RISE Spirituals and Gospel Songs
Lyric Archive

“The Beautiful River”

~Asa Hull / R. Torry, Jr., arr. Brent Holl

Oh, have you not heard of the beautiful stream
that flows through the promised land?
Its waters gleam bright in the heavenly light,
and ripple o’er golden sand.

O seek that beautiful stream,
O seek that beautiful stream.
Its waters, so free, are flowing for thee,
O seek that beautiful stream.

Its fountains are deep and its waters are pure
and sweet to the weary soul.
It flows from the throne of Jehovah alone!
O come where its bright waves roll.

O seek that beautiful stream,
O seek that beautiful stream.
Its waters, so free, are flowing for thee,
O seek that beautiful stream.

This beautiful stream is the river of life!
It flows for all nations free!
A balm for each wound in its water is found;
O sinner, it flows for thee!

O seek that beautiful stream,
O seek that beautiful stream.
Its waters, so free, are flowing for thee,
O seek that beautiful stream.

Oh, will you not drink of this beautiful stream,
and dwell on its peaceful shore?
The Spirit says: come all ye weary ones, home,
and wander in sin no more!

O seek that beautiful stream,
O seek that beautiful stream.
Its waters, so free, are flowing for thee,
O seek that beautiful stream.

“Bound for the Promised Land”

~S. Stennett/American Folk Melody; arr. BMH

On Jordan’s stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan’s fair and happy land, where my possessions lie.

I’m bound for the promised land,
I’m bound for the promised land.
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I’m bound for the promised land.

There gen'rous fruits that never fail on trees immortal grow.
There rocks and hills and brooks and vales with milk and honey flow.

I’m bound for the promised land,
I’m bound for the promised land.
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I’m bound for the promised land.

All o'er those wide extended plains shines one eternal day.
There God the sun forever reigns and scatters night away.

I’m bound for the promised land,
I’m bound for the promised land.
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I’m bound for the promised land.

When shall I reach that happy place, and be forever bless'd?
When shall I see my Father's face, and in his bosom rest?

I’m bound for the promised land,
I’m bound for the promised land.
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I’m bound for the promised land.

Filled with delight, my raptured soul can here no longer stay.
Though Jordan's waves around me roll, fearless I'd launch away.

I’m bound for the promised land,
I’m bound for the promised land.
Oh, who will come and go with me?
I’m bound for the promised land.

“Dayton” (“Where Charity and Love Prevail”)

~Traditional Hymn, arr. Brent Holl

Where charity and love prevail there God is ever found;
brought here together by Christ’s love, by love are we thus bound.

With grateful joy and holy fear true charity we learn.
Let us with heart and mind and strength now love Christ in return.

Forgive we now each other's faults as we our faults confess,
and let us love each other well in Christian holiness.

Let us recall that in our midst dwells God's begotten Son.
As members of his body joined, we are in Christ made one.

Love can exclude no race or creed if honored be God's name.
Our common life embraces all whose maker is the same.

“Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel”

~Traditional Spiritual

Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
Deliver Daniel, deliver Daniel?
Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
And why not a every man?

He deliver’d Daniel from the lion’s den,
And Jonah from the belly of the whale,
And the Hebrew children from the fi’ry furnace,
And why not every man?

Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
Deliver Daniel, deliver Daniel?
Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
And why not a every man?

He set my foot on the gospel ship,
And the ship it begin to sail.
It landed me over on Canaan’s shore,
And I’ll never come back anymore.

Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
Deliver Daniel, deliver Daniel?
Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
And why not a every man?

Oh, Daniel cast in the lion’s den,
He pray both night and day.
The angel came from Galilee
And took that lion away!

Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
Deliver Daniel, deliver Daniel?
Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel,
And why not a every man?

“Down in the Valley to Pray”

~Traditional Spiritual

As I went down in the valley to pray,
Studying about that good old way,
When you shall wear the starry crown,
Good Lord, show me the way.

O Sisters, let's go down,
let's go down, let's go down,
O Sisters, let's go down,
Down in the valley to pray

O Brothers. . .
O Mothers. . .
O Fathers. . .
All Together. . .

_____________________________________________

The earliest known version of the song, titled "The Good Old Way," was published in Slave Songs of the United States in 1867. The song was contributed to that book by George H. Allan of Nashville, Tennessee, who may also have been the transcriber.

“Elijah Rock”

~Spiritual - Mahalia Jackson, arr. Brent Holl

Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord
Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord

Elijah, Elijah
Elijah
Elijah, Elijah
Elijah

Satan is a liar and a conjure too
If you don't watch out
He'll conjure you
If I could I surely would
Stand on the rock where Moses stood

Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord
Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord

Elijah, Elijah
Elijah
Elijah, Elijah
Elijah

Ezekiel said he saw him
Wheel in the mid' of a wheel
John talked about him
Book of the seven seals
Some say the Rose of Sharon
Others say the Prince of Peace
But I can tell everybody
He's been a rock and a shelter for me
Hallelujah

Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord
Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord

Elijah, Elijah
Elijah
Elijah, Elijah
Elijah

You can call my rock in the mornin'
Call him late at night
He's always with me
And all my battles He'll fight
When I'm in trouble
I can call him on the line
He put a telephone in my heart
And I can call God anytime
Hallelujah

Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord
Elijah rock, shout, shout
Elijah rock, comin' up Lord

Elijah, Elijah
Elijah
Elijah, Elijah
Elijah

“Exultation”(“Come Away to The Skies”)

~Charles Wesley/Southern Harmony, arr. Brent Holl

Come away to the skies, my beloved, arise
and rejoice in the day you were born.
On this festival day, come exulting away,
and with singing to Zion return.

Now with singing and praise, let us spend all our days
by our gracious creator bestowed,
while in grace we receive from earth's bounty we live
to the honor and glory of God.

For the glory we were first created to share,
both the nature and kingdom divine,
now created again that our lives may remain
throughout time and eternity thine.

We with thanks do approve the design of that love
which has joined us to Jesus' name.
So united in heart, let us nevermore part,
til we meet at the feast of the Lamb.

“Guide My Feet”

~Bernice Johnson Reagan / Traditional Spiritual

Guide my feet, while I run this race
Guide my feet, while I run this race
Guide my feet, while I run this race
For I don’t want to run this race in vain.

Hold My Hand….
Stand by Me….
I’m your child…
Search my heart…
Guide my feet…

“HALLELUJAH”

~Johnnyswim

I'm falling I'm falling come catch me you can't make me wait
Stars in the heavens watch out 'cause I'm headed their way
You came for me and made me new
For all of my days I will give You the praise that you do

Hallelu-hallelu-hallelu-hallelujah (2x)
My heart your love never parted
Hallelu-hallelu-hallelu-hallelujah

Step after steep step on upwards I'm keeping a pace
Wherever your heart is I'm headed to show me the way
I hang on every word you say
If you turn the locks then I'll hand in my key everyday

Hallelu-hallelu-hallelu-hallelujah (2x)
My heart your love never parted
Hallelu-hallelu-hallelu-hallelujah
(Repeat 3x)

“Hamba nathi”

~South African*

Hamba nathi mkululu wetu (“Hahmba ante koo-loo-loo weh-too”)
Hamba nathi mkululu wetu
Hamba nathi mkululu wetu
Hamba nathi mkululu wetu

mkululu, mkululu, mkululu wetu
mkululu, mkululu, mkululu wetu
mkululu, mkululu, mkululu wetu
mkululu, mkululu, mkululu wetu

Come walk with us the journey is long (4x)
The journey, the journey, the journey is long (4x)

Set us all free, give us your love (4x)
Give us, give us, give us your love (4x)

Set us all free, give us your joy…

Set us all free, give us your peace…

_____________

*This powerful South African Freedom song lends itself as a song of welcome, inclusion, or a powerful sending song. The closest translation is “Go with us, our savior” but many poetic translations can be found including, “Come walk with us, the journey is long” (Anders Nyberg), and “God is with us, Lord, and set us all free/give us your (love, joy, peace)” (Paul Vasile).

“HERE I AM LORD”

I, the Lord of sea and sky,
I have heard my people cry.
All who dwell in dark and sin
My hand will save.
I who made the stars of night,
I will make their darkness bright.
Who will bear my light to them?
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of snow and rain,
I have borne my people’s pain.
I have wept for love of them.
They turn away.
I will break their hearts of stone,
give them hearts for love alone.
I will speak my word to them.
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

I, the Lord of wind and flame,
I will tend the poor and lame.
I will set a feast for them.
My hand will save.
Finest bread I will provide,
till their hearts be satisfied.
I will give my life to them.
Whom shall I send?

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard You calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if You lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

“Higher Ground”

~Lyrics: Johnson Oatman, Jr., Music: Charles H. Gabriel, 1892

I’m pressing on the upward way,
new heights I’m gaining ev’ry day;
still praying as I’m onward bound,
”Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heavens’ tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

My heart has no desire to stay
where doubts arise and fears dismay;
tho’ some may dwell where these abound,
my prayer, my aim is higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heavens’ tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

I want to live above the world,
tho’ Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
for faith has caught the joyful sound,
the song of saints on higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heavens’ tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

I want to scale the utmost height,
and catch a gleam of glory bright;
but still I pray till heav’n I’ve found,
”Lord, lead me onto higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
by faith, on heavens’ tableland,
a higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

“Hold on”

~African-American Spiritual, arr. Mahalia Jackson

Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on
Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

Heard the voice of Jesus say
Come unto me, I am the way.
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.

When my way gets dark as night,
I know the Lord will be my light,
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.

Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on
Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

You can talk about me much as you please
The more you talk, gonna stay on my knees.
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.

When I get to heaven, gonna sing and shout
Be nobody there to put me out.
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.

Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on
Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

Brothers and Sisters don’t you cry!
There’ll be good times by and by
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on.

When I get to heaven, gonna sing and shout
Be nobody there to put me out.
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on
Hold on, Hold on
Keep your hand on the plow, hold on

“Hold On”

~Heidi Ann Wilson

Hold on, hold on.
My dear ones here comes the dawn.

“Hold US Together”

~Matt Maher & Steve Wilson

It don’t have a job
It don’t pay your bills
Won't buy you a home in Beverly Hills.
Won't fix your life
in five easy steps.
Ain't the law of the land
or the government.
But it's all you need...

And love will hold us together
make us a shelter to weather the storm.
And I'll be my brother's keeper
so the whole world will know that we're not alone.

It's waiting for you
Knockin' at your door
in the moment of truth
when your heart hits the floor
and your on your knees...

And love will hold us together
make us a shelter to weather the storm.
And I'll be my brother's keeper
so the whole world will know that we're not alone.

This is the first day of the rest of your life
This is the first day of the rest of your life
‘Cause even in the dark you can still see the light
It's gonna be alright,
It's gonna be alright.
(Repeat)

And love will hold us together
make us a shelter to weather the storm.
And I'll be my brother's keeper
so the whole world will know that we're not alone.

“Holy Manna”

~William Moore/The Columbian Harmony

Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God.
Will you pray with all your power while we try to preach the word?
All is vain unless the Spirit of the holy One comes down.
Brethren pray, and holy manna will be showered all a-round.

Sisters, will you come and help us? Moses' sisters aided him.
Will you help the trembling mourners who are struggling hard with sin?
Tell them all about the Savior. Tell them that he will be found.
Sisters, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.

Is there here a trembling jailer, seeking grace and filled with tears?
Is there here a weeping Mary pouring forth a flood of tears?
Brethren, join your cries to help them, sisters, let your prayers abound!
Pray, oh pray that holy manna will be showered all around.

Let us love our God supremely, let us love each other, too.
Let us love and pray for sinners till our God makes all things new.
Christ will call us home to heaven, at his table we'll sit down.
Christ will gird himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.

“Holy Spirit”

~Bryan & Katie Torwalt

There's nothing worth more that will ever come close
Nothing can compare, You're our living Hope
Your presence, Lord

I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone
In your presence, Lord

Holy Spirit, you are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God, is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord

There's nothing worth more that will ever come close
Nothing can compare, You're our living Hope
Your presence, Lord

I've tasted and seen of the sweetest of loves
Where my heart becomes free and my shame is undone
In your presence, Lord

Holy Spirit, you are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God, is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord
(Repeat)

Let us become more aware of Your presence
Let us experience the glory of Your goodness
(Repeat)

Holy Spirit, you are welcome here
Come flood this place and fill the atmosphere
Your glory God, is what our hearts long for
To be overcome by Your presence, Lord
(Repeat)

“Holy Spirit, come with power” (Beach Spring)

~B.F. White, The Sacred Harp (1844)

Holy Spirit, come with power, breathe into our aching night.
We expect you this glad hour, waiting for your strength and light.
We are fearful, we are ailing, we are weak and selfish too.
Break upon your congregation, give us vigor, life anew.

Holy Spirit, come with fire, burn us with your presence new.
Let us as one mighty choir sing our hymn of praise to you.
Burn away our wasted sadness and enflame us with your love.
Burst upon your congregation, give us gladness from above.

Holy Spirit, bring your message, burn and breathe each word anew
Deep into our tired living till we strive your work to do.
Teach us love and trusting kindness, lend our hands to those who hurt.
Breathe upon your congregation and inspire us with your word.

“How Can I Keep From Singing”

My life flows on in endless song,
above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear its music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth it liveth.
And though the darkness round me close,
songs in the night it giveth.
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?

I lift my eyes, the clouds grow thin,
I see the blue above it.
And day by day this pathway clears,
since first I learned to love it.
The peace from love makes fresh my heart,
a song of hope is ringing.
All things are mine, since truth I’ve found.
How can I keep from singing?

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?

“How Can I Keep From Singing”

~Pete Seeger* (see note below)

My life fows on in endless song, above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the sweet, though far off hymn that hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife, I hear its music ringing.
It sounds an echo in my soul. How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars, I hear the truth it liveth.
And though the darkness round me close, songs in the night it giveth.

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?

When tyrants tremble in their fear and hear their death knell ringing,
When friends rejoice both far and near, how can I keep from singing?

In prison cell and dungeon vile our thoughts to them are winging.
When friends by shame are undefled, how can I keep from singing?

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?

I lift my eyes, the clouds grow thin, I see the blue above it.
And day by day this pathway clears, since first I learned to love it.

The peace from love makes fresh my heart, a song of hope is ringing.
All things are mine, since truth I’ve found. How can I keep from singing?

_______________________________________

*The original hymn text may well be a Quaker hymn written in the 1850’s by Ann Warner who lived on an island in the Hudson River. Her text refers to Quakers who were jailed for their beliefs. Pete Seeger brought the song to life in 1957 by publishing it in Sing Out Magazine. He learned the third verse (When tyrants...) from Doris Plenn, who wrote it during the McCarthy era in tribute to those, like Pete Seeger, who refused to take loyalty oaths and were often punished.

“I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”

~S. Sundar Singh

I have decided to follow Jesus (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.

My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus? (3x)
No turning back, no turning back.

“I shall not be moved”

~Traditional Freedom Song

Refrain:
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

Glory hallelujah, I shall not be moved
Anchored in Jehovah, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

In His love abiding, I shall not be moved
And in Him confiding, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved

I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

I’ve got the fire and the Holy Ghost, I shall not be moved
I got the fire and the Holy Ghost, I shall not be moved
Just like a tree that’s planted by the water
I shall not be moved

Though the tempest rages, I shall not be moved
On the rock of ages, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the water
I shall not be moved

I shall not be, I shall not be moved
I shall not be, I shall not be moved
Just like the tree that's planted by the waters
I shall not be moved

“If I had a Hammer” (The Hammer Song)

~Pete Seeger

If I had a hammer,
I'd hammer in the morning,
I'd hammer in the evening,
All over this land,
I'd hammer out danger,
I'd hammer out a warning,
I'd hammer out love between,
My brothers and my sisters,
All over this land.

If I had a bell,
I'd ring it in the morning,
I'd ring in the evening,
All over this land,
I'd ring out danger,
I'd ring out a warning,
I'd ring out love between,
My brothers and my sisters,
All over this land.

If I had a song,
I'd sing it in the morning,
I'd sing it in the evening,
All over this land,
I'd sing out danger,
I'd sing out a warning,
I'd sing out love between,
My brothers and my sisters,
All over this land.

Well, I've got a hammer
and I've got a bell
and I've got a song to sing
all over this land
It's the hammer of justice
It's the bell of freedom
It's a song about love between
My brothers and my sisters
All over this land.

“I’ll be on My Way”

~Shawn Kirshner

When I am gone, don’t you cry for me
Don't you pity my sorry soul
What pain there might have been
Will now be passed
And my spirit will be home

(REFRAIN)
I'll be on my way, I'll be on my way
I'll have left my feet of clay upon the ground
I will be glory bound,
I'll be on my way

When I am gone
Don't you cry for me
Don't my pity my sorry soul
What pain there might have been
Will now be past and my spirit will be home

I'll be on my way, I'll be on my way
I'll have left my feet of clay upon the ground
I will be glory bound,
I'll be on my way

When I am gone
Please forgive the wrong
That I might have done to you
There'll be no room for regrets up there
High above way beyond the blue

I'll be on my way, I'll be on my way
I'll have laid my. frown and all my burdens down
I'll be putting on my crown
I'll be on my way

When I am gone, don't you look for me
in the places I have been
I'll be alive but somewhere else
I'll be on my way again

I'll be on my way, I'll be on my way
I'll lift my wings and soar into the air
There'll be glory everywhere
I'll be on way

I'll be on my way, I'll be on my way
I'll have laid my frown and all my burdens down
I'll be putting on my crown
I'll be on my way

I'll have left my feet of clay upon the ground
I will be glory bound,
I'll be on my way

“In CHrist There Is No East Or West”

~Joel and Melissa Littlepage, arr. by Brent Holl with additional lyrics by CWZepp

In Christ there is no East or West, in him no North or South
But one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth.

In him shall true hearts everywhere their high communion find.
His service is the golden cord close binding humankind.

Join hands then children of the faith! What er'e your race may be.
Whoever loves God as a child is surely kin to me!

In Christ, we all are called to share the good news as we live.
We go wherever we are called, the love of God to give.

In Christ we all are welcome here, his gracious love to share,
We have a place here with our friends, who come from everywhere.

Join hands then children of the faith! What er'e your race may be.
Whoever loves God as a child is surely kin to me!

In Christ our lives are witnesses, his love our lives should show.
We share and care and serve and love, wherever we may go.

In Christ, we're baptized in God's love - God's Spirit makes us new!
With water and with word made fresh God's gift to me and you!

Join hands then children of the faith! What er'e your race may be.
Whoever loves God as a child is surely kin to me!

“Indescribable”

~Chris Tomlin

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom.

“In Your Midst”

~Allie Paige

I come to sit at your feet
To drink from the fountain of life
How it satisfies
No where else do I want to be
The warmth of your heart is enough
It’s enough for me

Oh I’ve come to have
Communion with the king
To sit at the table and dine
With the highest priest
Oh, to know, just what’s on your mind
The secrets of Heaven
I’ll live to search, to find

So hide me deep inside your heart, Lord
Cover me with your wings
Bring me into safety
Bring me into fellowship with who you are, Lord
Father, Son, and Spirit
This is all I long for

I come to sit at Your feet
To drink from the fountain of life
How it satisfies
Nowhere else do I want to be
The warmth of your heart is enough
It’s enough for me

So hide me deep inside your heart, Lord
Cover me with your wings
Bring me into safety
Bring me into fellowship with who you are, Lord
Father, Son, and Spirit
This is all I long for

This my heart’s desire
To know you and be known
To know you and be known
(2x)

This my heart’s desire
To know you and be known
To know you and be known by you Jesus

So hide me deep inside your heart, Lord
Cover me with your wings
Bring me into safety
Bring me into fellowship with who you are, Lord
Father, Son, and Spirit
This is all I long for (repeat)

**“It is well*”**

~Horatio Spafford

When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll;
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
"It is well, it is well with my soul."

It is well (it is well)
with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control:
that Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
and has shed his own blood for my soul.

It is well (it is well)
with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well (it is well)
with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.

O Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend;
even so, it is well with my soul.

It is well (it is well)
with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul.

________________________________

*Late in 1873, Horatio G. Spafford and his family were scheduled to travel from the United States to Europe. Delayed by pressing business, Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead on the French liner Ville du Havre. The ship collided with the English ship Lochearn on November 22 and sank in just twelve minutes. Spafford's wife was saved, but his daughters perished. After arriving in Wales, Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, "Saved alone." Spafford then left by boat to meet her. Near the tragic scene on the high seas, he wrote this text.

“I've Been a-List'ning All de Night Long”

~R. N. Dett, 1927 as performed by Jean Ritchie

(Throughout the song, leader sings once; congregation sings once in response.)

Chorus:
I've been listening all the night long,
Been listening all the day
I've been listening all the night long,
To hear some sinner pray.

Some say John was a Baptist,
Some say he was a Jew,
But the Bible does inform us
He was a preacher too.

Go read the fifth of Matthew,
Go read that chapter through,
It is a guide to Christians,
And tells us what to do.

There was a search in heaven,
And all the earth around,
John stood in sorrow hoping
A Saviour would be found.

Jacob’s Ladder to the Sweet By And By

~Traditional folk song with Hymn by S. Fillmore Bennett & Joseph P. Webster, arr. Brent Holl

We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
We are climbing Jacob's ladder
Brothers, sisters, all

Every rung goes higher and higher
Every rung goes higher and higher
Every rung goes higher and higher
Brothers, sisters, all

Every round a generation
Every round a generation
Every round a generation
Sisters, brothers, all

There’s a land that is fairer than day
And by faith we can see it afar
For the father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there

In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blest
And our spirit shall sorrow no more
Not a sign for the blessing of rest

In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore

To our bountiful Father above
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of his love
And the blessings that hallow our days.

In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore
In the sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful shore

Rise, shine, give God glory
Rise, shine, give God your glory
Rise, shine, give God your glory
Brothers, Sisters, all

“Jesus met the woman at the well”

~Traditional

Jesus met the woman at the well (x3)
And He told her everything she'd ever done

He said, "Woman, woman, where is your husband?" (x3)
"I know everything you've ever done"

She said, "Jesus, Jesus, I ain't got no husband" (x3)
"And You don't know everything I've ever done"

He said, "Woman, woman, you've got five husbands" (x3)
"And the one you have now, he's not your own"

She said, "This man, this man, He must be a prophet" (x3)
"He done told me everything I've ever done"

“Jesus Walked that Lonesome Valley”

~Traditional Gospel Hymn

Jesus walked this lonesome valley;
He had to walk it by himself.
Oh, nobody else could walk it for him;
He had to walk it by himself.

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

There's a road that leads to glory
Through a valley far away,
Jesus asked us to walk it with him
He will show us the way.

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

“The Joke”

~Brandi Carlile

You're feeling nervous, aren't you, boy?
With your quiet voice and impeccable style
Don't ever let them steal your joy
And your gentle ways
To keep 'em from running wild
They can kick dirt in your face
Dress you down, and tell you that your place
Is in the middle, when they hate the way you shine
I see you tugging on your shirt
Trying to hide inside of it
And hide how much it hurts

Let 'em laugh while they can
Let 'em spin, let 'em scatter in the wind
I have been to the movies, I've seen how it ends
And the joke's on them

You get discouraged, don't you, girl?
It's your brother's world for a while longer
We gotta dance with the devil on a river
To beat the stream
Call it living the dream, call it kicking the ladder
They come to kick dirt in your face
To call you weak and then displace you
After carrying your baby on your back across the desert
I saw your eyes behind your hair
And you're looking tired, but you don't look scared

Let 'em laugh while they can
Let 'em spin, let 'em scatter in the wind
I have been to the movies, I've seen how it ends
And the joke's on them

(Repeat)

“Keep On the Sunny Side”

~Ada Blenkhorn and J. Howard Entwisle

There's a dark and a trouble side of life
There's a bright and a sunny side too
Though we meet with the darkness and strife
The sunny side we also have in view.

So keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life
It will help you everyday it will brighten all the way
If you'll keep on the sunny side of life.

Oh the storm in its fury broke today
Crushing hopes that I cherish so dear
Clouds and storms will in time pass away
And the sun again will shine bright and clear.

So keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life
It will help you everyday it will brighten all the way
If you'll keep on the sunny side of life.

Let us greet with a song of hope each day
Though the moments be cloudy or fair
Let us trust that our Saviour always
Will keep us everyone in his care.

So keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side
Keep on the sunny side of life
It will help you everyday it will brighten all the way
If you'll keep on the sunny side of life.

“Keep Your Lamps”

~Gary Davis

Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Come see what the Lord has done.

Children, don't grow weary,
Children, don't grow weary,
Children, don’t grow weary,
Come see what the Lord has done.

Troubles and trials soon be over,
Troubles and trials soon be over,
Troubles and trials soon be over,
Come see what the Lord has done.

Keep your lamps trimmed an burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Come see what the Lord has done.

Soon the morning will be breaking,
Soon the morning will be breaking,
Soon the morning will be breaking,
Come see what the Lord has done.

Brothers and Sisters keep on singing,
Brothers and Sisters keep on singing,
Brothers and Sisters keep on singing,
Come see what the Lord has done.

Keep your lamps trimmed an burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning,
Come see what the Lord has done.

“Kingsfold” (“I heard the voice of Jesus say”)

~Horatius Bonar/Irish Folk Melody

I heard the voice of Jesus say, “Come unto me and rest.
Lay down, O weary one, lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad.
I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold I freely give
The living water, thirsty one; stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream.
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say, "I am this dark world's light.
Look unto me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my star, my sun,
And in that light of life I'll walk till trav'ling days are done.

“Let Me Be This Little Light”

~Traditional / Karen Medley, arr. Brent Holl

This little light of mine…I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel? *NO!* I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Won’t let anyone blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

All through the night, I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Everywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine (x3)
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

Let me be a light for Hope
Let me be a light for Peace
From the seas below to the skies above
Let me be a light for Love.

“Let the Rain of your Presence”

~Bishop Clarence McClendon, Jacque DeShetler (lyrics)

Let the rain of your presence fall on me.
Ev’ry day that I live
With ev’ry breath I breathe
Let the rain of your presence fall on me.
Ev’ry where that I go,
Lord, let your presence flow, rain on me.
(Repeat)

Love divine, Joy unspeakable
Over flowing in my soul,
This heart of mine,
Is refreshed and at rest,
In your presence, In your presence.
(Repeat)

“Lord I Need You”

~Matt Maher

Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart
You're the one that guides my heart

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand, I'll fall on You
Jesus, You're my hope and stay

Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You

“Lord, Listen to your Children Praying”

~Ken Medema

Lord, listen to your children praying
Lord, send your Spirit in this place
Lord, listen to your children praying
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace…

Something's gonna happen like the world has never known,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray;
A door's gonna swing open, and the walls come a-tumbling down,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.

When the people of the Lord, oh the people of the Lord,
When the people of the Lord get down to pray;
A door's gonna swing open, and the walls come a-tumbling down,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.

Lord, listen to your children praying
Lord, send your Spirit in this place
Lord, listen to your children praying
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace…

He's gonna take over, He's gonna take control,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray;
He's gonna move the mountain, He's gonna make the waters roll,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.

You're gonna know it when the Lord stretches out His hand,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray;
There's gonna be a brand new song of vict'ry in this land,
when the people of the Lord get down to pray.

Lord, listen to your children praying
Lord, send your Spirit in this place
Lord, listen to your children praying
Send us love, send us pow’r, send us grace…

“Lord of the Dance ”

~Hymn Text - Sydney Carter / Tune - Simple Gifts

I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth,
At Bethlehem I had my birth.

Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he

I danced for the scribe and the pharisee,
But they would not dance and they wouldn't follow me.
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John
They came with me and the Dance went on.

Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he

I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame;
The holy people said it was a shame.
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me on high,
And they left me there on a Cross to die.

Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he

I danced on a Friday when the sky turned black
It's hard to dance with the devil on your back.
They buried my body and they thought I'd gone,
But I am the Dance, and I still go on.

Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he

They cut me down and I leapt up high;
I am the life that'll never, never die;
I'll live in you if you'll live in me -
I am the Lord Of the Dance, said he.

Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he,
And I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he

“Love Like This”

~Lauren Daigle

When I am a wasteland
You are the water
When I am the winter
You are the fire that burns

When I am a long night
You are the sunrise
When I am a desert
You are the river that turns
To find me

What have I done to deserve love like this?
What have I done to deserve love like this?

Your voice like a whisper
Breaking the silence
You say there's a treasure and
You look 'till you find it
You search to find me

What have I done to deserve love like this?
What have I done to deserve love like this?
I cannot earn what You so freely give
What have I done to deserve love like this?

“The Love of God”

~Frederick M. Lehman (1917)

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song

When hoary time shall pass away,
And earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men who here refuse to pray,
On rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
All measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

Oh, love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
The saints’ and angels’ song

_____________________________________________

The Story...

Lines similar to verse 3 are found in the Qur’an (18:109 and 31:27) and in Akdamut, an 11th-century Jewish poem. Frederick Lehman tells us that the English rendition included in his song had reportedly “been found penciled on the wall of a patient’s room in an insane asylum after he had been carried to his grave.” While it is only supposition that the man was the one who translated or adapted the words to leave us these well-known lines, if the account is true it shows in any case that he highly esteemed the message.

https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/The_Love_of_God/

“Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” (Prayer of St. Francis)

~Adapted by Sebastian Temple

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there is hatred let me bring your love
Where there is injury your pardon, Lord,
And where there’s doubt, true faith in you

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there’s despair in life let me bring hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there’s sadness ever joy.

Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved, as to love with all my soul

Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving of ourselves that we receive
And in dying that we’re born to eternal life.

“Martha’s Blues”

~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp

Martha, you’re distracted - worried ‘bout all you do
And your sister, dearest Mary, doesn’t seem to have a clue
Jesus, won’t you reprimand her? Tell her to get up off her rear?
And help her sister in the kitchen so ya’ll can eat this year?

Take a deep breath, take a chill pill. Martha it’s your life
Mary is your sister - Forget your worries and strife!
Take a deep breath, take a chill pill, You can still do what you do,
But Mary, Oh sweet Mary, She’ll bring some peace to you!

Martha - Mary’s not the problem, she is right where she should be:
Sitting at my feet and listening, how I wish that you could see.
Won’t you come now, sit beside her? Hear the gospel here this day.
If you could let go - take a chill pill! - you might learn her better way!

“May the Road Rise To Meet You”

~Roger and Camilla McGuinn

Summertime the sun would shine we'd lay across the field
Sheltered in the shadow of a tree
We'd write up poems to take along and sing out on the road
And you would always sing this song to me

May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be at your back
May the sun shine down warm upon your land
May the rain fall soft upon your face until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand

Autumn leaves would change our tree to colors on the ground
Swirling patterns beautiful to see.
I’d lay my head down on your lap, I would not make a sound,
And you would always sing this song to me

Through the winter days our tree would shiver in the wind
Waiting for the warming touch of spring
I'd hold you in the firelight, we'd stare into the flame
And this is what you always used to sing

“Meet me in the Garden”

~Shannon Dove, arr. Brent Holl

Play me the Rock of Ages, You sing and I’ll turn the pages
Help me count my blessings, it’s gonna take all day.
Meet me down in the Garden, I’ll bring along this old guitar and
sit for a while and strum…

Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
'tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.

___________________________

This arrangement contains the refrain of Shannon Dove’s, “Granny Mary’s Song” written for and about his grandmother. When Shannon discovered that my Grandma’s name was also Mary, he said, “Well, then this is our song, bro!” Shannon’s original version shares more details of his grandmother and her inspiration to his life. You can hear the full song and more of Shannon’s original songs at: https://shannondove.hearnow.com/dove-songs

“A mighty fortress is our God”

A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing;
our helper he, amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
does seek to work us woe;
his craft and power are great,
and armed with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right Man on our side,
the Man of God's own choosing.
You ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is he;
Lord Sabaoth his name,
from age to age the same;
and he must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.

That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!

“MOM’s Medley” (for Mother’s Day)

~You Are My Sunshine / Will the Circle Be Unbroken / Angel Band, arr. Brent Holl

(You are my Sunshine)

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
You make me happy when skies are gray
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
Please don't take my sunshine away

I’ll always love you and be with you
I’ll protect you from harm’s way
‘Cause I adore you, you’re my dream come true
You’re my beautiful sunshine

(Will the Circle Be Unbroken)

Will the circle be unbroken
By and by Lord, by and by
There's a better home a'waiting
In the sky Lord, in the sky

We are part of a blessed circle
Going back a long, long time
And we're happy to face the future
Holding hands, both yours and mine

I was singing all the night long
I was singing with my Friends
And we all can, sing together
Cause the circle never ends.

(Angel Band)

Oh come angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home

Oh bear my longing heart to him
Who bled and died for me
Whose blood now cleanses from all sins
And gives me victory

Oh come angel band
Come and around me stand
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home
Oh bear me away on your snow white wings
To my immortal home

“MORNING HAS BROKEN”

Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world

Sweet the rains new fall, sunlit from Heaven
Like the first dewfall on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where His feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day

Morning has broken like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world

“Moses, Moses”

~Brent Holl

Moses, Moses rest your head
“You’ve got a big job,” the Great God said.
Moses, Moses, gather your strength
To lead my people through the wilderness.

Take them through the valleys,
Take them through mountains,
Take them many miles, that you just can’t count ‘em.
Take them through the sea,
Take them through the sand,
Take them to the shore of the Promised Land.

Hebrews, Hebrews rest your heads,
“You’ll be leaving soon,” Old Moses said.
Hebrews, Hebrews, gather your strength
You’ll soon have to travel through the wilderness.

Moses, Moses take your people and flee,
Take ‘em on down to the great Red Sea
Moses, Moses hold your rod up high,
You’ll make it through the water high and dry.

Moses, Moses, stand up tall
Your people need food, I can hear their call
Moses trusted God so well,
That sweet, sweet manna from the sky it fell.

Hebrews, Hebrews what went wrong?
You built an idol and sang its song.
Hebrews, Hebrews tear it down,
I am the Great God, This is holy ground.

Moses, Moses take my law
Give it to my people so they don't fall
Moses, Moses better be brave,
I am the great God, my people to save.

(Spoken)
You know, this song is over
but the story never ends…

“Move in our midst”

~Text by Kenneth Morse / Tune and amendments by Brent Holl

Move in our midst, O Spirit of God.
Go with us down from your holy hill.
Walk with us through the storm and the calm.
Spirit of God, now go with us still.

Touch now our hands to lead us aright.
Guide us forever, show us your way.
Transform our darkness into your light.
Spirit of God, still lead us today.

Strike from our feet the fetters that bind.
Lift from our lives the weight of our wrong.
Teach us to love with heart, soul, and mind.
Spirit of God, your love makes us strong.

Kindle our hearts to burn with your flame.
Raise up your banners high in this hour.
Stir us to build new worlds in your name.
Spirit of God, O send us your pow’r!

“MULTIPLIED”

~NEEDTOBREATHE

Your love is like radiant diamonds
Burst inside us, we cannot contain
Your love will surely come find us
Like blazing wildfires, singing Your name

God of mercy, sweet love of mine
I have surrendered to Your design
May this offering stretch across the sky
These hallelujahs be multiplied

(Repeat)

“My God is a Rock”

~African-American Spiritual

My God is a rock in a weary land, weary land, weary land
My God is a rock in a weary land
A shelter in the the time of the storm.

Stop and let me tell you about chapter one
When the lord God's work had just begun
Stop and let me tell you about chapter two
When the lord God preached that Bible through
Stop and let me tell you about chapter three
When the lord God died up on Calvary.

My God is a rock in a weary land, weary land, weary land
My God is a rock in a weary land
A shelter in the the time of the storm.

Now stop and let me tell you about chapter four
When the lord God visits among the poor
Stop and let me tell you about chapter five
When the lord God brought all the dead alive
Stop and let me tell you about chapter six
When he went to Jerusalem and healed the sick.

My God is a rock in a weary land, weary land, weary land
My God is a rock in a weary land
A shelter in the the time of the storm.

Stop and let me tell you about chapter seven
When he died and he risen and he went to heaven
Stop and let me tell you about chapter eight
When the lord God was standin’ at the golden gate
Stop and let me tell you about chapter nine
When the lord God turned all the water to wine

My God is a rock in a weary land, weary land, weary land
My God is a rock in a weary land
A shelter in the the time of the storm.

“Nowhere Man”

~John Lennon & Paul McCartney

He's a real Nowhere Man
Sitting in his Nowhere Land
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody

Doesn't have a point of view
Knows not where he's going to
Isn't he a bit like you and me

Nowhere Man, please listen
You don't know what you're missing
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command

He's as blind as he can be
Just sees what he wants to see
Nowhere Man can you see me at all

Nowhere Man, don't worry
Take your time, don't hurry
Leave it all till somebody else lends you a hand.

Doesn't have a point of view
Knows not where he's going to
Isn't he a bit like you and me

Nowhere Man, please listen
You don't know what you're missing
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command

He's a real Nowhere Man
Sitting in his Nowhere Land
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody

Making all his nowhere plans for nobody

“O Healing River”

~Anonymous/American Folk Hymn

O healing river, send down your waters,
Send down your waters, on this barren ground
O healing river, send down your waters,
and wash the blood from off the sand.

This land is parching, this land is burning,
no seed is growing in the barren ground.
O healing river, send down your waters,
O healing river, send your waters down.

Let the seed of freedom awake and flourish,
let the deep roots nourish, let the tall stalks rise.
O healing river, send down your waters,
O healing river, from out of the skies.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic”

~Michael W. Smith

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic
Is your name in all the earth!
(Repeat)

O Lord, we praise your name.
O Lord, we magnify your name:
Prince of peace, mighty God;
O Lord God almighty!

(Repeat all)

“Oh What A Beautiful City”

Oh! What a beautiful city!
Oh! What a beautiful city!
Oh! What a beautiful city!
Twelve gates to the city
Hallelu!

Three gates in the east
Three gates in the west
Three gates in the north
Three gates in the south
Making it twelve gates to the city
Hallelu!

My Lord built-that city
Said it was just four square
Wanted all sinners
To meet Him in the air
Cause He built twelve gates to the city
Hallelu!

Who are all those children
All dressed in white?
They must be the children
Of the Israelites
Cause He built twelve gates to the city
Hallelu!

Who are all those children
All dressed in red?
They must be the children
That Moses led
The Lord built twelve gates to the city
Hallelu!

When I get to Heaven
I’m gonna sing and shout
Ain’t nobody up there
Gonna put me out
‘Cause He built twelve gates to the city
Hallelu!

“On Eagles Wings”

~Michael Joncas

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord: "My refuge,
My rock in whom I trust!"

And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

The Snare of the Flower will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear;
Under his wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield

And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

For to his angels he’s given a command,
To guard you in all of your ways;
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone

And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.

And hold you in the palm of His hand.

“Peace Pilgrim’s Prayer”

Peace be still and know that I am God
Peace be still and know that I am
Peace be still and know
Peace be still
Peace be
Peace, Peace, Peace

(Repeat)

“Receive Love. Give Love. Repeat.” (RLGLR)

~Brent Holl and Chris Zepp

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

Love comes from the heart of God
and flows to all the earth
Each of us gets a piece of it
a gift that's ours from birth!

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

Love is meant to be given away
once love you have received
Love that's shared is thrice the gift
God, self, and neighbor pleased!

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

We come together to celebrate
and share the gift of Love
Love is a wonderful gift to share,
enduring for ever more.

Love is patient, Love is Kind,
Love never ends
Faith and Love and Hope abide,
The greatest of these is Love!

Receive love. Give love.
Let's keep the cycle going.
Receive love. Give love.
Repeat. And love again!
(REPEAT)

“Restoration” (I Will Arise)

~Anonymous/American Folk Melody; arr. BMH

Far, far away from my loving father, I had been wand’ring wayward, wild,
fearing only lest his anger overtake his sinful child.
Fain had I fed on the husks around me, till to myself I came and said,
”Plenty have my father’s servants, perish I for want of bread.”

I will arise and go to Jesus, he will embrace me in his arms.
In the arms of my dear Savior, oh, there are ten thousand charms.

I will arise, though faint and weary, home to my Father I will go.
Woe to me that e'er I wandered, Ah that I such need should know.
"Father," I'll say, "I have sinned before thee, no more may I be called thy son.
Make me only as thy servant, pity me a wretch undone!"

I will arise and go to Jesus, he will embrace me in his arms.
In the arms of my dear Savior, oh, there are ten thousand charms.

Then I arose and came to my father. Mercy amazing! Love unknown!
He beheld me, ran, embraced me, pardoned, welcomed, called me son!
I will arise and go to Jesus, he will embrace me in his arms.
In the arms of my dear Savior, oh, there are ten thousand charms.

I will arise and go to Jesus, he will embrace me in his arms.
In the arms of my dear Savior, oh, there are ten thousand charms.

“RIPPLE”

~Lyrics by Robert Hunter / Music by Jerry Garcia

If my words did glow, with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played, on the harp unstrung
Would you hear my voice, come through the music?
Would you hold it near, as if it were your own?

It's a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken
Perhaps, they’re better left unsung
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs, to fill the air

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty
If your cup is full, may it be again.
Let it be known there is a fountain
That was not made by the hands of man

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn, and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

Ripple in still water
When there is no pebble tossed
Nor wind to blow

You, who choose to lead, must follow
But if you fall, you fall alone
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home

La dee da da da…

___________________________________

The lyrics to “Ripple” were written by Robert Hunter, with music composed by Jerry Garcia. This was the songwriting duo that produced many of the Grateful Dead’s best songs, including most of the material on their two most beloved albums, American Beauty and Workingman’s Dead, and other favorites like “Sugaree”.

“Ripple” is about making peace with life, and finding a path that suits you by learning from the other lost people around you, and of course embracing the power of joy through music. It’s about remembering that we’re all in this together, but also that your life is your own to lead.

“Ripple”, however, certainly does dip its toes in the waters of religion. Especially with the line, “Let it be known there is a fountain / That was not made by the hands of men,” which Hunter told Rolling Stone in 2015 was his favorite lyric that he had ever written. It suggests rather directly that there is some greater being that created this mystical fountain, which one might assume is the Fountain of Youth.

As noted in the old school annotated Grateful Dead lyrics site at the University of Santa Cruz, Hunter’s lyrics also contain what could be interpreted as references to several other works of mythology and literature. Noted references include the ancient Indian mystic Kabir, the Hebrew Psalm 23, Walt Whitman and Yeat’s poetry, and more. In this way Hunter places “Ripple” in context with all of these things that weigh and interpret the meaning of life, and gives his own interpretation, but moreso invites listeners to ponder it for themselves:

There is a road, no simple highway
Between the dawn and the dark of night
And if you go, no one may follow
That path is for your steps alone

(Liner Notes extracted from https://extrachill.com/grateful-dead-ripple-meaning)

“Seek ye first”

~Karen Lafferty

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness;
And all these things shall be added unto you.
Allelu, Alleluia!

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Allelu, Alleluia!

Ask, and it shall be given unto you;
Seek, and ye shall find.
Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you.
Allelu, Alleluia!

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Allelu, Alleluia!

“See the precious children”

~Text: Anna Strickland (2025) / Music (BEACH SPRING): B.F. White (1844)

See the precious children seated on the lap of Christ our Lord
Called the greatest in the kingdom held so gently and adored
They are precious in the sight of God who made each tiny toe
In their weakness they’re held by love as each day they learn and grow

See the precious widowed women gleaning harvests from the field
Then returning to their kitchen to prepare their daily meal
They are precious in the sight of God who holds their broken hearts
In their sorrow they’re held by love that redeems each fragile part

See the precious foreign strangers as they carry all they own
To a land that’s full of dangers for the powerless and prone
They are precious in the sight of God who made their homeland, too
In their journey they’re held by love as each day they start anew

See the precious dispossessed ones asking for some food to eat
Sleeping under starry heavens, daily living on the streets
They are precious in the sight of God who loves them as a child
In their hunger they’re held by love as they guard their human pride

See the precious world impoverished by our malice and our greed
Humans, animals, and planet crying out for some relief
We’re all precious in the sight of God who made each holy thing
In our living we’re held by love as we care for every being

“Simple Gifts/Lord of the Dance ”

~Quaker Song / Lyrics by Sydney Carter

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come round right.