Throughout this holy season of Lent, we invite you on a journey of listening to holy music and reading holy Scripture passages with us. The musicians of our church family share the pieces and readings which are most meaningful to them. It is our hope that this special devotional will bring you into a deeper relationship with Our Lord Jesus Christ.
We also invite you to worship God with us every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in-person or online.
WEEK ONE
February 22 - “In the Name of the Lord”
Lyrics
Gloria Gaither, Phil McHugh, and Sandi Patty;
Music
by Sandi Patty; Arrangement by Mary McDonald
CLICK HERE to listen.
The
image of Jesus in this song fills me with the fullness of who He is, one who
knew His Father’s mind and spoke His words on earth. Some in the crowd saw
Jesus as “just a carpenter” when He was coming in God’s name with strength,
power, and hope! That reminds me that I am more than just a person, but one
whose heart is known by Jesus. When I am weak and need strength to carry forth,
I can depend on Jesus. Praises for His coming ‘In the name of the Lord!’ ~Tina Watts, pianist and alto vocalist
Daily Scripture
Reading: Philippians 2:9-11
_______________________
February 23 - “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”
by the Getty
Team
CLICK HERE to listen.
This
song is built on the first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism
which has been a part of me since childhood. I have a large, framed picture
with this question and answer on it in my entryway. The chorus touches my soul
when we sing, "O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal." Christ
is our hope! ~ Norma Osterhouse, organist and alto vocalist
Daily Scripture
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
_______________________
February 24 - “Faith of Our Fathers”
by Frederick William Haber
CLICK HERE to listen.
One of my favorite
Lenten hymns, “Faith of Our Fathers" shows a strong connection
to the Lenten season as it emphasizes the continuation of faith and tradition
passed down from previous generations. The Lenten season is a time of
reflection, penance, and preparation, and "Faith of Our Fathers"
reminds us to examine our own faith and deepen our relationship with God, just
as the 40-day fast in the wilderness described in Matthew 4:1-4 invites us to
sacrifice and focus on our spiritual lives. ~ Rick Cooley, tenor vocalist
Daily
Scripture Reading: Matthew 4:1-4
_______________________
February 25 - “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”
by Stuart Townend
CLICK HERE to listen.
A song which I
consider so very meaningful and moving is “How Deep the Father’s Love for
Us.” Every time I think of the sacrifice that was made for me, a guilty
sinner, and am reminded of how much He loves me, I am brought to tears. ~ Barb Abell, alto vocalist
Daily Scripture
Reading: 1 John 4:10
_______________________
WEEK TWO
February 27 - “How Great Thou Art”
written by Stuart K. Hine
performed by Carrie Underwood
CLICK HERE to listen.
There is nothing like a good hymn to transform your weary
soul. And this hymn has been crafted and revised over the years from its
origins in 1885 Sweden to revisions in German and in Russian. In the
1920’s it was arranged in English with a new perspective of the onset of World
War II. Even 130ish years later there are hundreds of covers attempting to
evoke the deep meaning of the text through their personalized
performances. The version of this hymn I have selected is by Grammy
winning artist, Carrie Underwood. Her approach to the song has always
reminded me of the relationship we need to have with our Savior…stirring and
intimate. Her amazing voice and range bring a depth to the magnanimous
lyrics. But the performance is set in an empty church with only her music
and her God. It is not always easy to share your burdens at the foot of
the cross. May this song be a reminder that his GREAT love will guide you
through the difficult times and elevate your joy in the great moments. ~ Sarah Lorek, soprano vocalist
Daily Scripture Readings: Psalm 63:1-7, Colossians 1:16
_______________________
February 28 - "Man of Sorrows" ("Hallelujah! What a Savior!”)
CLICK HERE to listen.
I really don't like this song. It all too vividly captures
the suffering Jesus had to go through to redeem us. BUT . . . I do like the way
it ends - "Hallelujah (i.e., Praise the Lord), what a Savior!” ~ Jim Osterhouse, tenor (and sometimes bass) vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53
_______________________
March 1 - “Heart of Worship”
by Phil Wickham
CLICK HERE to listen.
The line from “Heart of Worship” that sticks with me the most
is, “I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about you, all about
you, Jesus. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it when it's all about
you, Jesus.” My initial understanding of the lyrics was about recentering
during musical worship. However, when I later thought about its meaning, I was
reminded that worship is not only about singing during service. It is also all
of our actions that give praise, honor, and respect to God. This song not only
convicted me of my own heart and mindset but also reminded me of the importance
of repentance. Through repentance, we are able to better worship God to the
fullest. ~ Samantha Graessle,
piano/guitar
Daily Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:17, 1 John 1:8-9
_______________________
March 2 – “My Jesus, I Love Thee”
by William R. Featherston
CLICK HERE to listen.
I grew up singing this hymn as a child, but I don’t remember it
being tied to the Lenten season. It wasn’t until it was part of a Good Friday
service here at Pax Pres almost 20 years ago that I realized how appropriate
the words are. It shares a timeless truth about our Savior’s love for each one
of us and our response to that love. ~ Rachel Portillo, Praise Team
Daily Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:13-19
_______________________
March 3 – “Above All”
by Michael W. Smith
CLICK HERE to listen.
This song strikes a chord in me, because I believe we don’t
often enough remember to be humble in today’s world. While it’s fine to see
motivational posters and t-shirts that help build our self-esteem, I think it’s
essential to remember that we are also flawed humans, and need to look more
deeply to find the truth of who we are. If we are to be honest with ourselves,
we can’t help but see that if we were standing at the foot of the cross, or
gathered near Peter after Jesus’ arrest, we, too might be among those shouting
accusations or casting lots to take his garments. We, too, might have, as the
song says, treated Jesus, “like a rose, trampled on the ground.” And yet,
regardless of all of those flaws, He, “took the fall, and thought of me [us]
above all.” Humbling indeed. ~ Maureen
Wysham, Music Director
Daily Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:5
_______________________
March 4 – “Psalm 23”
by Celtic Worship
CLICK HERE to listen.
Whenever I am feeling stressed or worried, I listen to this
song. It helps me give my worry to God, and it gives me peace. God loves us so
much that he sent his son to die for us. We just need to put our trust in Him. ~ Julie Tracy, flute and handbell choir
Daily Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
_______________________
WEEK THREE
March 6 – “Jesu,
Joy of Man’s Desiring”
by J.S. Bach
CLICK HERE to listen.
This beautiful
composition written by J. S. Bach, a church musician, composer, and organist,
is truly one of the most peaceful and inspirational compositions I have ever
heard and played on both the piano and organ. The beautiful melody also
exemplifies the beauty of the life of Jesus. The music also brings joy because
the flowing melody is supported by the rich harmonies and is easy to listen to
and lovely to follow to the end of the entire composition. The actual words of
the first lines of this song are: “Heart and mouth and heart and life must
bear witness to Christ without hypocrisy that He is God and Savior.” During
this time of Lent when we listen to music like Jesu, we can find peace and be
encouraged to pray to Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit. The
Bible teaches us about the Fruits of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace,
Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control.
Jesus’ life exemplified all these remarkable characteristics, which we could
pray to develop and use more carefully beginning now in Lent. ~ Beth Wright,
retired church organist
Daily Scripture Reading:
Galatians 5:22 & 23
_______________________
March 7 – “Down by
the Riverside”
CLICK HERE to listen.
Many of you have
received an email from me with the tagline, “Ain’t gonna study war no more.” In
the days before the internet, I read the sci-fi book “Starship Troopers.” The
protagonist Juan Rico goes to Officer Candidate School and references this
hymn. I had never heard
it. I asked around. I looked for this hymn including searching through all the
cross-references in the Episcopal hymnal. I was unsuccessful. Many years later,
Carolyn bought the CD “I hear America Singing: Folk Songs for American Families.” It
was there. That’s the song in the book! Carolyn will catch me from time to time
looking at analyses of battles. “I thought you weren’t going to study war
anymore?” is her comment. Also, I find myself having to put on the armor of God
in my daily life. I haven’t yet put down my sword and shield, but one day I
will. I will stress no more. ~ Grant Graessle
Daily Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 2:4
_______________________
March 8 – “Fairest
Lord Jesus”
CLICK HERE to listen.
This has always
been one of my favorite hymns. The melody is simple yet also beautiful and
powerful. The text is quite old; copied from a Jesuit manuscript produced in
1662, with the original author unknown. Verse 1 tells us that Jesus is both
from God and Son of Man, both divine and human. Verse 2 extols the beauty of
the natural, created order yet contrasts Jesus as fairer and purer,
concluding with "who (Jesus) makes the woeful heart to sing.” Verse 3
lifts our eyes to the heavens - the sunlight, the moonlight, the twinkling
stars, and again contrasts Jesus as shining brighter and purer. Verse 4 echoes
the first, and closes with the feeling of a doxology: “Glory and honor,
Praise, adoration, Now and forever more be Thine!” ~ Mark Strayer,
saxophonist and tenor vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading:
Mark 10:45
_______________________
March 9 – “Via Dolorosa”
by Sandi Patty
CLICK HERE to listen.
When I was
younger and attended Catholic Mass, there was a large crucifix above the altar
at the front of our church. It depicted Christ on the cross with blood coming
from His head, feet, and hands. I cannot tell you how many hours I spent just
staring at that crucifix, thinking about how Christ suffered for me. I
think this song captures some of what His suffering must have been like.
Somehow, the second verse in Spanish gives an extra sense of sadness to the
song. As we enter the season of Lent, I find it a good exercise to remind
myself of His suffering – it humbles me. ~ Patsy Schumacher, alto vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading:
Luke 23:26-34
_______________________
March 10 – “Believe
For It”
by CeCe Winans
CLICK HERE to listen.
This song grabs
hold of my heart every time I hear it, as it beautifully and reverently praises
God for giving us His Son - who lives up to the powerful name God gave Him:
JESUS, the One who SAVES. It’s incredible to me how much God loves us, how much
grace He pours into our lives, and how He mercifully forgives us. What Jesus
did for us then and continues to do for us today is the greatest, most
miraculous gift. Let us be deeply thankful throughout this season and praise
His holy, powerful name! ~ Eileen Miller, Communications Director and music
appreciator
Daily reading:
Philippians 2:9-11
_______________________
March 11 – “Grace That
is Greater”
by Bart Millard
CLICK HERE to listen.
While I can hear
this hymn sung by members of my childhood church, Bart Millard’s version
prompts me to slow down, to stop and think. This hymn encompasses so much of
life, and God’s response to the problem of sin. Life is full of mistakes and
regret, but Jesus showed us God’s love. I can fall down and get back up, or
feel lost yet find refuge in the cross of Christ. I can try to hide my
mistakes, but God sees them and knows them. His response? Believe and
you will receive grace. When I receive it, I am pardoned and cleaned up
inside. Yes, God’s grace, through Christ, is greater than all sin. ~ Carolyn
Graessle, church musician
Daily Scripture Reading: 2
Corinthians 12:9
_______________________
WEEK FOUR
March 13 – “Agnus Dei”
written by Samuel Barber,
performed by Laurens Symfonisch
CLICK HERE to listen.
Samuel Barber’s Adagio for
Strings is a well-known anthem of both beauty and sadness. You can hear
the instrumental version in many movie/TV soundtracks like Platoon, as
well as funerals for Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. However, in 1967, Barber
(at age 26) fashioned a new arrangement to include choral text from the Catholic mass (Agnus Dei). The lyrics provide an intense deepening of the
dissonant melodies which elicit a heartbreaking response from the
listener. But heartbreak isn’t always a bad thing. It can change
you in ways you never thought possible. When you have experienced the
deep valleys of sorrow you are able to witness and celebrate the peaks of vast
joy. Heartbreak (and the recovery) is a direct parallel for the Lenten
journey. We mourn for the loss of Jesus, of the believers who turned
their backs on Him, of the immense pain He was about to suffer, of the mothers
and women who laid their child to rest. Yet days later, we are awakened
from the darkness and the deep sorrow and given the joy of His return! This Lamb took away our sins and we are worthy to take up the mantle and live
in His glory! ~ Sarah Lorek, soprano vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading:
Revelation 5:9-14
_______________________
March 14 – “I Know
that My Redeemer Lives”
CLICK HERE to listen. (This specific video
from 2019 is very similar to the performance I saw at the 2022 "Lumina" event.)
The hymn, "I
Know that My Redeemer Lives", has always been a favorite of mine since
I was a teenager, reminding me that the tomb is empty and Jesus is ALIVE.
This past November, I was blessed to be a part of the "Lumina: Women Rise Together" event at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. with some amazing women from Patuxent Presbyterian Church. Nicole C. Mullen sang "My Redeemer Lives" at the event for
us all there, truly a moment in my life that I treasure. Whether singing this hymn as a teenager standing in a pew at church in a small
town in New Mexico, or listening to it as a grown woman at the Museum of the Bible in the
Nation's Capital, truly have captured that my REDEEMER LIVES. ~ Janice
Dixon, congregation soprano vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading:
Job 19:25
_______________________
March 15 – “And Can It Be”
written by Charles Wesley, performed by Wintley Phipps
CLICK HERE to listen.
We all know that
Billy Graham was a great evangelist. What some may not know is that one
of the singers that Rev. Graham said he enjoyed listening to was Wintley
Phipps. I heard Mr. Phipps sing “And Can It Be” during one of Rev.
Graham’s crusades. The song stuck with me in a very deep way; I loved the
lyrics. It really resonated with me regarding the awesomeness of God’s
grace to me, a sinner. It was written by Charles Wesley. This hymn is
considered one of the best-loved of Wesley's 6,000 hymns, written in 1738 to
celebrate Wesley's conversion to Christianity.
John 3:16 has been a
Bible verse that has been with me for as long as I can remember. It’s one
of the strongest verses that came directly from Jesus. How can we not
follow His way with direction like that? I pray every day for forgiveness, and strength that He gives me to do whatever He wants me to accomplish--not my
will but His. ~ Leon Anderson, bass vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading:
John 3:16
_______________________
March 16 – “O Sacred
Head, Now Wounded”
by Johann S. Bach
CLICK HERE to listen.
This
somber hymn touches my heart and often moves me to tears. Its words
describe the brutal punishment that Jesus suffered for our sins. The
visual images it paints are staggeringly painful. Its harmonies, while rich and full, fit the message perfectly. Bach included this
hymn in his St. Matthew Passion, a magnificent and moving choral and orchestral
work. ~ Susan
Martin, mezzo soprano
Daily Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53:4-6; Matthew 27:27-31
_______________________
March 17 – “Every
Morning is Easter Morning”
by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh
CLICK HERE to listen.
Every year in my home church growing up, we would
sing this song Easter Sunday as the Benediction. It is a joyful and hopeful
reminder that through Christ’s resurrection we have new life and as Easter
people we need to spread the Good News. ~ Kelly Tygrett, soprano vocalist
Verse: Daily news is so bad / It seems the Good
News seldom gets heard. / Get it straight from
the Easter people / God’s in charge
spread the Word.
Chorus: Every morning is
Easter Morning from now on / Every day is
resurrection day, the past is over and gone / Goodbye fear, goodbye
guilt good riddance / Hello Lord, Hello
Son! / I am one of the
Easter people, my new life has begun.
Daily Scripture Reading:
1 Peter 1:3
_______________________
March 18 – “Lead Us
Back, Sojourn”
CLICK HERE to listen.
I love both the
music and lyrics of this song. It offers profound imagery for the ways we sin
against God. For example, “You have caused the blind to see / We have blinded
them again." Or, "Fences guard our hearts and homes / Comfort sings a
siren tune." I also love that it is group confession –
“we” not just “me.” ~ Pastor Matt Pooley, guitar
Daily Scripture Reading:
Psalm 32 (a Psalm of confession)
_______________________
WEEK FIVE
March 20 – “Jesus Walked this
Lonesome Valley”
CLICK HERE to listen.
"This haunting melody comes from an
African American spiritual and the lyrics from Appalachian folk songs that
speak of a “lonesome valley” in various life experiences. This Lenten song
speaks deeply of the path that Jesus walked for our salvation, bearing the
lonesome walk toward suffering for our redemption, all by Himself.
In my mind, I see myself as a young girl walking down the church aisle, feeling
alone and lost, to reach the altar where my pastor awaits me. He had
explained that I would find Jesus there. Feeling an inner voice
welcoming me, I made that journey of salvation moving from lost to found as I
accepted Jesus as my personal Savior. Even today, life can feel heavy, but I
trust Jesus and have faith that He is there to sustain me in my lonesome
valleys. I love and praise Him for His walk for me and His abiding presence
with me. The words of truth in Psalm 23 are a
promise that I can speak from memory: 'Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.'" ~Tina Watts, pianist and choir member
Daily Scripture Reading: Psalm 23
_______________________
March 21 – “Jireh”
by Elevation Worship
CLICK HERE to listen.
"In Genesis Chapter 22, when Abraham is
taking Isaac to the altar in obedience to God, he responds to his son's
questions about the sacrifice: '...God himself will provide the
lamb for the burnt offering, my son.' (Gen. 22:8). The scene ends
when, indeed, God does provide: Abraham looked up and there in a
thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the
ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham
called that place The Lord Will Provide. (Gen. 22:13-14). This
place is called Jehovah-Jireh in some translations. This is a challenging story to read,
but it's connected with the story of God's own Son, the perfect lamb,
sacrificed for us. 'Jireh' is a contemporary
Christian song that speaks to me and reminds me about what Jesus has done, as I
prepare my heart during Lent. I hope that it speaks to you as well." ~Julie Correll, handbell choir
Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-33
_______________________
March 22 – “The Blood Will Never
Lose Its Power”
by Andrae Crouch
CLICK HERE to listen.
"Life is constantly changing,
especially in this world where new information, new technology, and new trends
are thrown at us on a daily basis. One thing remains the same, however: the
salvation we have been given through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. This
Selah recording of the Andrae Crouch classic, 'The Blood Will Never Lose
Its Power,' expresses the joy of that abiding Truth with simple and thorough
intensity." ~Maureen Wysham, Music Director
Daily Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:18-19
_______________________
March 23 – “Let Us Break Bread
Together”
CLICK HERE to listen.
"This traditional hymn comes from an
African American spiritual dating from the 19th century, and is sung frequently
during Communion. The lyrics as well as the melody are simple yet searching and
profound. In our church we do not actually
kneel to take the bread and wine, but the humility that can be expressed by
that position is an appropriate attitude as we remember the sacrifice of our
Lord." ~Mark Strayer, choir and handbell choir
Daily Scripture Reading: Luke 22:19-20
_______________________
March 24 – “What a
Beautiful Name”
by Ben Fielding & Brooke
Ligertwood, Hillsong Worship
CLICK HERE to listen.
"'Death could not hold You, The
veil tore before You, You silence the boast of sin and grave, The heavens are roaring, The
praise of Your glory, For You are raised to life again, You have no rival, You have no
equal, Now and forever, God You reign, Yours is the kingdom, Yours is the
glory, Yours is the Name…above all names!' This song beautifully expresses the
total awe I feel about Jesus and what He did (and continues to do) for me and
for all of us. I appreciate the praise-filled lyrics, the enthusiastic voices,
and the inspiring energy and tempo of the music. Praise Him!" ~Eileen Miller,
music appreciator
Daily Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:9-11
_______________________
March 25 – “Lamb of God”
CLICK HERE to listen.
"'Your gift of love they crucified, They
laughed and scorned Him as He died. The humble King they named a fraud, And
sacrificed the Lamb of God.' More than 25 years ago, I
remember watching a video of Twila Paris playing on the piano the music she
wrote and singing the meaningful text of her own song “Lamb of God”. This
hymn is found in The Celebration Hymnal (#302) and the second
verse (above) is most appropriate for Good Friday." ~Marilyn Sheldahl, pianist
and soprano vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading: John 1:6-14; 29; 36
_______________________
WEEK SIX
March 27 – “Pins
and Needles”
by Mutemath
Click here to listen.
“Lent is a season
to remember and admit our brokenness to the Lord, who stands ready to forgive,
embrace, love, heal, and make us new. But I'm the first to admit that, in my
sin, I'm sometimes more sensitive to other people's brokenness than I am to my
own - "Why is s/he like that??" But that is not the way of Christ,
who calls us to first see the plank in our own eye. This song is from
a rock band - Mutemath - who do not get typically played on Christian
radio, but all the band members are Christian. It is not a typical
"worship song" per se, but it is a profound reflection on our common
brokenness at the foot of the cross: "Sometimes I get tired of pins
and needles / Facades are a fire on the skin / Oh, I'm growing fond
of broken people / As I see that I am one of them.” ~ Pastor Matt
Pooley, guitar
Daily Scripture Reading:
Romans 3:23
_______________________
March 28 – “Jesus,
You’re My Place”
by Heather Sorenson
Click here to listen.
“I was not familiar
with this song until our choir recently offered it for a worship service. The
beautiful melody and stirring lyrics are a gentle but strong affirmation of our
faith in Christ our Savior. This section of text especially brings me true
hope: “So hold on, the day is coming, soon the sunlight will be flooding,
over ev’ry darkened shadow of the soul, where God’s illumination is the
joy of our salvation, and every midnight fades into the morn, into morn!” ~ Mark Strayer,
saxophonist and tenor vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:19
_______________________
March 29 – “Grace
Alone”
Click here to listen.
“I especially like
the message of ‘Grace Alone.’ It is only through Christ that everything I do is
by His grace. I don't have to supply it; God does that. Christ is my
cornerstone. He is the Rock that my life is built upon. As I reflect on Good
Friday, I think of how much He went through just so I could have salvation. It
wasn't easy but Christ was willing. He asked to have it taken away but God said
"No." Praise the Lord for this wonderful blessing He has given me and
each one of us who accepts it.” ~ Norma Osterhouse, organist and
alto vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading: Ephesians
2:8-9
_______________________
March 30 – “Christ is Risen,
He is Risen Indeed”
Click here to listen.
“The Celtic vibe
of this song drew me in initially, but the powerful, compelling lyrics
encourage me to listen and sign again and again – it weaves together death to
life, darkness to light, sorrow to joy, doubt to belief, fear to faith, and
more! This song joyously points to Jesus as our Savior and the One who is our
source of true joy, hope, peace, and love.” ~ Eileen Miller, music appreciator
Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew
28:5-6
_______________________
March 31 – “And
Can It Be”
by Charles Wesley
Click here to listen.
“One of my VERY
favorite old hymns was written around 1738 by Charles Wesley. Charles became
very ill during a mission trip, and after returning home, he met a young German
Moravian Christian who urged him to look more deeply at the state of his soul,
and taught him about true evangelical Christianity. Later, again becoming
ill, he read Martin Luther’s book on Galatians, and was convicted. He
wrote, “At midnight I gave myself to Christ, assured that I was safe, whether
sleeping or waking. I had the continual experience of His power to overcome all
temptation, and confessed with joy and surprise that He was able to do
exceedingly abundantly for me above what I can ask or think.” He journaled “I
now found myself at peace with God, and rejoiced in hope of loving
Christ. I saw that by faith I stood.” Two days later he began writing
a hymn now titled “And Can it Be” (“Amazing Love”). This song is not
particularly easy to sing (especially the refrain) but to me, it is extremely
moving and beautiful, especially that last line! “….Amazing love – how can
it be – that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?” ~ Barbara
Abell, alto vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading: Romans
5:8
_______________________
April
1 – “Far Kingdom”
by
the Gray Havens
Click here to listen.
“During Lent, we
follow the King of the world to the cross, the grave, and on to resurrection.
During the Last Supper with his disciples, Jesus says, “I tell you, I will not
drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it
new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” This song is by a husband-and-wife
singer/songwriter duo, The Gray Havens, based out of Chicago. Their lyrics are
clever, biblical, and deeply influenced by authors like C.S. Lewis, J.R.R.
Tolkien, and their vivid metaphors for faith. I love the entire album this
song is on (the album is called “Fire and Stone” if you’re interested in more
music like this one). But this was the first song of theirs I ever heard, and
it speaks to that “far kingdom” that Jesus invites us to follow Him to —
through the cross, the grave, and on into resurrection! “There is a far kingdom
/ A ways from here / Beyond the storm and the sea / There will be no need of
darkness / And none for tears / When that far kingdom I see.” ~ Pastor Matt
Pooley, guitar
Daily Scripture Reading: Matthew
26:17-30
_______________________
WEEK SEVEN
April 3 – “What
Wondrous Love is This?”
Click here to listen.
This song brings me
back to the deep, deep love of God the Father which prompted His sending His
Son. I first heard it as a simple country song. Now it is sung by big name
singers and by marvelous choirs and by churches large and small. It helps
me contemplate the everlasting love of God. It sweeps me all the way
through life and into eternity. Indeed . . . “when from death I'm free, I'll
sing and joyful be, and through eternity I'll sing
on, I'll sing on.”
~ Jim Osterhouse, tenor vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading: Ephesians
3:14-21
_______________________
April 4 – “A
Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)”
by Robbie Seay Band
Click here to listen.
I first discovered
this song many years ago when I began to listen to contemporary Christian
music. I love the rough musical introduction and this song fills me with
hope and promise which is what the Lenten season and Easter is.
“All things
new I can start again.”
The gift of daily
renewal, not just one chance or even a second chance but with every breath, we
have a new opportunity to turn to Jesus and He can make all things new is a
promise I hold fast.
“Creator, God, Calling me Your Friend.”
This verse humbles me
to tears every time I hear it. The Creator not only loves us but likes us
enough to want to be our friend. That is extraordinary. ~ Laura Rhodes, music
appreciator and friend of Jesus
Daily Scripture Reading: Titus
3:4-6
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April 5 – “When
I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Click here to listen.
The words to this
great hymn of faith were written by Isaac Watts and published in 1707. It is
meaningful to me as it was sung at every Good Friday service I attended in my
home church in Noblestown, PA. I know as a child I did not reflect on the
meaning of the words even though I had them memorized. When I heard this artist
sing it using a different melody than what I had known, for some reason, the
words took on new meaning. My favorite verse is: “See from His head,
His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow
mingled down. Did e’re such love
and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose
so rich a crown?” ~ Rachel Portillo,
Praise Team
Daily Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:14
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Maundy Thursday, April 6 – “There is
a Redeemer”
Click here to listen.
This beautiful
hymn was composed by Melody Green in 1977, and is performed by her husband
Keith in this video. For me this hymn is that humbling reminder that we all
need a redeemer, as we are unable to save ourselves from our sin. Jesus, our
redeemer, bought us back, redeeming all mankind from physical death. I find the
lyrics humbling yet inspiring, in particular: “Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Hope
for sinners slain.” ~ Mark Strayer, choir and handbell choir
Daily Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:7-10
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Good Friday, April
7 – “I Should Have Been Crucified”
Click here to listen.
Good Friday has
always been special to me because that is the day I became a child of the
King of Kings. On that day when I was 3, my mother explained to me why it was
called Good Friday. She said that is the day we remember and celebrate that
Jesus paid the price for my sins with His blood on the cross. I accepted His
free gift that day.
This song has
always summed up the work of Calvary for me in a very simple way. “I should
have been crucified. I should have suffered and died. I should have hung on the
cross in disgrace. But Jesus, God's Son took my place.” ~ Rosemary Hofmann
Bailey
Daily Scripture Reading: II Corinthians
5:21
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April 8 – “Lift
High the Cross”
Click here to listen.
Following Jesus
through the Lenten season and on to the cross and ultimate victory over the
grave, this song urges me on to complete the mission of God, to proclaim
Christ “till all the world adore his sacred name.” Christ's
mission on earth is over, but his mission to the world continues. What an
amazing thing that he includes us in his worldwide plan.” ~ Jim Osterhouse,
tenor vocalist
Daily Scripture Reading: Galatians 6:14
