Michael E. Wood
March 22- April 19, 2011
I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you, Psalm 144:9
Several months ago I was given a book by our good friend Denise McCool entitled, "Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J Morgan. I have found this book to be a great encouragement to my soul as it relates the stories behind 150 of the world's greatest hymns. Each account is different in it's own way, but usually gives some background about both the writers of the lyrics and that of the authors of the music if it was known. In many cases the songs or hymns did not become well known for many years and in some instances not until after the death of the author.
In my own journey as it relates to writing songs and hymns over the last few years, I have not found what might be deemed by many as success as men count success. Whereas we all tend to be bent toward instant gratification I would have to admit that there have been moments when I have felt discouraged in the process. And yet I know that my Redeemer lives. He is Sovereign over the affairs of men and works all things together for our good and His infinite glory. Christ is the head of the church and He has given gifts to men to show forth His glory.
In March of 2011 I was asked to see if I could write some lyrics for a tune of which Paul Vossen of Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento, California had devised with a guitar. With much prayer I set out to discover what the Lord would give me for this occasion as this was something that I had never attempted to do before. While Paul was recording the music to send via internet, he closed the session with singing a few words of praise that were not intended to be a part of the song, nevertheless they stuck in my mind and became the bulk of the chorus posted after each verse.
As with everything we are and everything we have, we commend all to the grace of God to use as He sees fit.
Holy Father, God of all,
Hallowed be Thy Name!
So Mighty, Powerful,
Words ne’er can proclaim.
You are Awesome
And so Beautiful!
Greater than
All our minds can think,
Or our hearts perceive,
Yet Your grace You give us,
And You cause to believe
Your love, everlasting love
Poured into our hearts.
Your Spirit now given us,
Shall never depart.
Though we
Are so wretched
Yet You gave us Your Son!
So I say,
Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name,
Of our God and Father,
Son and Savior,
Holy Spirit, in One.
God Your mercy came to us
In form of a man.
In love You did the work,
The cross by Your hand.
Humble servant,
Christ was slain.
With Him we are raised,
For Your glory LORD!
And we offer praise!
Fruit of lips give thanks
To Your glorious Name!
And now we will worship You,
With reverence and awe.
With hearts in humility,
Now prostrate we fall.
For alone
You are worthy
Of all glory and might!
So I say,
Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name,
Of our God and Father,
Son and Savior,
Holy Spirit, in One.
Holy Spirit, Comforter,
God’s Presence within.
We ask You expectantly,
Your help to the end.
In our weakness,
Glorify the Lamb!
For we
Dare not trust ourselves,
But will glory in
Our infirmities,
Christ alone seek to win.
Teacher of God’s Holy Word, *
We bid You to come.
Breathe life through the light of men,
Christ Jesus, the Son!
For alone,
He is worthy
Of all glory and praise!
So I say,
Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name,
Of our God and Father,
Son and Savior,
Holy Spirit, in One.
* (Options)
(1)You are now our guide and strength,
(2)You are now our guarantee,
We bid You to
come.
Give life through
the light of men,
Christ Jesus, the
Son
