Praying With A Song In Our Heart

MUSIC

I’ve learned a lot of songs in my life – both to sing and to play on the guitar.  I suppose that’s something that I’m missing these days when we are doing so much more at home.  I have sounds in the ears of my heart from recovery meetings and chapels in prison of folks singing and of their hearts being touched by the truth of God’s word as they sang.

I’ve often told the story often over the years of our friend Jack who was only days away from heaven as he suffered with cancer.  With a  tumor impacting his vocal cords that night Jack – a big guy in his early 60’s asked us to sing “Jesus Loves Me” – the first song you learn and the only one you really need.

I don’t know how long it will be before we can get back in the prison and enjoy chapel services with the women there.  With a vaccine on the horizon I’m hopeful that it will be sooner rather than later but it’s likely still a few months away.  Regardless,  I’ll not forget the MANY times we sang the song:  “Your love never fails, never gives up, never runs out on me.”  The joy and enthusiasm in the voices and on the faces of the women – some with tears in their eyes – as they proclaimed this truth.  For some, probably a hope and a longing more than a solid faith but it was a beginning.

Well, I came across Psalm 98 in my readings again today and it’s one of those songs I learned in the early 70’s with Dave and Dale Garret and Scripture in Song cassette tapes.  I’ve mentioned them before and the impact of their music – and that of groups like ‘Second Chapter of Acts’ and people like Keith Green.  I still smile when I think how rock and roll” the music style of people like Keith Green were and then listen to their music now – 40-50 years later.  They are like ballads!!

Anyway, I digress.  There are certain verses of scripture that I cannot read without having the music of those songs go through my head.  Even though they are simple little melodies I’m glad to have them tucked away some where in my long term memory and to have them touch my heart each time the reading of the word triggers the memory. 

Well today, these are a newer version than the old King James version I learned the song in but let’s pray this Psalm 98 and let it motivate us to praising God with our own songs along with the songs of creation – as this Psalm teaches us.

Go ahead—sing your brand-new song to the Lord!  He is famous for his miracles and marvels, for he is victorious through his mighty power and holy strength.

Everyone knows how God has saved us, for he has displayed his justice throughout history. He never forgets to show us his love and faithfulness.

How kind he has been to Israel (put your own name in here)! All the nations know how he stands behind his people and how he saves his own.

So go ahead, everyone, and shout out your praises with joy! Break out of the box and let loose with the most joyous sound of praise! Sing your melody of praise to the Lord and make music like never before!

Blow those trumpets and shofars! Shout with joyous triumph before King Yahweh!

Let the ocean’s waves join in the chorus with their roaring praise until everyone everywhere shouts out in unison, “Glory to the Lord!” Let the rivers and streams clap with applause as the mountains rise in a standing ovation to join the mighty choir of exaltation.

Look! Here he comes! The Lord and judge of all the earth! He’s coming to make things right and to do it fair and square. And everyone will see that he does all things well!  Psalm 98:1-9