PJ’s Page 
Beautiful music is the art of the prophets that can calm the agitations of the soul; it is one of the most magnificent and delightful presents God has given us. – Martin Luther
The one who sings, prays twice.
– St. Augustine
On Good Friday, we will gather to hear the story of the Passion of Jesus as it is told in Scripture and Song. This is one of the most moving worship services of the church year and I hope you will come and be a part of it. Awilda tells me that this service is the reason that she sings.
Isn’t it wonderful to consider how music is used to pass along the faith? My earliest memories of church include singing in Sunday School. Songs like Jesus Loves Me and This Little Light of Mine are still in our hymnal.
Awilda tells that she made her singing debut in church, singing about being a sunbeam for Jesus! And our Mary Walters was recently sharing with our office staff songs that she remembers from her own days in Sunday School. I’ll bet that each of us has stories like this to share!
I am grateful that we are getting acquainted with Evangelical Lutheran Worship, the hymnal of the ELCA. Red once again (although the official color is “New Cranberry”) it is a compilation of many beloved older hymns and some new ones. Some of my favorite hymns though, are found in a hymnal published by Augsburg Fortress and the ELCA called This Far By Faith. The hymns in TFBF are largely from the African American tradition. Growing up in the South, I learned them from my friends who were mostly Southern Baptist. But they are powerful and power-filled in the way they tell the story.
The African American spiritual I Want Jesus to Walk With Me, is one of those songs that is significant to me in my faith journey. I think it is especially meaningful during this season of Lent. The verses describe times when the songwriters, J. Jefferson Cleveland and Verolga Nix, wanted Jesus to walk with them. In particular, they call on Jesus to walk with them during times of trouble and trial…
When my heart is almost breaking…
When my head is bowed in sorrow…
Lord, walk with me.
I wonder if we can name other times, and in so doing, write other verses about when it is that we wish Jesus to walk with us.
When I’m fearful, Lord, walk with me. When I’m fearful, Lord, walk with me. When my soul is overcome, Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
Well, I’m no songwriter, but I can surely come to God with my deepest longings and prayers. We all can. That is the great gift of prayer…whether we speak them, whether we pour them out before God, whether they are silent, or whether they are sung.
May Jesus walk with you during this and every season…
In peace and prayer,