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
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
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February 23 - “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”
by the Getty Team
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
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February 24 - “Faith of Our Fathers”
by Frederick William Haber
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
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February 25 - “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us”
by Stuart Townend
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
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WEEK TWO
February 27 - “How Great Thou Art”
written by Stuart K. Hine
performed by Carrie Underwood
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!”)
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
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March 1 - “Heart of Worship”
by Phil Wickham
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
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March 2 – “My Jesus, I Love Thee”
by William R. Featherston
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
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March 3 – “Above All”
by Michael W. Smith
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
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March 4 – “Psalm 23”
by Celtic Worship
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
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WEEK THREE
March 6 – “Jesu,
Joy of Man’s Desiring”
by J.S. Bach
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
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March 7 – “Down by the Riverside”
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
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March 8 – “Fairest Lord Jesus”
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
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March 9 – “Via Dolorosa”
by Sandi Patty
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
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March 10 – “Believe
For It”
by CeCe Winans
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
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March 11 – “Grace That
is Greater”
by Bart Millard
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
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WEEK FOUR
March 13 – “Agnus Dei”
written by Samuel Barber, performed by Laurens Symfonisch
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
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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
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March 15 – “And Can It Be”
written by Charles Wesley, performed by Wintley Phipps
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
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March 16 – “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”
by Johann S. Bach
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
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March 17 – “Every Morning is Easter Morning”
by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh
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
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March 18 – “Lead Us Back, Sojourn”
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)
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WEEK FIVE
March 20 – “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley”
"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
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March 21 – “Jireh”
by Elevation Worship
"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
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March 22 – “The Blood Will Never
Lose Its Power”
by Andrae Crouch
"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
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March 23 – “Let Us Break Bread
Together”
"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
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March 24 – “What a
Beautiful Name”
by Ben Fielding & Brooke
Ligertwood, Hillsong Worship
"'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
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March 25 – “Lamb of God”
"'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
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WEEK SIX
March 27 – “Pins
and Needles”
by Mutemath
“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
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March 28 – “Jesus,
You’re My Place”
by Heather Sorenson
“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
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March 29 – “Grace Alone”
“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
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March 30 – “Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed”
“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
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March 31 – “And
Can It Be”
by Charles Wesley
“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
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April
1 – “Far Kingdom”
by the Gray Havens
“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
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WEEK SEVEN
April 3 – “What
Wondrous Love is This?”
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
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April 4 – “A
Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)”
by Robbie Seay Band
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”
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”
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”
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”
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
