdom Seekers album)

This is one of those remarkable songs that I wish everyone could hear and know. I'll be singing it this Sunday. Here is the second verse:

Your only Son, no sin to hide,
But you have sent him from Your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God.

The refrain is a prayer that I might be washed in "his precious blood, my Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God." And in the final verse, there is a sense of wonder that despite my lostness, the Lamb-also-Shepherd calls me to his side to be called "a lamb of God."

Whatever else we may presume to be, the fact is, we're all simply lambs in the flock of God's perfect Lamb, who takes away the sins of the world.

Misere nobis.

Note: Twila Paris doesn't have "freebies" available for either the recordings or the texts, so I don't have a link where you can see the full text for "Lamb of God." If you're interested in purchasing it, it appears you need to buy an album. While this song is available on several different albums, I'd recommend A Heart That Knows You, which can be ordered through her official website here.

Lent: Day 7

Lift High the Cross
Text: George W. Kitch­in; mod­i­fied by Mi­chael R. New­bolt in 1916, alt.
Music: Crucifer, Syd­ney H. Nicholson, 1916

Refrain

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.

Come, Christians, follow this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in unity combine.

Refrain

Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died.

Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee.

Refrain

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.

Refrain

Lent: Day 6

"Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know"

Text: Johann C. Schwedler, 1741
Translation to English: Benjamin H. Kennedy, 1863

Ask ye what great thing I know,
That delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is he that makes me wise
To discern where duty lies?
Who is he that makes me true
Duty, when discerned to do,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
Healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on his right,
With the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
This delights and stirs me so;
Faith in him who died to save,
Him who triumphed over the grave:
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Lent: Day 5

Grace, Greater than Our Sin

Text: Julia H. Johnston, in Hymns Tried and True (Chi­ca­go, Il­li­nois: The Bi­ble In­sti­tute Col­port­age As­so­ci­a­tion, 1911), num­ber 2.

Music: Daniel B. Towner, 1910.

You can view the full text and listen to the MIDI here at the Cyber Hymnal.

Here is the second verse and the chorus of this simple, direct hymn about the truth of the grace of God through Jesus Christ:

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain: Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

First Sunday in Lent

Here is what we will sing at the close of our traditional worship service this morning (our pastor is preaching from Luke 4:1-13):

Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley
(African-American Spiritual)

Jesus walked this lonesome valley.
He had to walk it by Himself;
O, nobody else could walk it for Him,
He had to walk it by Himself.

We must walk this lonesome valley,
We have to walk it by ourselves;
O, nobody else can walk it for us,
We have to walk it by ourselves.

You must go and stand your trial,
You have to stand it by yourself,
O, nobody else can stand it for you,
You have to stand it by yourself.

Lent: Day 4

You are loved, you are beautiful;
You are God's gift, a new creation.
You are a gift to humankind,
God's gift of love to us.
You are loved;
God danced the day you were born.

This little song was sung to us pilgrims by the team that conducted the Walk to Emmaus I attended many years ago. I could not find any attribution for it; my current community does not use it. I believe it is a paraphrase of the original, which was in Spanish and which I've never heard. But whatever its provenance, I still treasure the concept of God's delight in each new human creation.

Today is my 48th birthday. That's not especially significant, considering the number of people in the world and the number of days in a year. It merely marks the beginning of the 49th such round of days in my life. Yet it IS an annual occurence, when it is appropriate to consider the course of my life to this point, thank God for what has been and entrust to God what is to come.

I bring this up and this song came to mind because a remarkable woman, with whom I'm acquainted only through Better Bibles Blog, has told a much more compelling story there, a story of her birth from out of a living death. Her story, though much different from mine, has had me thinking for hours now about the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth we sometimes experience in this life. I'm not talking about the resurrection from the dead, nor about our physical emergence from the womb into the world. I'm talking about the resurrection/rebirth OF the living from out of a hellish existence that really can't be called life.

This hell is "domestic" violence (a phrase that is far too pretty for the reality it inadequately describes). It happens to children, and women, and men, at the hands of both men and women. It can be subtly (or not-so-subtly) non-physical, or grossly physical. It can involve sexual abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, neglect, or any combination of these. The common factor in this all-too-common atrocity is the willful misuse of another human being by one who, by virtue of the family relationship, is supposed to love the one whom he or she is abusing. Domestic abuse cuts across all kinds of societal lines: economic, educational level, ethnic, and religious. Speaking now to my fellow Christian readers, we can and indeed must call domestic abuse by its real identity: willful, chosen sin.

I won't summarize the Better Bibles Blog entries and subsequent comments here. It's far more powerful to read about it there. What I am led to do here at "my place" is to tell a little about why it's so important for those of us who've inhabited that kind of nightmare to tell the truth about it. In doing so, we show a different side of what the BBB entry was about in the first place: BEING the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who are observing what Christians do, over and above what we say.

Virtually all children, and many adult, victims of abuse at the hands of a relative or household member, believe they deserve what's happening to them. They have the idea, often deliberately taught by the abuser, that if they would only "behave better" or "submit" or "know their place," the abuser wouldn't "have to" beat/berate/rape/molest/humiliate/otherwise abuse the victim. They often have no one they can tell. Churches have a dismal track record of believing those who report domestic abuse, and an even worse record of doing anything effective to stop the abuse. Law enforcement involvement rarely results in the abuser being kept away from the abused party, and can trigger an escalation of the violence once the abuser is reunited with the victim. Friends may commiserate, but often know of no resources to get help for the victim. And abusers often threaten further abuse if the victim tells anyone. If the victim is the spouse, the children may be threatened, if they're not already being abused. An adult may threaten to harm a sibling or a pet if the child victim tells; this is especially common when the abuse is sexual and is being kept secret from the spouse.

Domestic abuse often entails planning by the perpetrator, to prevent such obvious injuries that disclosure is inevitable. It is often made worse by substance abuse, which is frequently blamed by abusers for their misdeeds. And the point I want to make here, is that domestic abuse is often "excused" and/or justified, when it is perpetrated by men, by claiming that as "head of the house" (a title never bestowed by the Scriptures on anyone), a husband has the "right" to "discipline" his wife and children any way he sees fit, and it is their duty to obey him--only more often, he'll misuse the biblical word "submit" in his demands to his wife.

Do all proponents of so-called "biblical" patriarchy behave this way? Thankfully, no. Do some Christian men shield their abuse of their wives and children behind the privilege of patriarchy, and dare to call it godly? Unfortunately, yes. Do some Christian women abuse their husbands and/or children? Yes. (The difference is, of course, women can't hide behind their "role" as "head" when they do it.) And the big question is, is the form of hierarchy in which men rule over women (and children), a godly way to structure the home (or the church, for that matter)? Though I find a number of descriptions of patriarchy in the Bible, it is simply never mandated, and many biblical principles preclude it as a commendable practice for Christian households and congregations. There's simply no support for a man presuming to rule over his family, nor for a woman in this free society to condone his doing so.

But that's easy to say, and much harder to make reality. Intimate relationships result in emotionally charged complications when violence enters the picture. And when there is religous coercion to stay with a violent spouse, and the violence is long-standing, a victim of domestic violence may not have the emotional strength to challenge what is happening. If the victim is female, she will almost certainly be told by a pro-patriarchy church to return and be submissive to her husband. If the victim is male, the strong pressure to conform to stereotypical "gender roles" will ensure that he never discloses his "weakness" to anyone related to the church--or indeed, anyone at all, for fear of his masculinity being called into question. And children quite naturally can be fairly easily intimidated by adults of either gender into terrified silence.

The stories told in this series of entries and comments at Better Bibles are not foreign territory for me, though the details differ somewhat from my own. I was abused, sexually, physically, and emotionally, as a child. My abusers were careful to leave only marks that could not be seen when I was clothed. I made flimsy excuses the few times I couldn't avoid them being seen (by other girls when dressing for gym class), because that long ago, no one talked about child abuse and I had no reason to think anyone would believe me or do anything about it. My father and stepmother could not have children together, so early on in their attempts to adopt a child, my brothers and I were told by our stepmother that if we told the social worker anything (clearly implying, anything about the beatings and other abuse), she would kill us. We believed her. And since, with frightened children cowed into silence, and outwardly saintly appearance of our family, no one ever seriously suspected anything amiss. Regretably, but not surprisingly, my father and stepmother were eventually awarded a newborn baby for adoption. Helpless to do anything about it, I witnessed the beginning of another child's entry into a living nightmare.

Eventually, I got the help I needed to stop living the only way I knew how: as a victim. As a victim, I'd never have told ANYONE my story. It took more courage than I thought I possessed, to finally disclose to anyone the nightmare that was my childhood. It's still not easy. But now, in telling when the Holy Spirit prompts me to do so, I can trust that it's for someone else's good. I have seen over and over again the dawning that takes place when someone realizes for the fist time that he/she did not cause the abuse, did not deserve the abuse, and need not let the abuse rule their lives. Ironically, there are Christians who scoff at survivors of violence who are also egalitarian. They concoct the fiction that we are egalitarian because of the abuse and would accept "complementarianism" if only we'd accept our "god-given" roles in life and stop "playing the victim" (remember, it's always about "roles" for those who oppose biblical equality). They lie by saying that we refuse to forgive those who abused us; again, if we'd just give up feminism, we'd somehow magically "forgive" and all would be well with our families. I pray that they tell these lies out of ignorance, out of never having HAD an abuser to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice; it frees us from the perpetrator's power over us, and it frees the perpetrator IF (and ONLY if) the perpetrator accepts the forgiveness. But this nonsense about redefining forgiveness (making it a "never say another word about it" and "you have to restore your relationship with the person who abused you") for someone they've never met, is nothing more than self-righteous busy-body bullying. And when they pull this garbage on someone very newly on the path to healing, it's spiritually criminal. But all's fair in the "let's hate egalitarianism" and "blame it on the feminists" games, apparently. And I read it over and over again.

I accept Scripture's teachings that we're to submit to one another, simply because we honor Christ and because he both taught and modeled for us what it means to give up our own lives in service to one another. One of the ways we serve others is to offer them freedom from however they've sinned against us. It is not possible for us to make them live within that forgiveness; they, with God's help, must do that for themselves. Meanwhile, their sin no longer binds us, once we've learned how to live as whole persons, free of the warped reality that abuse forces us to live within.

I accept Scripture's teaching that how we treat the least of Christ's brothers and sisters is indeed how we treat Christ himself. Those who mistreat those over whom they have power, will have consequences for those actions. The worldly authorities rightly have the means to prosecute those who abuse others, even members of their own families. The church has no call to stand in the way of such actions; they are the law of the land. The church can and should stand by those who have committed violent acts as they face the consequences of their actions. Meanwhile, the church is called to be a family of brothers and sisters to those who are their victims. The world is looking on, measuring the validity of our faith by the integrity of our actions.

Lent: Day 3

Dear Jesus, in Whose Life I See

Words: John Hunter, Hymns of Faith and Life, 1889.

Music: Hursley, Ka­thol­isch­es Ge­sang­buch (Vi­en­na: 1774); adapt­ed from the Met­ric­al Psalt­er, 1855


Dear Jesus, in whose life I see
All that I would, but fail to be,
Let thy clear light forever shine,
To shame and guide this life of mine.

Though what I dream and what I do
In my weak days are always two,
Help me, oppressed by things undone,
O Thou Whose deeds and dreams were one!

Lent: Day 2

Hymn: What Wondrous Love Is This
Text attributed to Alexander Means
Tune by William Walker
Published in Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, New York, Hast­ings House, 1835

Read more and listen at The Cyber Hymnal.

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of the liturgical season of Lent. As I begin my own observance of Lent, I have decided to at least try to post something each day out of my personal experience of the season.

We had a simple service that included the Imposition of Ashes this evening. Our Informal Service music team presented "Above All," and as the service ended, I sang the late Rich Mullins' "Jesus." Here is an excerpt of the lyrics:

. . . .
Jesus, they say You spoke and calmed an angry wave,
That was tossed across a stormy sea;
Please teach me how to listen, how to obey
'Cause there's a storm inside of me

Jesus, write me into Your story;
Whisper it to me,
And let me know I'm Yours
. . . .

I encourage you to follow the link above; scroll down past the "advertising" to the actual text of this remarkable song. If you have never listened to Mullins' last project, the "Jesus Record," buy it (download or CD). I'm not a huge CCM fan, but this album is one of my favorites of any genre. The texts and music (though not necessarily all the performances) are that good.

The song begins by asking Jesus to teach me how to walk as he did, because I want to walk with him. That, above all else, is my prayer this Lent. And as I see it, that's a thoroughly dangerous prayer, if I really mean what I say. I can't pray to walk as Jesus walked, without being changed.

The Alphabet Questions Meme

I've been tagged by Dr. Platypus for a meme. I think I'm one of the few people in all the blogosphere NOT to have been tagged till now! But if I hurry, maybe I can get mine done before Singing Owl does hers!

A - Available or Married? Available, though particular concerning to whom or what I am available.
B - Best Moment? Serving the Lord's Supper for the first time when serving as a UM local pastor.
C - Cake or Pie? Cake. Chocolate.
D - Drink of choice? Diet Dr. Pepper. (I'm with ya on that one, "Dr. P.!" (Tried the cherry vanilla variety yet? Quite good.) A good cup of hot jasmine tea comes in a close second in the winter, though.
E - Essential Item? Daytime: My car (after all the hassle, it had BETTER be essential!). Nighttime: Sleep.
F - Favorite Color? Blue, purple, or red and their corresponding pastels, depending on my mood.
G - Gummi Bears or Worms? Bears, especially the pineapple and lime flavors.
H - Hometown? Portland, Oregon.
I - Indulgence? Chocolate.
J - January or February? February. It's when I was born.
K - Kids & names? When I was married, at age 21 I miscarried early and never learned whether we lost David Michael or Rachel Frances. I've mothered a series of feline children since then; those who share life with me now are Rosie Lee and Jenny Lou.
L - Life is incomplete without? Love.
M - Marriage Date? December 9, 1978 (though the marriage is no more)
N - Number of Siblings? Three, two of whom are still living.
O - Oranges or apples? Apples; like Dr. P., preferably Granny Smith, but definitely withOUT the peanut butter. Now caramel sauce is a different matter...(one should not blog while hungry).
P - Phobias/Fears… Snakes and heights. That is why I never went to see "Snakes on a Plane," I suppose.
Q - Favorite Quotation? Humorous: “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.” --Clairee in "Steel Magnolias"
Serious: "I can make good come out of evil--I AM the good come out of evil." --Walter Wangerin, in Ragman and Other Cries of Faith
R - Reason to Smile? Three- and four-year-old choir members
S - Season? Spring.
T - Tag three people! Molly, April, and Paisley
U - Unknown fact about me: My lowest undergraduate grade was a well-earned "D"--in New Testament! Kept me from being graduated with honors.
V - Vegetable you hate? Toss-up between beets, eggplant, and okra. And no, not even frying the latter makes them palatable to me. (I'm told that's proof I wasn't born in the South, to which I say, "I never claimed I was.")
W - Worst habit? Putting off till tomorrow what I know I'll wish I had done today. Yep, Queen of Procrastinatia here.
Y - Your favorite food? See "I."
Z - Zodiac? Western = Pisces; Chinese = Boar (I simply refuse to say "Pig." But I guess it's now "my year," huh?) Does it count if I think both are a bunch of hooey?

Attack of the Killer Musicians!

I am blessed to work with a pastor who's, by and large, a dream of a colleague. Please make no mistake: I am NOT prompted to write this entry because of any professional friction between the two of us.

What I have read and heard, too many times recently for my comfort, is cases of highly unprofessional behavior of church musicians toward the clergy who serve their churches. I won't get into the details of any one story, but trust me--they're not pretty. And don't get me wrong: I know there are some real Clergy-Kongs out there who neither respect nor behave professionally toward the musicians with whom they work. That's perhaps worth addressing, most effectively by clergy who are as fed up with Clergy-Kong stories as I am right now with Music-Zilla tales. So you Music-Zillas, if your egos will permit you to identify yourself in what follows, read and heed. And if you're trying your utmost to be the best church musician, staff member, Christian, and co-worker with your pastor that you can be, then this isn't about you; if you read it, remember it if you're ever tempted to make yourself the star of your own church music show.


I am Music-Zilla. I have the credentials to prove it. I am the resident expert in all things musical at my church, and I defy anyone, especially the pastor, to find fault with anything I do, musically or otherwise.

Do not forget that it is your great good fortune that I am here, wasting my great talent on this pitifully music-challenged church. You have neither the intellect nor the taste to adequately appreciate what I so generously share with you musical ignoramuses.

Since your tastes are so parochial, I alone am qualified to judge what pieces of music, styles, and genres are appropriate for this church. Any attempt to judge my decisions is simply proof that you have no musical taste.

You are only a clergyperson. You couldn't possibly understand or appreciate what it takes for a musician to do what a musician does. Do not presume to suggest that I have any need to study new music, methods of teaching or conducting, or expand my repertoire in any way. I was performing this repertoire long before you arrived here, and I'll still be performing it when you're long gone.

I alone have the discernment to know if I ought to practice more. At the pinnacle of my art as I am, it is difficult to imagine that there is much more I could possibly learn. Do not presume to suggest additional practice or continuing education on my part.

I don't (often) tell you how to preach your sermons. Don't you dare try to tell me how to choose hymns, choral and ensemble pieces, solos, or service music. Stop bowing down to the altar of "The music must fit the texts/theme of the service." Nobody cares or notices about that nonsense except you. In "Church Music," remember that "church" is only the adjective; the noun is "Music." You tend to your knitting, and I'll tend to mine.

Whatever it was they taught you at that high-steeple seminary, it sure wasn't how to work with musicians. It's not my job to educate you. I'm too busy doing what it is that I do. Treat me with the deference due any fine artist, and we ought to be able to get along when we must. Simply do not expect me to be impressed with your credentials. Do not hope to earn my respect. I am Music-Zilla. I am bigger than you. Or at least, my ego is.

Resurfacing with More This 'n' That

Hello to my readers. I've been "busy with much serving," as well as down with some stomach bug or other over last weekend and into the beginning of this week (yuck!). So I ought to at least do a little updating:

At long last, the traded-in car got towed (presumably by the dealership's wholesaler). It was still a day later than I was promised it would be gone the last time I talked to someone there, but my parking place is now my parking place again (except for when the purple Altima repeatedly gets parked there, despite my written request that the driver stop doing this. The next call is to the towing company).

I still haven't finished my letter to the owner of the dealership. I'm waiting until I have my payment book and final confirmation from the finance company that I do indeed have a loan with them. (Thank goodness I still have another month before the first payment is due...) I do not want the dealer to be able to retaliate by demanding that I return the car to them. Besides, I think this final ridiculously long wait for such confirmation needs to be added to the rest of my documentation and included in the letter. It *will* be a doozy, but I promise to remember I'm a Christian--honest, I do! :D

My church has provided me with a laptop and a flash drive, and it's a (mostly) whole new world. I can do my weekly informal service presentations at home. There are some problems, such as not being able to unlock the full 60-day free MS Office trial because HP didn't provide that key, and Microsoft, true to form, displays "This page is not available. Please try back later" when I follow their steps to get the key online. I'm quickly running out of non-key uses (total of 25), because every single time I access ANY MS Office application, it counts against that total. Yikes! And they warn you at the MS home page, that you can't get the key over the phone. IOW, "Don't bother us with our mediocrity. Make do until we take our sweet time fixing things. We're #1, so we don't have to try at all." (Believe me, if we could have crossed over to Mac, I would have done it in a heartbeat. But I didn't make the decisions, and to be fair, it would have been disastrous because of all the ridiculously old PC-based applications our staff and volunteers still have to use.) But anyway, it's a breeze to create the presentations and pop that flash drive into the sanctuary's projector-linked computer (on the back, of course, since it's so old). I won't even go into the nightmare that was my previous M.O. of doing those presentations, which I'd been forced into last fall when the office hard drive crashed irreparably and our volunteer computer guy never thought it was important to recreate the ability to burn data CDs. Since I didn't have administrator privileges, I couldn't load anything. But that's all in the past. I am the laptop's administrator, and it will gradually get everything I need for worship and music ministry, even if I have to buy it all myself. (I've been promised that with the new year, that won't be necessary.)


I'm also able to use it for a nice little personal thing: watching DVDs. I don't have a DVD player, if you can believe that, and haven't replaced my finicky VHS player. I've bought a few DVDs from Half-Price Books and have rented a couple. Of the three I watched: Elizabeth I (with Helen Mirren in the title role) is superb, if historically very inaccurate at times; The Devil Wears Prada was a fluffy bit of guilty fun, and A Prairie Home Companion was just plain strange--and I'm a PHC fan from WAAAY back. Disappointing; glad I only rented that one. In the wings are Little Miss Sunshine and two old favorites for the next rainy day when I'm not booked (sometime in late May, I believe): Steel Magnolias and The Princess Bride.

Children's choirs start back up this Sunday night. But first, I'm singing at the United Methodist Men's Sweetheart Banquet tomorrow night ("So in Love" and "My Funny Valentine"--think I can hack it as a sultry torch song singer??). Next weekend is my first wedding as the church's wedding coordinator, though the two this month have already been largely handled and I just need to be there and field any emergencies that may arise. Then there are two in March and two in May. This is more than we usually have (more like 2 or 3 a year)--seems we're now the popular place in town to have a wedding. Some have direct or distant family connections to the church, but a couple of them are for brides who think our church is prettier or bigger or something better than their other options. So the end of last week, the pastor and I were frantically trying to get the new policies presentable and republished--the old ones were ridiculously out-of-date and unsightly from much reproduction. I will actually have more responsibility than the previous wedding coordinator did. I asked her for her "J-Lo" velcro wedding emergency waist belt, but she said she didn't have one. (If you've never seen the otherwise forgettableThe Wedding Planner, that reference will make no sense. Suffice it to say that the perfect wedding planner is able to whip out Evian in a spray bottle to refresh a distraught M.I.A. F.O.B ["The F.O.B. {Father of the Bride) is M.I.A. {Missing in Action)"] once he's found on the basement stairs weeping for his little girl, more than a little tipsy. All her other emergency stuff, from nail polish remover to mouthwash, is contained in a remarkable wide belt that velcros around her rib cage beneath her dignified pale blue suit.)

The day job is going well. I really do think this is going to work out long-term. The scope is getting more enormous, as I'm entrusted with more and more of the clean-up of a massive data migration to a new database. There's enough work just with that for several more months, then there's the fact that they've hired 4 new professional engineers just since I started a month or so ago. That means that someone's going to have to enter data and maintain this database, hence the indication that there's enough work for a permanent position. There are overlaps with IT, Marketing, and HR. The people there are friendly and very, very smart, and a lot of fun to work with. Their respect for each other and for me is refreshing. I had lunch the other day with the founder's (now Chairman of the Board) admin assistant, who's been with him for over 20 years. People really do retire from this company after all or the majority of a career there. I wouldn't mind being one of them, though I also deeply long to be working full-time in the church. I guess I'm "selling myself" to work where I can get paid, eh?

And with that, I'm going to call it a night and get some sleep, so I can be ready to sing Cole [Porter] and Richard [Rogers] tomorrow. Better spruce up my luscious deep red velvet ensemble and tend to my manicure. (What manicure?! I forgot to mention that before the main numbers we singers present, I'm doing strolling violin! Can't have long enough nails to really call it a manicure, can I?)