Hymns are beautiful forms of worship and moments of prayer. Often, I just say, not sing, hymn lyrics when being with God. This practice deeply connects me with that song plus gives me wonderful expressions that help me articulate what I want to say to God through cries for help, praise, lament, comfort, desire, and love.
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song was a new hymn for me when we sang at our synod assembly a few weeks ago. I stopped singing just to breathe in the words. I closed my eyes and listened deeply. I worshipped. I prayed. Later I wrote them out in my journal and have used them in my morning devotion.
“Those who sing, pray twice” has always been one of my favorite sayings. I think those who pray songs, sing twice!
This hymn was originally composed in French by “Les petites soeurs de Jésus” (“The Little Sisters of Jesus”). The tune is a little hard to follow which probably explains why we haven’t sung it much in church, but I do love the words.
Such devotion. Lord, be my song is a powerful prayer.
Here are the words and music of this hymn:
Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song
Lord Jesus, you shall be my song as I journey;
I’ll tell ev’rybody about you wherever I go:
you alone are our life and our peace and our love.
Lord Jesus, you shall be my song as I journey.
Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.
May all of my joy be a faithful reflection of you.
May the earth and the sea and the sky join my song.
Lord Jesus, I’ll praise you as long as I journey.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant,
to carry your cross and to share all your burdens and tears.
For you saved me by giving your body and blood.
As long as I live, Jesus, make me your servant.
I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey;
but courage will come with the sound of your steps by my side.
And with all of the family you saved by your love,
we’ll sing to your dawn at the end of our journey.
Used by permission of Augsburg Fortress Publishers, copyright license #SAS016598
May we all have Jesus as our song.
I have quite the list of favorite hymns and will continue to listen for new ones.
What hymns move your soul closer to God?
oh i like this idea of speaking hymns as well as singing them. a rich treasure to savor, yes! thanks for this new-to-me nudge, Jean …
I love speaking the hymns – such great prayers.
I am quite fond of NO ONE EVER CARED FOR ME LIKE JESUS. God Bless! <3
Beautiful selection!!
Beautiful words and tune, Jean! Sing once, pray twice has always been a meaningful saying for me. I think I will get out my hymnal and use those words of songs in my prayers!
We just got home from all our travels, so will be back to blogging next Tuesday.
Blessings!
Welcome Home!!! I love using my hymnal as a prayer guide. Hope it blesses your journey
Just a few months ago I began a new journal (inspired by sister-blogger, Michele Morin) for the express purpose of meditating on some of the great hymns of the church. Each line or phrase often offers much food for thought, and when we sing them, we quickly slip by all their import. So far, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise has provided the most inspiring lyrics. But I’ve only begun hymn #6, so I have MANY to go!! : ) As for favorites that move my heart closer to God: Great Is Thy Faithfulness and It Is Well with My Soul quickly come to mind. Haven’t journaled through those yet.
love this type of journal. what a great idea!!