When In Doubt, Sing!

Sometimes when the shadows are deep and the way is not clear, I pull up an old, traditional church hymn and sing it into the darkness. These are hymns that I grew up with, tunes that are memory catchers, old but still powerful. In all fairness, though, I have to state that some of the words in some of the hymns are a bit dated; maybe beyond contemporary understanding. So, a long time ago I started a project that I have visited and re-visited over the years…new words for old songs. I compiled a long list of old lyrics and tunes that fall into the Public Domain and, saving the tunes, began to write new lyrics. I entered number 47 in the Table of Contents early this morning and decided that I would share one or two with you. If you get the old tune firmly in your mind, then slip the new words into place. Sing away! You see…still some value in old things. Thank God.

Here’s one you might recognize. The original title is “O God, Our Help In Ages Past.” The original hymn tune is St. Anne, if that matters. Ready? Sing!

Come, Spirit, and renew our faith,
your blessing here bestow.
For by your mercy and your grace,
we each shall come to know

the fullness of your saving love,
compassion in our need.
Transform the hardness of our hearts
and banish all our greed.

We ask for courage to proclaim
your kingdom’s truth and power.
Equip us for the journey, Lord,
with strength to meet the hour.

We would be Christ to everyone;
we turn no one away.
All people find a welcome here
in this and every day.

Be patient, God, come Spirit come
and set our hearts ablaze.
Teach us to walk the way of Christ
in gratitude and praise.

Be blessed today…and be a Blessing.