She came thirsty and a bit nervous. Our group warmly welcomed her. Amidst silent prayer after reading the psalm, something was happening. God was there; we felt it. Then she sang. And oh, did she sing! I’ve heard her lovely voice before, but this was different. This was not a performance. It was an offering and a prayer; enough to make those present tremble. Her voice calmed our fears, and we felt embraced by God’s loving arms. When the music stopped, we sat in silence. No words were needed. She had begun with a quavering voice and ended with confident conviction.
The song of the Spirit has stayed with me ever since; calling me to keep singing any way I know. And it isn’t perfect; it never will be. Yet it is perfect in God’s eyes.
above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the clear, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
I know my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
I see the blue above it.
And day by day this pathway smooths
since first I learned to love it.
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing?
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
~Pauline T.; Robert Lowry, 1869
Bread for the Journey 