God's own child, I gladly say it:
I am baptized into Christ!
He, because I could not pay it,
Gave my full redemption price.
Do I need earth's treasure many?
I have one worth more than any
That brought me salvation free
Lasting to eternity!
Sin, disturb my soul no longer:
I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger:
Jesus' cleansing sacrifice.
Should a guilty conscience seize me
Since my Baptism did release me
In a dear forgiving flood,
Sprinkling me with Jesus' blood?
Satan, hear this proclamation:
I am baptized into Christ!
Drop your ugly accusation,
I am not so soon enticed.
Now that to the font I've traveled,
All your might has come unraveled,
And, against your tyranny,
God, my Lord, unites with me!
Death, you cannot end my gladness:
I am baptized into Christ!
When I die, I leave all sadness
To inherit paradise!
Though I lie in dust and ashes
Faith's assurance brightly flashes:
Baptism has the strength divine
To make life immortal mine.
There is nothing worth comparing
To this lifelong comfort sure!
Open-eyed my grave is staring:
Even there I'll sleep secure.
Though my flesh awaits its raising,
Still my soul continues praising:
I am baptized into Christ;
I'm a child of paradise!
---
While we're on the topic of baptism, I decided to post this "new" hymn that is in CW Supplement. Despite being an old text (newly translated) and tune, I find this hymn very fresh and relevant. The hymn expresses the great joy believers have because of their baptism, each stanza joyously proclaiming, "I am baptized into Christ!". The first stanza gives the plan of Salvation, the basis of our baptism.
Stanzas two, three, and four each definatly expresses victory over sin, Satan, and death. They have no power over me, for, I am baptized into Christ! Through our baptism, Christ has given us victory over the dark forces of the world. By his power and through his gracious gifts, we are able to defeat them.
I always find special joy in singing about heaven. Baptism reminds us of our heavenward goal. Stanza five reminds us of this, and makes us yearn for then.
Learn and teach this hymn. The words are beautiful and timeless.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Father Welcomes
Refrain:
Father welcomes all his children
to his fam'ly through his Son.
Father giving His salvation;
Life forever has been won.
Little children, come to me,
for my kingdom is of these.
Love and new life have I to give,
Pardon for your sin.
(Refrain)
In the water, in the Word,
in His promise, be assured;
All who believe and are baptized
have been born again.
(Refrain)
Let us daily die to sin;
let us daily rise with Him,
Walk in the love of Christ our Lord,
Live in the peace of God.
(Refrain)
-----
I like the simplicity of the language while still containing much doctrine and proclamation. The song echos a couple portions of Luther's Small Catechism on baptism:
Second: What does Baptism do for us?
Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. What are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
Fourth: What does baptizing with water mean?
Baptism means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Where is this written?
St. Paul says in Romans, chapter 6, "We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
-----
I think we can always use more reminders of our baptism.
Your thoughts?
Father welcomes all his children
to his fam'ly through his Son.
Father giving His salvation;
Life forever has been won.
Little children, come to me,
for my kingdom is of these.
Love and new life have I to give,
Pardon for your sin.
(Refrain)
In the water, in the Word,
in His promise, be assured;
All who believe and are baptized
have been born again.
(Refrain)
Let us daily die to sin;
let us daily rise with Him,
Walk in the love of Christ our Lord,
Live in the peace of God.
(Refrain)
-----
I like the simplicity of the language while still containing much doctrine and proclamation. The song echos a couple portions of Luther's Small Catechism on baptism:
Second: What does Baptism do for us?
Baptism works forgiveness of sin, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare. What are these words and promises of God? Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
Fourth: What does baptizing with water mean?
Baptism means that the old Adam in us should be drowned by daily contrition and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death. It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Where is this written?
St. Paul says in Romans, chapter 6, "We were buried with Christ through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
-----
I think we can always use more reminders of our baptism.
Your thoughts?
Friday, May 1, 2009
Voice of Truth
Another one sent in by a reader, recently used for worship:
----
Oh, what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand.
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand.
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me.
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "do not be afraid"
And the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are.
-----
This week something a little different. Hoping not to come off as "the authority," I'd like to open it up to all of you right away for discussion and comments for evaluation. What do you think about this song? Is it appropriate for worship? Why or why not?
----
Oh, what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand.
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand.
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me.
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says "do not be afraid"
And the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are.
-----
This week something a little different. Hoping not to come off as "the authority," I'd like to open it up to all of you right away for discussion and comments for evaluation. What do you think about this song? Is it appropriate for worship? Why or why not?
Thursday, April 23, 2009
O Worship the King
O worship the King, all glorious above,
O gratefully sing His wonderful love;
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.
O tell of His might, O sing of His grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space,
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.
Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.
All hail to the King in splendor enthroned,
Glad praises we bring, Thy wonders make known.
Returning victorious great conqueror of sin,
King Jesus, all gracious, our victory will win.
----
I notice that there are several variants of the text available online. I took this one from a church bulletin. None of them vary significantly in content.
This hymn names many of the different names of God and calls for his worship and praise. It uses quite beautiful and flowery language. But it doesn't really say a whole lot about the Christian faith nor proclaim much about Christ. It comes the closest in the very last two lines, but still says very little for all the words expended. Some lines are very vague and perhaps leave quite a bit up to interpretation.
I think a hymn like this sometimes passes the test to be used for church unfortunately simply because it is a hymn and uses church-like language - on the surface it sounds like a rather Lutheran hymn. But does it preach the Gospel? Teach the law? No, not very convincingly. We can do better.
Update: Several readers pointed out that I may have been too harsh in my evaluation. Read on in the comments for some more good discussion...
O gratefully sing His wonderful love;
Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days,
Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.
O tell of His might, O sing of His grace,
Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space,
His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,
And dark is His path on the wings of the storm.
Thy bountiful care, what tongue can recite?
It breathes in the air, it shines in the light;
It streams from the hills, it descends to the plain,
And sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.
Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;
Thy mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend.
All hail to the King in splendor enthroned,
Glad praises we bring, Thy wonders make known.
Returning victorious great conqueror of sin,
King Jesus, all gracious, our victory will win.
----
I notice that there are several variants of the text available online. I took this one from a church bulletin. None of them vary significantly in content.
This hymn names many of the different names of God and calls for his worship and praise. It uses quite beautiful and flowery language. But it doesn't really say a whole lot about the Christian faith nor proclaim much about Christ. It comes the closest in the very last two lines, but still says very little for all the words expended. Some lines are very vague and perhaps leave quite a bit up to interpretation.
I think a hymn like this sometimes passes the test to be used for church unfortunately simply because it is a hymn and uses church-like language - on the surface it sounds like a rather Lutheran hymn. But does it preach the Gospel? Teach the law? No, not very convincingly. We can do better.
Update: Several readers pointed out that I may have been too harsh in my evaluation. Read on in the comments for some more good discussion...
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Wonderful Cross
Refrain:
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die
and find that I
may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace
Draw near and bless Your name
Verse 1
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
Verse 2
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
Verse 3
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul my life my all
----
A reader sent in these lyrics by email about a week ago and asked that I might review them. I know it is not Lent anymore, but I wanted some time to think them over and still accommodate his request. I am going to focus on the added refrain for this review.
Assuming "cross" in this song is poetic synonymn for the Gospel message.
"Oh the wonderful cross"
This reflects joy in the Gospel. My concern here is that this becomes the focal point of the entire song (it is repeated four times in the refrain, and the refrain is repeated several times); however, it does not contain any Gospel substance. You kind of get caught up in this little phrase rather than actually reflect on actual Gospel substance - as is contained the hymn text. Many CCM writers intentionalize building emotion in the music and intentionalize making it memorable: *apart from the Gospel* and make no qualms about doing - in fact, they believe that is what makes a good worship song. There is nothing wrong with emotion in music, but the emotion needs come from the Gospel message and not be artificially created by "moving" music. I think there are many worse examples of this happening, but is a concern here.
"Bids me come and die / and find that I / may truly live"
I think we can understand these lines in one of two ways:
1. The Gospel message compels us to come and make a choice to die where we then find true life in Christ.
2. The Gospel message calls us, we come by the Holy Spirit's guidance, we are born again in baptism, our sinful nature dies within us through daily sorrow and repentence, and we truly live in Christ.
I would hazard a guess that the songwriters sing it as #1, as that squares with their teaching and practice, and I believe Lutherans would sing it as #2. I'm not a big fan of songs that do this - allow room for a double meaning and then we sing it, meaning some of the words in a way different than originally intended. There is a hymn in Christian Worship that does this and makes me a little uncomfortable every time we sing it. Sure, you and I can put on my Lutheran eyes and understand it correctly -- but what about the visitor? Is it a clear confession of Christ to the visitor? What about the member that is weak in faith?
"All who gather here / by grace draw near / and bless Your name"
This is Biblical. Perhaps confusing for some in WELS but is fine.
Conclusion: One could understand this text in a way that is doctrinally correct or doctrinally incorrect. The refrain, repeated again and again, does not really add much understanding to the hymn text or further proclaim the Gospel; in fact, it seems to add a little bit of unclarity. Is it wrong for a congregation to use it? Not necessarily, but given the enormous number jewels available in Christian music, why not choose something else, or even the same hymn without the issues this new refrain introduces?
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die
and find that I
may truly live
Oh the wonderful cross
Oh the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace
Draw near and bless Your name
Verse 1
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
Verse 2
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
Verse 3
Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small
Love so amazing so divine
Demands my soul my life my all
----
A reader sent in these lyrics by email about a week ago and asked that I might review them. I know it is not Lent anymore, but I wanted some time to think them over and still accommodate his request. I am going to focus on the added refrain for this review.
Assuming "cross" in this song is poetic synonymn for the Gospel message.
"Oh the wonderful cross"
This reflects joy in the Gospel. My concern here is that this becomes the focal point of the entire song (it is repeated four times in the refrain, and the refrain is repeated several times); however, it does not contain any Gospel substance. You kind of get caught up in this little phrase rather than actually reflect on actual Gospel substance - as is contained the hymn text. Many CCM writers intentionalize building emotion in the music and intentionalize making it memorable: *apart from the Gospel* and make no qualms about doing - in fact, they believe that is what makes a good worship song. There is nothing wrong with emotion in music, but the emotion needs come from the Gospel message and not be artificially created by "moving" music. I think there are many worse examples of this happening, but is a concern here.
"Bids me come and die / and find that I / may truly live"
I think we can understand these lines in one of two ways:
1. The Gospel message compels us to come and make a choice to die where we then find true life in Christ.
2. The Gospel message calls us, we come by the Holy Spirit's guidance, we are born again in baptism, our sinful nature dies within us through daily sorrow and repentence, and we truly live in Christ.
I would hazard a guess that the songwriters sing it as #1, as that squares with their teaching and practice, and I believe Lutherans would sing it as #2. I'm not a big fan of songs that do this - allow room for a double meaning and then we sing it, meaning some of the words in a way different than originally intended. There is a hymn in Christian Worship that does this and makes me a little uncomfortable every time we sing it. Sure, you and I can put on my Lutheran eyes and understand it correctly -- but what about the visitor? Is it a clear confession of Christ to the visitor? What about the member that is weak in faith?
"All who gather here / by grace draw near / and bless Your name"
This is Biblical. Perhaps confusing for some in WELS but is fine.
Conclusion: One could understand this text in a way that is doctrinally correct or doctrinally incorrect. The refrain, repeated again and again, does not really add much understanding to the hymn text or further proclaim the Gospel; in fact, it seems to add a little bit of unclarity. Is it wrong for a congregation to use it? Not necessarily, but given the enormous number jewels available in Christian music, why not choose something else, or even the same hymn without the issues this new refrain introduces?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found;
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
----
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
What a beautiful text with which to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. There is no mistaking what this song is about: Christ, who he is, what he has done, and what it means for us. "In Christ alone my hope is found" is a solid and clear teaching of the church, a powerful confession of faith. Stanzas 2 and 3 lay out the story of salvation, from Christmas to Good Friday to Easter. This text points out our sins that condemn us: "ev'ry sin on Him was laid," "scorned by the ones he came to save," sin, whose curse had a grip on me. Make no mistake as to how my sin was paid for: it was "bought with the precious blood of Christ."
Free from stranglehold that Satan has over us, we are alive in Christ. In Christ, too, we are safe. And in Christ, he will take us Home to heaven.
This song is packed with clear Gospel proclamation. It points to our risen Savior. I believe the melody supports the text well.
Praise our risen Lord and Savior for his death and resurrection, that we have hope and peace in Jesus.
----
For further reading and a criticism about one of the lines, check here. In my read-through I did not understand that line in a sense that would be false doctrine, but if you think that your congregation or visitors might, then it would be wise not to use it. Use your discernment.
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My comforter, my all in all—
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied;
For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain;
Then bursting forth in glorious day,
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory,
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;
For I am His and He is mine—
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death—
This is the pow'r of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home—
Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.
----
He is risen! He is risen indeed!
What a beautiful text with which to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. There is no mistaking what this song is about: Christ, who he is, what he has done, and what it means for us. "In Christ alone my hope is found" is a solid and clear teaching of the church, a powerful confession of faith. Stanzas 2 and 3 lay out the story of salvation, from Christmas to Good Friday to Easter. This text points out our sins that condemn us: "ev'ry sin on Him was laid," "scorned by the ones he came to save," sin, whose curse had a grip on me. Make no mistake as to how my sin was paid for: it was "bought with the precious blood of Christ."
Free from stranglehold that Satan has over us, we are alive in Christ. In Christ, too, we are safe. And in Christ, he will take us Home to heaven.
This song is packed with clear Gospel proclamation. It points to our risen Savior. I believe the melody supports the text well.
Praise our risen Lord and Savior for his death and resurrection, that we have hope and peace in Jesus.
----
For further reading and a criticism about one of the lines, check here. In my read-through I did not understand that line in a sense that would be false doctrine, but if you think that your congregation or visitors might, then it would be wise not to use it. Use your discernment.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Memorable lyrics, Singable melody
A reader, Steve, made a good point yesterday in a comment:
"Getting some memorable lyrics with a singable melody into a person's head so that he or she sings it throughout the week is a very powerful thing. Personally, I have difficulty doing this with most, but not all, hymns. The key, as you know, is to find the right songs."
I agree with this. The trouble is, it isn't a great idea to substitute good songs with memorable songs that are weak or don't really say anything about God. Is it possible to have good and strong, but simple and memorable songs?
I think that this is a strength of using the western rite. The western rite makes use of short, memorable songs with texts carefully chosen from Scripture that tell the story of Salvation and take us through the church year every week. This isn't to say that you have to use the settings in the hymnal - there are literally thousands of settings available for every sort of instrumentation - but it would probably be wise to keep using the same settings that you do choose for the very reason of being memorable and something familiar for the people. Personally, I very much like the first new setting that is in Christian Worship Supplement. The second setting in it is nice as well as it is easy to pick up - it uses already familiar hymn tunes (that you get to pick) for the church songs. But there are many, many others available as well.
I've noticed that most churches I've visited that try contemporary worship, even those keeping a liturgical framework, tend to eliminate these songs. I think that's too bad... as they are a very strong part of our Lutheran worship - and there are opportunities for variety (some would call this being contemporary) by changing the setting or instrumentation.
As to other songs, I think Luther's call to poets and musicians of his day to get together and write new music is still valid today. Consider this 2005 song written and composed by WELS members available here (note: LCMS blog).
"Getting some memorable lyrics with a singable melody into a person's head so that he or she sings it throughout the week is a very powerful thing. Personally, I have difficulty doing this with most, but not all, hymns. The key, as you know, is to find the right songs."
I agree with this. The trouble is, it isn't a great idea to substitute good songs with memorable songs that are weak or don't really say anything about God. Is it possible to have good and strong, but simple and memorable songs?
I think that this is a strength of using the western rite. The western rite makes use of short, memorable songs with texts carefully chosen from Scripture that tell the story of Salvation and take us through the church year every week. This isn't to say that you have to use the settings in the hymnal - there are literally thousands of settings available for every sort of instrumentation - but it would probably be wise to keep using the same settings that you do choose for the very reason of being memorable and something familiar for the people. Personally, I very much like the first new setting that is in Christian Worship Supplement. The second setting in it is nice as well as it is easy to pick up - it uses already familiar hymn tunes (that you get to pick) for the church songs. But there are many, many others available as well.
I've noticed that most churches I've visited that try contemporary worship, even those keeping a liturgical framework, tend to eliminate these songs. I think that's too bad... as they are a very strong part of our Lutheran worship - and there are opportunities for variety (some would call this being contemporary) by changing the setting or instrumentation.
As to other songs, I think Luther's call to poets and musicians of his day to get together and write new music is still valid today. Consider this 2005 song written and composed by WELS members available here (note: LCMS blog).
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
To Your Temple I Draw Near
1. To your temple I draw near;
Lord, I love to worship here.
Here are sacrament and Word;
Here believers meet their Lord.
2. I through Christ am reconciled;
I through Christ become your child.
Abba, Father, give me grace
In your courts to seek your face.
3. While your glorious praise is sung.
Touch my lips, unloose my tongue,
That my joyful soul may bless
Christ the Lord, my righteousness.
4. While the prayers of saints ascend,
God of love, to mine attend.
Hear me, for your Spirit pleads;
Hear, for Jesus intercedes.
5. While I listen to your law,
Fill my soul with holy awe
Till your gospel brings to me
Life and immortality.
6. While your ministers proclaim
Peace and pardon in your name
Through their voice, by faith, may I
Hear you speaking from the sky.
7. From your house, when I return,
May my heart within me burn,
And at evening let me say,
"I have walked with God today."
----
I picked this selection today to point out some contrasts and parallels between this and "Here I Am to Worship" from the blog on Monday which received a little bit of disagreement. This hymn, like the other, is perhaps best placed at the start of a service. This hymn, like the other, also uses the word "I" quite a bit. Although, I would contend, that this hymn is much more suitable for Lutheran worship because it focuses on Christ and teaches many truths about the Lutheran faith.
While both songs use "I," this one consistantly puts the focus back on what Christ does. Stanza one says that "I draw near" and "I love to worship" but is immediately followed up with the gifts received at worship from God. Stanza two says that I am reconciled through Christ -- Christ's action, not mine. The central theme of this song is about Christ.
Some of the truths this hymn teaches include: which gifts we receive at church, how we are reconciled through Christ and become his child, how God hears our prayers and Jesus intercedes on our behalf, functions of law and Gospel, and that pastors stand in the stead of Christ. Additionally it is a prayer to God with many requests ultimately asking that he bless our worship.
All of these things are true Lutheran teaching and the hymn overall keeps the Gospel central. Especially nice is that the language of this hymn is very easy to understand. It teaches clearly. The few words that may be difficult for some (like "reconciled") provide a good teaching opportunity for the pastor.
Still want to "freshen" it up a bit? While I think the tune it has works well and is simple and nice, you could try a different one. In the lower-righthand side of the hymnal it lists the meter: 77 77. In the back of the hymnal, specifically page 950, under 77 77 there are listed 8 other tunes that may work with this text. Or write your own!
Lord, I love to worship here.
Here are sacrament and Word;
Here believers meet their Lord.
2. I through Christ am reconciled;
I through Christ become your child.
Abba, Father, give me grace
In your courts to seek your face.
3. While your glorious praise is sung.
Touch my lips, unloose my tongue,
That my joyful soul may bless
Christ the Lord, my righteousness.
4. While the prayers of saints ascend,
God of love, to mine attend.
Hear me, for your Spirit pleads;
Hear, for Jesus intercedes.
5. While I listen to your law,
Fill my soul with holy awe
Till your gospel brings to me
Life and immortality.
6. While your ministers proclaim
Peace and pardon in your name
Through their voice, by faith, may I
Hear you speaking from the sky.
7. From your house, when I return,
May my heart within me burn,
And at evening let me say,
"I have walked with God today."
----
I picked this selection today to point out some contrasts and parallels between this and "Here I Am to Worship" from the blog on Monday which received a little bit of disagreement. This hymn, like the other, is perhaps best placed at the start of a service. This hymn, like the other, also uses the word "I" quite a bit. Although, I would contend, that this hymn is much more suitable for Lutheran worship because it focuses on Christ and teaches many truths about the Lutheran faith.
While both songs use "I," this one consistantly puts the focus back on what Christ does. Stanza one says that "I draw near" and "I love to worship" but is immediately followed up with the gifts received at worship from God. Stanza two says that I am reconciled through Christ -- Christ's action, not mine. The central theme of this song is about Christ.
Some of the truths this hymn teaches include: which gifts we receive at church, how we are reconciled through Christ and become his child, how God hears our prayers and Jesus intercedes on our behalf, functions of law and Gospel, and that pastors stand in the stead of Christ. Additionally it is a prayer to God with many requests ultimately asking that he bless our worship.
All of these things are true Lutheran teaching and the hymn overall keeps the Gospel central. Especially nice is that the language of this hymn is very easy to understand. It teaches clearly. The few words that may be difficult for some (like "reconciled") provide a good teaching opportunity for the pastor.
Still want to "freshen" it up a bit? While I think the tune it has works well and is simple and nice, you could try a different one. In the lower-righthand side of the hymnal it lists the meter: 77 77. In the back of the hymnal, specifically page 950, under 77 77 there are listed 8 other tunes that may work with this text. Or write your own!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Rest, O Christ, From All Your Labor
1. Rest, O Christ, from all your labor;
Sleep within your borrowed tomb.
Foes have crucified and bound you
Fast within death's narrow room.
Pilate's guards stand watching, waiting
Where they rolled the sealing stone.
All unseen another watches:
God will not forsake his own.
2. Peace at last from all your anguish,
Wounds in hands and feet and side.
Enemies no longer mock you,
Scourged, abandoned, crucified.
Faithful women gather spices,
Weep for you whom sin has slain.
Though they mourn, the God who guards you
Will not let your death be vain.
3. Help us keep this solemn Sabbath
As we wait for Easter dawn.
Earth's dark night of sin is passing;
Death's long reign will soon be gone.
Christ, in whom the new creation
Rises brighter than the sun:
May we, as we watch for morning,
Trust the vict'ry you have won.
4. As though parting Red Sea waters
Israel marched to liberty,
So we pass through baptism's water,
Washed by grace, from sin set free.
Jesus, risen, living, reigning
Now and through eternity:
Grant that, through your life undying,
We may live victoriously.
----
This contemporary hymn tells us what happened after Christ's death and the effect it had on the world. It is one of those hymns that take a little extra work to fully digest - reading through it once or twice before singing is definitely worth it and helpful. The first two stanzas are description of the events following Christ's death and gives us a clear picture of the suffering endured. The last two stanzas turn to us and point us towards the gift we receive through his death and Resurrection.
I particularly like the line "So we pass through baptism's water, Washed by grace, from sin set free." This hymn points directly to Christ, the one who has has risen, is living and reigning now and through eternity. The one through whom we receive life - something we can think about even on Good Friday, because of Jesus, who washed us in our baptism.
It is thus worthy of our singing.
Sleep within your borrowed tomb.
Foes have crucified and bound you
Fast within death's narrow room.
Pilate's guards stand watching, waiting
Where they rolled the sealing stone.
All unseen another watches:
God will not forsake his own.
2. Peace at last from all your anguish,
Wounds in hands and feet and side.
Enemies no longer mock you,
Scourged, abandoned, crucified.
Faithful women gather spices,
Weep for you whom sin has slain.
Though they mourn, the God who guards you
Will not let your death be vain.
3. Help us keep this solemn Sabbath
As we wait for Easter dawn.
Earth's dark night of sin is passing;
Death's long reign will soon be gone.
Christ, in whom the new creation
Rises brighter than the sun:
May we, as we watch for morning,
Trust the vict'ry you have won.
4. As though parting Red Sea waters
Israel marched to liberty,
So we pass through baptism's water,
Washed by grace, from sin set free.
Jesus, risen, living, reigning
Now and through eternity:
Grant that, through your life undying,
We may live victoriously.
----
This contemporary hymn tells us what happened after Christ's death and the effect it had on the world. It is one of those hymns that take a little extra work to fully digest - reading through it once or twice before singing is definitely worth it and helpful. The first two stanzas are description of the events following Christ's death and gives us a clear picture of the suffering endured. The last two stanzas turn to us and point us towards the gift we receive through his death and Resurrection.
I particularly like the line "So we pass through baptism's water, Washed by grace, from sin set free." This hymn points directly to Christ, the one who has has risen, is living and reigning now and through eternity. The one through whom we receive life - something we can think about even on Good Friday, because of Jesus, who washed us in our baptism.
It is thus worthy of our singing.
Copyright Info
Please refer to this post to find who wrote all of the songs listed on this blog.
The use of these texts for analysis is believed to be covered by fair use.
5/18 God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It, Erdmann Neumeister, tr. Robert E. Voelker, © 1991 Robert E. Voelker
5/11 Father Welcomes, Robin Mann, © Kevin Mayhew
5/1/09 Voice of Truth, Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman, © 2003 SWECS Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Club Zoo Music Sparrow Song (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) Peach Hill Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
4/23/09 O Worship the King, Robert Grant, Public Domain
4/17/09 The Wonderful Cross, Chris Tomlin, J.D. Walt, Jesse Reeves, Isaac Watts, ©2000 worshiptogether.com Songs / Six Steps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
4/11/09 In Christ Alone, Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
4/8/09 To Your Temple I Draw Near, James Montgomery, Public Domain
4/7/09 Rest, O Christ, From All Your Labor, Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., © 1993 GIA Publications, Inc.
4/6/09 Here I Am to Worship, Tim Hughes, © 2000 Thankyou music
4/6/09 Salvation Unto Us Has Come, Paul Speratus, Public Domain
The use of these texts for analysis is believed to be covered by fair use.
5/18 God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It, Erdmann Neumeister, tr. Robert E. Voelker, © 1991 Robert E. Voelker
5/11 Father Welcomes, Robin Mann, © Kevin Mayhew
5/1/09 Voice of Truth, Mark Hall and Steven Curtis Chapman, © 2003 SWECS Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) Club Zoo Music Sparrow Song (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing) Peach Hill Songs (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
4/23/09 O Worship the King, Robert Grant, Public Domain
4/17/09 The Wonderful Cross, Chris Tomlin, J.D. Walt, Jesse Reeves, Isaac Watts, ©2000 worshiptogether.com Songs / Six Steps Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)
4/11/09 In Christ Alone, Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, © 2001 Kingsway Thankyou Music
4/8/09 To Your Temple I Draw Near, James Montgomery, Public Domain
4/7/09 Rest, O Christ, From All Your Labor, Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., © 1993 GIA Publications, Inc.
4/6/09 Here I Am to Worship, Tim Hughes, © 2000 Thankyou music
4/6/09 Salvation Unto Us Has Come, Paul Speratus, Public Domain
Monday, April 6, 2009
Here I Am to Worship
Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, Let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days
So highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to the earth you created
All for love's sake became poor
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
(repeat)
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
(repeat 3x)
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
(repeat 6X)
----
This song, when used, is usually placed at the beginning of the service as a sort of call to worship - here I am to worship. I appreciate that the song speaks some specific Gospel proclamation - Christ's humility (you stepped down into darkness, humbly you came to the earth you created, ...became poor), a future home in heaven (hope of a life spent with you), and death on a cross for our sins (I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon the cross). That is a fair amount of doctrine and proclamation as compared to many CCM songs. This is good.
What bothers me about this song is the "Here I am to worship" refrain. This is obviously the main thrust of the song. It is the title of the song, and it is repeated many many more times than the rest of the lyrics. It is the part of the song you are going to go home with and have running through your head. The refrain is the focal point of the song. And there is no Gospel proclamation in it. It is about our action - "Here I am to worship."
What happens in worship? God's action or man's? First and foremost is God's action - him feeding us through the means of grace: the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. In response to this, man may respond with praise and thanksgiving. But the emphasis of this song is certainly on this "response" part. For a song about worship, it neglects to even mention Word or sacrament. What does this song teach to the congregation? I think that it teaches that worship is about: 1. our being there 2. our thinking and showing that God is great. If that is what this song is teaching, then it is teaching false doctrine.
I wish the refrain were something more like this:
Here Christ comes to feed me
Here he grants forgiveness
'Cause he has washed all my sins away
Through water, bread and wine and
Through his Holy Word he
gives me his Salvation fully free.
I would not recommend this song for Lutheran worship.
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, Let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
King of all days
So highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above
Humbly you came to the earth you created
All for love's sake became poor
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
(repeat)
I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross
(repeat 3x)
Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that you're my God
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
(repeat 6X)
----
This song, when used, is usually placed at the beginning of the service as a sort of call to worship - here I am to worship. I appreciate that the song speaks some specific Gospel proclamation - Christ's humility (you stepped down into darkness, humbly you came to the earth you created, ...became poor), a future home in heaven (hope of a life spent with you), and death on a cross for our sins (I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon the cross). That is a fair amount of doctrine and proclamation as compared to many CCM songs. This is good.
What bothers me about this song is the "Here I am to worship" refrain. This is obviously the main thrust of the song. It is the title of the song, and it is repeated many many more times than the rest of the lyrics. It is the part of the song you are going to go home with and have running through your head. The refrain is the focal point of the song. And there is no Gospel proclamation in it. It is about our action - "Here I am to worship."
What happens in worship? God's action or man's? First and foremost is God's action - him feeding us through the means of grace: the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. In response to this, man may respond with praise and thanksgiving. But the emphasis of this song is certainly on this "response" part. For a song about worship, it neglects to even mention Word or sacrament. What does this song teach to the congregation? I think that it teaches that worship is about: 1. our being there 2. our thinking and showing that God is great. If that is what this song is teaching, then it is teaching false doctrine.
I wish the refrain were something more like this:
Here Christ comes to feed me
Here he grants forgiveness
'Cause he has washed all my sins away
Through water, bread and wine and
Through his Holy Word he
gives me his Salvation fully free.
I would not recommend this song for Lutheran worship.
Salvation Unto Us Has Come
1. Salvation unto us has come
By God's free grace and favor;
Good works cannot avert our doom,
They help and save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,
Who did for all the world atone;
He is our one Redeemer.
2. What God did in His Law demand
And none to Him could render
Caused wrath and woe on every hand
For man, the vile offender.
Our flesh has not those pure desires
The spirit of the Law requires,
And lost is our condition.
3. It is a false, misleading dream
That God His Law had given
That sinners can themselves redeem
And by their works gain heaven.
The Law is but a mirror bright
To bring the inbred sin to light
That lurks within our nature.
4. Yet as the Law must be fulfilled
Or we must die despairing,
Christ came and has God's anger stilled,
Our human nature sharing.
He has for us the Law obeyed
And thus the Father's vengeance stayed
Which over us impended.
5. Since Christ has full atonement made
And brought to us salvation,
Each Christian therefore may be glad
And build on this foundation.
Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead,
Your death is now my life indeed,
For you have paid my ransom.
6. All blessing, honor, thanks, and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
The God who saved us by His grace-
All glory to His merit!
O Triune God in heaven above,
You have revealed your saving love;
Your blessed name be hallowed!
----
This hymn teaches justification by grace alone. This is filled with doctrine - teaching us about justification - that it is free, that is is received through faith looking to Christ alone, that the Law shows us our sin, that the Law condemns us and that we cannot redeem ourselves, that the Law needed to be fulfilled, that Christ fulfilled the Law for us, that Christ did it all for us. And for all that - it closes, we thank and praise him. Bonus points for being Trinitarian - this hymn points to the one and only true God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
There is virtually nothing I can criticize about this hymn - it is filled to the brim with a very clear and concise summary of what God's Word has to say about justification. The hymn is Gospel proclamation through and through - there are no wasted words. My only complaint is that some excellent stanzas were left out of our hymnal.
By God's free grace and favor;
Good works cannot avert our doom,
They help and save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,
Who did for all the world atone;
He is our one Redeemer.
2. What God did in His Law demand
And none to Him could render
Caused wrath and woe on every hand
For man, the vile offender.
Our flesh has not those pure desires
The spirit of the Law requires,
And lost is our condition.
3. It is a false, misleading dream
That God His Law had given
That sinners can themselves redeem
And by their works gain heaven.
The Law is but a mirror bright
To bring the inbred sin to light
That lurks within our nature.
4. Yet as the Law must be fulfilled
Or we must die despairing,
Christ came and has God's anger stilled,
Our human nature sharing.
He has for us the Law obeyed
And thus the Father's vengeance stayed
Which over us impended.
5. Since Christ has full atonement made
And brought to us salvation,
Each Christian therefore may be glad
And build on this foundation.
Your grace alone, dear Lord, I plead,
Your death is now my life indeed,
For you have paid my ransom.
6. All blessing, honor, thanks, and praise
To Father, Son, and Spirit,
The God who saved us by His grace-
All glory to His merit!
O Triune God in heaven above,
You have revealed your saving love;
Your blessed name be hallowed!
----
This hymn teaches justification by grace alone. This is filled with doctrine - teaching us about justification - that it is free, that is is received through faith looking to Christ alone, that the Law shows us our sin, that the Law condemns us and that we cannot redeem ourselves, that the Law needed to be fulfilled, that Christ fulfilled the Law for us, that Christ did it all for us. And for all that - it closes, we thank and praise him. Bonus points for being Trinitarian - this hymn points to the one and only true God - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
There is virtually nothing I can criticize about this hymn - it is filled to the brim with a very clear and concise summary of what God's Word has to say about justification. The hymn is Gospel proclamation through and through - there are no wasted words. My only complaint is that some excellent stanzas were left out of our hymnal.
Welcome
Welcome to my new blog-
I plan to discuss the content of Lutheran church music here. Specifically, I'd like to look at individual hymns and songs that I have seen used in the worship service and evaluate their use in the Lutheran church. Is this a song that supports the Song of the Church? I will post texts of songs and comment on their suitability. It is my hope that others will comment on them and enlighten me as to aspects I had not considered and perhaps generate lively discussion about them. Other posts may simply be a discussion post that describes an important aspect of Lutheran church music. I hope that I will grow in my discernment as I evaluate these songs and perhaps help others to be more discerning as well. I do not intend to bash one certain type of music or another. I hope to objectively look at each song and evaluate it with fresh eyes for use in worship.
About me: Member of the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod (WELS). Student.
If there is a song you will like to see evaluated please email or comment about it! If you are interested in reviewing a song and being a guest blogger, also, please drop a line.
I plan to discuss the content of Lutheran church music here. Specifically, I'd like to look at individual hymns and songs that I have seen used in the worship service and evaluate their use in the Lutheran church. Is this a song that supports the Song of the Church? I will post texts of songs and comment on their suitability. It is my hope that others will comment on them and enlighten me as to aspects I had not considered and perhaps generate lively discussion about them. Other posts may simply be a discussion post that describes an important aspect of Lutheran church music. I hope that I will grow in my discernment as I evaluate these songs and perhaps help others to be more discerning as well. I do not intend to bash one certain type of music or another. I hope to objectively look at each song and evaluate it with fresh eyes for use in worship.
About me: Member of the Wisconsin Ev. Lutheran Synod (WELS). Student.
If there is a song you will like to see evaluated please email or comment about it! If you are interested in reviewing a song and being a guest blogger, also, please drop a line.
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