Our Song

There's a song, that when it is played, makes my head snap to attention and turn towards the instrument that is playing "Wondrous Love." It's almost an involuntary reaction as if the song is a beacon and I'm the receiver. I may be distracted, reading, or concentrating on a task, but once the first few bars are played my attention is crisp and focused, and I feel as if I'm being called home, to a familiar place, a loving place. It's our song, the Spirit and me. I have this vision of "Wondrous Love" being played during Holy Week; a single cello playing the melody while the song's lyrics are given in sign language next to the cross.

"What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul...
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!"

The third verse calls to me tonight as a great thanksgiving of a dear friend. I can imagine his own song might include a fiddle playing the melody while he finds accompanying notes on banjo. I can pray that I'll be journey proud and singing unabashedly in response when "our song" is played as my Invitation Hymn. (raised Baptist ya know)

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!

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, I pray that each person recognize a song, Bible verse or prayer, that when heard, is an instant confirmation that they called to be in direct relationship with the Spirit and they are abiding with you. We give thanks that our "Charge to the Congregation" is one such connection that our church community has as a whole and with each other, living in your presence. We hear the charge and experience its bond. Let us believe whole heartedly in what we are called to do, and go forthright into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit! What wondrous love is this! Amen!