The Lord will Provide

Here is a John Newton hymn (1775) that I rewrote a while back. While I was writing the tune and especially the refrain, I had a picture in my mind of the people of God going through hard times. I saw them traveling from one place to another on pilgrimage or on the run, weary and in need and I wanted to put a song in their mouths for their encouragement. I also wrote it with a call and response type refrain in mind so that the worshiping community would be repeating to themselves the promise of God's help rooted in his action of purchasing us through the death of his son. I recorded it in my office and Rebekah Osborn joined in with harmony.

...........................................................................................................................................................................

The Lord will Provide       (listen/download)     (chord chart)

The birds, without garner or storehouse, are fed; From them let us learn to trust God for our bread. His saints what is fitting shall ne’er be denied Just as long as it’s written, “The Lord will provide.”

Though troubles assail us and dangers affright, Though friends should all fail us and foes all unite, Just one thing secures us, whatever betide, His Spirit assures us, “The Lord will provide.”

Leader: And this promise remains, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: Through all ages unchanged, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: In all our want, in our pain, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: Faithful through all of our days.

When Satan assails us to stop up our path, And courage all fails us, we stand but by faith. He cannot take from us, though oft he has tried, This heart glad’ning gospel, “The Lord will provide.”

We’re told we are weak, and our hope is in vain, The good that we seek we never shall obtain, But when such suggestions, our graces have tried, This answers all questions, “The Lord will provide.”

Leader: And this promise remains, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: Through all ages unchanged, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: In all our want, in our pain, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: Faithful through all of our days.

No strength of our own and no goodness we claim; Yet, since we have known of the Savior’s great Name, We run to this strong tow’r and for safety we hide: For the Lord is our power, “The Lord will provide.”

When life sinks apace, and death is in view, The word of His grace shall comfort us through, Not fearing or doubting, with Christ on our side, We hope to die shouting, “The Lord will provide.”

Leader: And this promise remains, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: Through all ages unchanged, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: In all our want, in our pain, People: Our Lord has redeemed us, Our Lord will provide Leader: Faithful through all of our days.

Hold Thou my Hand

This is a rewrite of a Fanny Crosby (1879) hymn that I did back in 2002 and have yet to release anywhere. However, since it has become a such a part of our worship at Redeemer and since I have gotten a such a good amount of prodding (Thanks Richard!), I thought I would finally get it posted. Hope it is a blessing to you all! ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hold Thou My Hand          (listen/download)       (chord chart)

Hold thou my hand; so weak I am, and helpless, I dare not take one step without thy aid; Hold thou my hand; for then, O loving Savior, No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.

Hold thou my hand, and closer, draw me closer To thy dear self—my hope, my joy, my all; Hold thou my hand, lest haply I should wander, And, missing thee, my trembling feet should fall.

Hold thou my hand; the way is dark before me Without the sunlight of thy face divine; But when by faith I catch its radiant glory, What heights of joy, what rapturous songs are mine!

Hold thou my hand, that when I reach the margin Of that lone river thou didst cross for me, A heavenly light may flash along its waters, And every wave like crystal bright shall be.

Hold thou my hand; so weak I am, and helpless, I dare not take one step without thy aid; I dare not take one step without thy aid.

Pass Me not O Tender Loving Savior

This Fanny Crosby (1868) hymn was introduced to me by my friend, Jeff Sparks. It was one of his father's favorite hymns and he commissioned this rewrite as a birthday gift to his son. It was recorded live during worship in 2010. .......................................................................................................................................

Pass Me not O Tender Loving Savior        (listen)       (chords)

Let me at Thy throne of mercy, Find a sweet relief, Kneeling there in deep contrition; Help me, help my unbelief.

Pass me not, O tender loving Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art gently calling, Do not pass me by.

Trusting only in Thy merit, Would I seek Thy face; Heal my wounded, broken spirit, Save me, save me by Thy grace.

Pass me not, O tender loving Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art gently calling, Do not pass me by.

Thou the Spring of all my comfort, More than life to me, Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in Heav’n, whom have I but Thee?

Pass me not, O tender loving Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art gently calling, Do not pass me by.

O Worship the King

I rewrote this Robert Grant/William Kethe hymn (1833/1562) back in 2002, but last Sunday we played a bit mellower and I rewrote the turn around portion to fit. We really enjoyed it so I thought I would share it. ...............................................................................

Vocals: Nathan Partain, Rebekah Osborn Electric guitar: Nathan Partain Acoustic guitar: Rebekah Osborn Bass: Rob Meyer Drums: Joe Lamusga

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

O Worship the King       (listen)          (chords)

O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing his pow’r and his 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, Dark is his path on the wings of the storm.

O measureless might!  Ineffable love! While angels delight to hymn thee above, The humbler creation, though feeble their lays, With true adoration shall all sing thy praise.

O worship the King, all glorious above, O gratefully sing his pow’r and his love; Our Shield and Defender, the Ancient of Days, Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise.

Sweet Hour of Prayer

I rewrote this William Walford hymn (1845) last month. I have been working on this hymn for a while and have a number of mediocre versions of it. Something keeps drawing me back to these lyrics. When I first turned my whole heart to Jesus in 1997, my relationship with God was defined by constant intimate prayer. Lying face down on my bed in prayer to talk to my Lord was like coming home to the only place I wanted to be in the whole world....at the feet of Jesus. This hymn reminds me of the sweetness that I have known and that I still taste each day as I walk in relationship with God. ........................................................................

Vocals: Nathan Partain, Rebekah Osborn Cello: Chad Davis Viola: Ashley Overley Violin: Laura Davis

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Sweet Hour of Prayer       (listen)     (chords)

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! That calls me out from a world of care, And bids me at my Father’s throne, To make all of my wants and my wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief And oft escaped the tempter’s snare, By thy return!

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! All the joys I feel, O the bliss I share, Those anxious hearts whose spirits burn, With the strongest desires for thy return! With such I would, run to the place, Where God my Savior shows His face, And gladly take my station there, and wait for thee Oh how I long to be with you where you are. Oh how I long to be with you...

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! How thy wings shall all my petition bear Unto Him whose truth and whose faithfulness, Shall engage the waiting soul to bless. And since He has bid me seek His face, Believe His Word and to trust His grace, I’ll cast on Him my every care, And wait for thee Oh how I long to be with you where you are. Oh how I long to be with you where….

You are always listening so intently, You are always calling out, in deep of deep You are always whispering so gently, You are always tending to all I need. You are always offering your love for me, You are always intricately governing. You are always closer than I’d dare to dream, You are always there waiting.

 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! How I long to remain and be with you where you are.

Jesus Thy Boundless Love to Me

This Paul Gerhardt hymn (1653) has been sitting in my folder of lyrics that I have enjoyed and want to rewrite. This past week we mourned the loss of a man in our community and I was longing for a hymn that spoke of our whole hearted devotion and trust in Jesus our savior. When I found this hymn I immediately started making music. We recorded it this past Sunday during worship. .........................................................................

vocals: Nathan Partain guitar: Nathan Partain viola: Ashley Overley, Ellen Davis violin: Laura Davis, Leila Vanest, Sarah Kamer bass: Melodi Miller drums: Joe Lamusga

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Jesus Thy Boundless Love to Me      (listen)      (chords)

Jesus, Thy boundless love to me, No thought can reach, no tongue declare; Unite my thankful heart with Thee, And reign without a rival there. To Thee alone, dear Lord, I live; Myself to Thee, dear Lord, I give. Myself to Thee, dear Lord, I give.

O, grant that nothing in my soul, May dwell but Thy pure love alone! Oh, may Thy love possess me whole, My joy, my treasure, and my crown! All coldness from my heart remove; My every act, word, thought, be love. My every act, word, thought, be love.

This love unwearied I pursue, And dauntlessly to Thee aspire. Oh, may Thy love my hope renew, Burn in my soul like heavenly fire! And day and night be all my care, To guard this sacred treasure there. To guard this sacred treasure there.

O that I, as a little child, May follow Thee, and never rest, Till sweetly Thou hast breathed Thy mild, And lowly mind into my breast! Nor ever may we parted be, Till I become as one with Thee. Till I become as one with Thee.

In suffering be Thy love my peace, In weakness be Thy love my power; And when the storms of life shall cease, Jesus, in that important hour, In death as life be Thou my guide, And save me, Who for me hast died. And save me, Who for me hast died.

Jesus is Mine (live)

Recorded this last Sunday. It is a rewrite I did back in 2003 of a Jane C. Bonar (1843) hymn. It is on The Parlor Sessions record but I really enjoyed worshiping through this song with our community this past Sunday so I thought I would share the live recording. James says that "friendship with the world is hatred towards God". This song reminds me that I do not need the world, that it's promises are empty and that Jesus is all I want. I am his and he is mine. ....................................

Vocals: Nathan Partain, Kyle Ragsdale, Bethany Hodge Guitar: Nathan Partain Banjo: Kyle Edgell Fiddle: Kipp Normand Bass: Joel Chodakowski Bass Drum & Cymbal: Brail Allee

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Jesus is Mine         (listen)      (chords)

Fade, fade, each earthly joy: Jesus is mine! Break every tender tie: Jesus is mine! Dark is this wilderness, Earth has no resting place, Jesus alone can bless: Jesus is mine!

Tempt not my soul away: Jesus is mine! Here would I ever stay: Jesus is mine! Perishing things of clay, Born for but one brief day, Pass from my heart away: Jesus is mine!

Farewell, ye dreams of night: Jesus is mine! Lost in this dawning bright: Jesus is mine! All that my soul has tried Left but a dismal void; Jesus has satisfied: Jesus is mine!

Farewell, mortality: Jesus is mine! Welcome, eternity: Jesus is mine! Welcome, O loved and blest, Welcome sweet scenes of rest, Welcome, my Savior’s breast: Jesus is mine!

The Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Last Sunday while my family was out of town I decided to stay up way too late to write and record a version of this hymn by Haldor Lillenas, 1918. I only had my laptop with me so I used the built in mic to record everything. I had my classical guitar, our upright piano and my children's percussion toys, including my sons toy drum set. I had a blast as you can imagine. (I did go back today to record a bass part because I thought it needed some more low end.) We played it this past Sunday during worship and I was able to get some of the musicians to shout along with me for the refrain. I rewrote the refrain because I thought that verses were really striking and I wanted to keep that tone throughout the song. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

The Wonderful Grace of Jesus       (listen)       (chords)       

The wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin; How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin? Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free; The wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

The wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching a mighty host, By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost, Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty; The wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

More patient than my fight, more faithful than my doubt, Persistent though I run, O how his grace abounds! Broader than my sin, deeper than my shame, Stronger than my evil, O praise Jesus name!

The wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled, By its transforming power, making him God’s dear child, Purchasing peace and heaven, for all eternity; The wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.

More patient than my fight, more faithful than my doubt, Persistent though I run, O how his grace abounds! Broader than my sin, deeper than my shame, Stronger than my evil, O praise Jesus name!

The wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin; How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?

Good Friday: Just as I am

So I normally try to steer clear of rewriting classic hymns that people know and love. However, I really like these lyrics (Charlotte Elliot, 1835) and have wanted to write something new to them for a while so for Good Friday I did a rewrite. My focus was really just the first phrase of the song, that I am to come to our Father as I am, without pretense, hiding, self-covering or any of my own goodness.  Not only that, but I am to come free of fear and inhibition, trusting completely in the finished work of Jesus on my behalf.

Vocals: Nathan Partain, Kyle Ragsdale, Bethany Hodge Acoustic guitar: Nathan Partain Harmonica: Jeremy Grimmer Washboard: Elyce Elder Bass drum: Brian Allee Junk: Kipp Normand Bass: Joel Chodakowski

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Just as I am    (listen)      (chord chart)    

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb I come. Just as I am, and waiting not, To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about, Confused, conflicted, full of doubts, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb I come. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all in Thee I need to find, O Lamb I come.

Just as I am I come, Receiving all you’ve done. And covered in your blood, I’m held within your love.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown, Hath broken every barrier down; Now, to be Thine and Thine alone, O Lamb I come. Just as I am, Thou will receive, Will welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb I come. 

 Just as I am I come, Receiving all you’ve done. And covered in your blood, I’m held within your love.

You won for me full forgiveness, Just as I am O Lamb I come Set free from fear, I can confess, Just as I am O Lamb I come I leave my rags of righteousness, Just as I am O Lamb I come For now I wear your Holiness, Just as I am O Lamb I come 

Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness

Here is a recent hymn rewrite of Nikolaus L. Von Zinzendorf's (1739) hymn. Because the lyrics were translated from German, some of the phrases are somewhat convoluted but I have been continually drawn in by the first two phrases of the hymn and the way that the hymn stays persistent in these verses with the analogy of being clothed in Christ. I also really love the verse that is punctuated with "the robe of Christ, it is ever new". We record this live during worship last week. Enjoy! On another note, I realized the other day that I have posted a few live recordings here and I unintentionally forgot to credit the players in the recordings. I will try to be more consistent with this in the future.

Rebekah Osborn (vocals) :: Kyle Ragsdale (vocals) :: Nathan Partain (vocals, acoustic guitar) :: Wolfy Johnson (piano, mixed recording) Jeremy Grimmer (harmonica) :: Brian Allee (percussion) :: Joe Manley (Upright bass)

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness (listen) (chords)

Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness, My beauty are, my glorious dress; ’Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head.

Bold shall I stand in Thy great day; For who aught to my charge shall lay? Fully absolved through these I am, From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

This spotless robe the same appears, When ruined nature sinks in years; No age can change its glorious hue, The robe of Christ is ever new.

O let the dead now hear Thy voice; Now bid Thy banished ones rejoice; Their beauty this, their glorious dress, Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness.

Give to the Wind Thy Fears

Down in Nashville this week for a big Presbyterian meeting and I have been hoping to get a chance to record two or three hymns that I have rewritten. So yesterday I skipped out on the meetings and utilized my daddy-Kenny’s studio stuff to record onto my laptop. My wife joined in and sang harmony with me and Kenny jumped in on bass. Bruce Benedict sent a shout out for other versions of this song (words: Paul Gerhardt, translated: John Wesley) about a month or so ago and I looked at it and got inspired to do a rewrite. I finished it that week but it has been difficult to find time to record it.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Give to the Wind Thy Fears (listen) (chord chart)

Give to the winds thy fears, Hope and be undismayed. God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears, God will lift up thy head God will lift up thy head

Leave to His sovereign sway To choose and to command; Then shalt thou, wandering, own His way, How wise, how strong His hand. How wise, how strong His hand.

Far, far above thy thought, His counsel shall appear When fully He the work hath wrought That caused thy needless fear That caused thy needless fear

Through waves and clouds and storms, He gently clears the way; Wait thou His time; so shall this night Soon end in joyous day. Soon end in joyous day.

Sinners Jesus does Receive

It has been a few months since my last post. My daughter was born mid-February and with Easter and Holy Week I have been trying to catch up.Anyway, here is an Erdman Neumeister hymn (1718) that I rewrote a while back but never got a recording of it until early this year. As usual, it is recorded live during our worship service and Wolfy mixed it for me.

............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sinners Jesus does Receive (listen) (chord chart)

"Sinners, Jesus does receive:" Word of surest consolation; Word all sorrow to relieve, Word of pardon, peace, salvation! Nothing else can comfort give: "Sinners, Jesus does receive." Nothing else can comfort give.

On God's grace we have no claim, Yet to us his pledge is given; He hath sworn by his own Name, Open are the gates of heaven. Take to heart this word and live: "Sinners, Jesus does receive." "Sinners, Jesus does receive."  Take to heart this word and live

I was helpless and astray, After me, the Shepherd, pressing Thro' each dark and dang'rous way, Brought me back, his own possessing. O, how blest it is to know: Were as scarlet my transgression, It shall be as white as snow By thy blood and bitter passion;

Now my conscience is at peace, From the Law I stand acquitted; Christ hath purchased my release, And my ev'ry sin remitted. O believe, my soul believe. "Sinners, Jesus does receive." "Sinners, Jesus does receive." O believe, my soul believe

It is Finished

I have been doing on the job training with a part time seminary class here in Indy. It has been really great and right now I am going through a course called Sonship. It is all about laying down my efforts and self defense and receiving the gospel to every corner of my soul. It is great because it is not about cognitive understanding but it is about how it affects my everyday reactions. At the end of one of the chapters was the last verse of this James Proctor hymn and I immediately went to find the rest of the hymn. It is so hard to spend each moment of the day receiving Christ's work on my behalf and not picking up my own efforts to make myself right before him or to fight to be right in front of others. This song was recorded live a couple of weeks ago during our worship at Redeemer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

It is Finished (listen) (chart)

Nothing, either great or small—Nothing, sinner, no; Jesus died and paid it all, a long, long time ago.

“It is finished!” yes, indeed, Finished, ev’ry jot; Sinner, this is all you need, Tell me, is it not?

When He, from His lofty throne, Stooped to do and die, Ev’rything was fully done; Hearken to His cry!

“It is finished!” yes, indeed, Finished, ev’ry jot; Sinner, this is all you need, Tell me, is it not?

Weary, working, burdened one, How come you toil so? Cease your doing; all was done, a long, long time ago.

“It is finished!” yes, indeed, Finished, ev’ry jot; Sinner, this is all you need, Tell me, is it not?

Till to Jesus’ work you cling by a simple faith, “Doing” is a deadly thing—“Doing” ends in death.

“It is finished!” yes, indeed, Finished, ev’ry jot; Sinner, this is all you need, Tell me, is it not?

Trade toil and slavery, rest and freedom, Trade law and judgement, for life and pardon, Trade fear and scrutiny, for joy and gladness, Trade cold rejection, for loving kindness

Cast your deadly “doing” down—Down at Jesus’ feet; Stand in Him, in Him alone, Gloriously complete.

“It is finished!” yes, indeed, Finished, ev’ry jot; Sinner, this is all you need, Tell me, is it not?

I Heard the Bells On Christmas Day

A little late for Christmas but I meant to post this song and totally forgot.It was recorded live on December 27th during communion. This Henry Longfellow hymn (1864) is a dangerous one to rewrite because so many people are familiar with the old tune. I usually try to steer away from rewriting well known beloved hymns as to not "ruin the song". However, I wasn't familiar with it so I didn't know what I was messing with until I started playing it for our congregation in 2008. It has an especially dark tone as it was written during the Civil War. You can check out the lesser known verses here if you are interested. I  adjusted the lyrics a touch to make them more about the internal world. Sorry if I butchered it too much for you. Never the less, I thought I would share it late or not. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day   (listen)   (chart)

I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the news of Christ repeats.

I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled around the world with unbroken song. 

Of Peace on earth, good will toward man My Savior is born in Bethlehem The herald swells, throughout the realms of hell and heav’n, Of peace on earth, good will toward man

But in despair I bowed my head “There is no peace in me,” I said, “For hate is strong and mocks the holy songs”

Then out from the Accusers cursed mouth My secret evils thundered out, And with the cruel sound the carols drowned

Of Peace on earth, good will toward man, The Savior is born in Bethlehem The herald swells, throughout the realms of hell and heav’n, Of peace on earth, good will toward man.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “Jesus has died and ris’n a King; The wrong shall fail, the Lamb of God prevail.

I heard the bells on Christmas day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the news of Christ repeats.

Of Peace on earth, good will toward man, The Savior is born in Bethlehem The herald swells, throughout the realms of hell and heav’n, Of peace on earth, good will toward man.

O Light that Knew No Dawn

This hymn by Gregory of Nazianzus (325-390; tr. John Brownlie, 1900) was one that I wrote music for back in 2004 at Greenlake (Seattle) and never got recorded. My good friend (and magnificent violinist) Jonathan Marzinke requested a recording of this song a few weeks ago. I hope it is a blessing to you. [I included a capo chart in D because I usually play capo II open on the low E string.]

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

O Light that Knew No Dawn (listen) (chords) (capo chart)

O Light that knew no dawn, That shines to endless day, All things in earth and heav’n Are lustered by thy ray; Nor mind thy brightness comprehend, No eye can to thy throne ascend, Nor mind thy brightness comprehend.

Thy grace, O Father, give, That I might serve in fear; Above all hopes, I pray, Grant me thy voice to hear; From sin thy child in mercy free, O let me dwell in light with thee. From sin thy child in mercy free. O let me dwell in light with thee.

Lord, you are my God, my only Lord, you have been so gracious to me, And I would give you everything.

That, cleansed from stain of sin, I may true homage give; And pure in heart, behold Thy beauty while I live; And thee, O Christ my Savior, praise. Clean hands in holy worship raise, And thee, O Christ my Savior, praise.

Lord, you are my God, my only Lord, you have been so gracious to me, And I would give you everything.

Thy grace, O Father, give, I humbly thee implore; And let thy mercy bless Thy servant more and more. From age to age eternally. All grace and glory be to thee, From age to age eternally.

Lord, you are my God, my only Lord, you have been so gracious to me, And I would give you everything. All I've worked for, everything, All I run from, everything, All I've loved, everything.

Gathered Round Your Table

Here is a Christmas/Easter communion hymn by Margaret Clarkson (1986) that I rewrote the music for in 2003. I had yet to make a recording until I got a request from Bruce Benedict last week so...special thanks to Bruce for instigating this recording and for making the lead sheet too. :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Gathered Round Your Table (listen) (chord chart) (lead sheet)

Gathered ‘round your table on this holy eve, Viewing Bethlehem’s stable we rejoice and grieve, Joy to see you lying in your manger bed, Weep to see you dying in our sinful stead.

Prince of glory gracing heav’n ere time began, Now for us embracing death as son of man, By your birth so lovely by your love so true; By your cross most holy Lord we worship you.

Bethlehem’s incarnation, Calvary’s bitter cross, Wrought for us salvation by your pain and loss. Now we fall before you in this holy place, Prostrate we adore you for your gift of grace.

With profoundest wonder we your body take, laid in manger yonder broken for our sake, Hushed in adoration we approach the cup, Bethlehem’s pure oblation freely offered up.

Christmas babe so tender lamb who bore our blame, How shall sinners render praises due your name? Do your own good pleasure in the lives we bring, In your ransomed treasure reign forever king.

Be Reconciled

I found this 1902 hymn by E. Taylor Cassel last week and reworked the music for this past Sunday. I am always shaken by the real purpose of our lives here. (2 Cor. 5:20) That God has chosen to make his appeal to the world through us. ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Be Reconciled (demo) (live) (chord chart) (capo chart)

I am a stranger here, within a foreign land; My home is far away, upon a golden strand; Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea, I’m just an angel for the business of my King.

This is my King’s command: that all men, everywhere, Repent and turn away from sin’s destructive snare; That all who will receive him shall then be forgiv’n,

This is the business of my King. This is the message that I bring, To all of Jesus’ enemies:

“Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled. Oh be reconciled.”

My home is brighter far than Sharon’s rosy plain, Eternal life and joy throughout its vast domain; My Sovereign bids me tell how mortals there may dwell,

This is the business of my King. This is the message that I bring, To all of Jesus’ enemies:

“Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.” “Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.” “Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.” “Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.”

Today is the hour of his favor, today is the hour of his grace. Today is the day he is calling, today is the choice you must face. Today is the season of his presence, today is the reign of Jesus’ name. Today we are closer forever, today is the day, today is the day.

I am a stranger here, within a foreign land; My home is far away, upon a golden strand.

“Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.” “Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.” “Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.” “Oh, be reconciled to God, be reconciled.”