My Lord, What a Morning!

Spiritual Song / Hymn


A spiritual song I've loved through the years since my youthful years. Through this hymn of faith and hope, I face the the new year... "looking to my God's right hand, when the stars begin to fall".   

My Lord, What a Morning! 




THE 1790 CENSUS of the United States reported more than 750,000 blacks. The musical expressions of the majority of these blacks—those enslaved in the South—greatly influenced American religious and secular musical forms. Although some Christians attempted to use the Bible to justify the institution of slavery, the majority of African-Americans embraced Christianity. As a result, they created and performed songs, particularly the spiritual, that had a lasting influence on Christian worship.

Slaves held informal, possibly secret, prayer meetings. Sometimes they sang and prayed all night.  The spirituals sung in these meetings drew from hymns, the Bible, and African styles of singing. Most slaves could not read, so the spirituals helped to teach them the Bible.

The religious counterpart to the work song was the spiritual. The first reference to spirituals as a distinctive genre appeared early in the nineteenth century. Many scholars believe, however, that the spiritual originated in the late eighteenth century. It is not known precisely when the term spiritual began to be applied to black religious folksongs. Since the editors of Slave Songs of the United States (1867) did not define the term in their compilation, it must have been in common use by 1860.
Improvisation was crucial in the creation of a spiritual. The spiritual was most likely fashioned by combining verses from the Bible and hymns with portions of sermons and prayers given during the worship of the enslaved. Such religious expressions were embellished, and repetitive refrains were added.

The spiritual “My Lord, What a Morning!” for example, was essentially (re)created from the hymn “Behold the Awful Trumpet Sounds.” Here is the spiritual:

My Lord, what a morning, 

My Lord, what a morning, 

My Lord, what a morning 

When the stars begin to fall. 

You’ll hear the trumpet sound, 

To wake the nations underground, 

Looking to my God’s right hand, 

When the stars begin to fall.

Two stanzas from the original hymn, first published in Richard Allen’s 1801 hymnal, show where the slave composer received his inspiration:

Behold the awful trumpet sounds, 

The sleeping dead to raise, 

And calls the nations underground: 

O how the saints will praise! . . . 

The falling stars their orbits leave, 

The sun in darkness hide: 

The elements asunder cleave, 

The moon turn’d into blood! . . .

Video Credit:

My Lord, What a Morning, sung by Le Choeur d'Adultes de la Maîtrise Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris (Choir of Notre Dame Cathedral): "My Lord, what a morning!" (traditional, arr. H.T. Burleigh), sous la direction de Lionel Sow. Hommage musical pour les victimes des attentats du 11 septembre 2001 (Musical homage for the victims of September 11, 2001 victims.)



Resource:

The Spiritual. Written by Angela M.S. Nelson. ChristianHistoryInstitute.org. Accessed January 3, 2020.


(c) January 2020. Tel. Wayfarer Psalms. All rights reserved.

Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer

God's people in His place under His rule.





Guide me, O Thou Great Redeemer 
William Williams (1717-1791)
translated with Peter Williams (1722-1796)
Tune CWM RHONDDA by John Hughes (1873-1932)

Guide me, O thou great Redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty;
Hold me with thy powerful hand:
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me now and evermore.

Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the living waters flow;
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong Deliverer, Strong Deliverer,
Be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fear subside;
Death of death and hell's destruction,
Land me safe on Canaan's side;
Songs and praises, songs and praises,
I will ever give to thee.

Video Credit:

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah. YouTube, uploaded by Ronald Ellis. Accessed January 1, 2018.

Note:  'Jehovah' and 'Redeemer' are used interchangeably by various hymnbooks. 


(c) 2018. Tel Asiado. Wayfarer Psalms.  All  rights reserved. 

In the Garden Hymn

" I come to the garden alone...  and he walks with me and he talks with me, and he tells me I am his own." 

In the Garden

Words & Music: C. Austin Miles (March 1912)

1.  I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The son of God discloses.

Refrain:

And he walks with me, and he talks with me,
And he tells me I am his own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

2.  He speaks, and the sound of his voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that he gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.

Refrain

3.  I’d stay in the garden with him
Though the night around me be falling,
But he bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.

Refrain

This hymn was sung in the 1984 mo­vie Plac­es in the Heart,  which won two Acad­e­my Awards.

For meditation, I heartily recommend this video:
In the Garden Hymn with Franz Schubert Impromptu, Op. 90. No. 3, performed by Priscilla Manion.

In 2017, I posted a version of "In the Garden" sung by the late Elvis Presley last . Unfortunately, the video is no longer available.  I'll try to find a replacement if I can find one. Tel /18 September 2021.) 

(c) November 5, 2012. Updated January 17, 2017. Tel. Wayfarer Psalms. All rights reserved.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

God's faithfulness is new every morning.

Even if it appears that we are alone, we are not. God is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us; he promised that. One of my lifelong favourite hymns, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" says: "... Thou changest not thy compassion, they fail not. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord unto me." 

And for a significant reason, I've revisited the hymn first thing this morning.

Sometimes in the midst of trials, lingering illness included, we feel so unloved, alone, hurt, unappreciated, and abandoned.  Or, for no reason we are depressed and can't even figure out why. We also feel letdown after some event's excitement only to find we have overspent excessively, perhaps blowing our budget the year through. Well, you are not alone.  But all those things will eventually pass as God shows his faithfulness.

Blessed Assurance Hymn

Famous hymn-writer Fanny Crosby reflects:  "My friend, Mrs. Jo­seph F. Knapp, com­posed a mel­o­dy and played it over to me two or three times on the pi­a­no. She then asked what it said. I re­plied, “Bles­sed as­sur­ance, Je­sus is mine!""

This hymn was sung in the 1985 Acad­e­my Award win­ning mo­vie, “Trip to Bount­i­ful.” 

Sweeter as the Years Go Hymn

Every time the hymn "Sweeter As The Years Go By" comes to mind, I remember the family and relatives of my childhood friend, Sharon.  Her family, together with her uncles and aunts, used to sing this in church during their family re-consecration.  I wish I know where she is now, and pray that life is as sweet as before... Jesus' love is sweeter.

Sweeter As The Years Go By
Words & Music: Leila N. Morris, 1912

1.  Of Jesus’ love that sought me, when I was lost in sin;
Of wondrous grace that brought me back to His fold again;
Of heights and depths of mercy, far deeper than the sea,
And higher than the heavens, my theme shall ever be.

Thine Be the Glory, Risen, Conquering Son

HAPPY EASTER!  JESUS IS RISEN!  
To God be the Glory, All things He has done! 

Hymn:
Thine Be the Glory, Risen, Conquering Son

This is one piece of music by Handel (aside from the lyrics of Budry) well-loved by Christians and sung on Sunday services. Next to Handel's Messiah, this is an all-time favourite hymn.

Words: Ed­mond L. Bu­dry, Richard B. Hoyle translated it from French to Eng­lish, 1923.

Music: Ju­das Mac­ca­bae­us,  George F. Handel 

Thine is the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son;
Endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won;
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave clothes where Thy body lay.

CCoC Organ Recital and Hymn Singing

World-class organist Mark Quarmby was guest soloist at a recent Organ Recital and Hymn Singing, culminating  the celebration of Chatswood Church of Christ's Centennial Anniversary.

Hymns and hymn-singing are lifelong passions of mine and having grown-up singing alto as a child, and later as adult in various choral groups and concert chorus, I looked forward for this event with anticipation and excitement.

The event was held at Chatswood Church of Christ (CCoC)  16th of March, 2014 at 1.30 pm, organised and presented by Rev. Allan Blyth, former minister of the CCoC, and a friend. The programme offered wonderful selections of loved hymns and occasional solo organ pieces.   

As the afternoon beckoned, we gathered to meditate on God Almighty to praise and ask His blessings as we worship Him through church music, and singing together some of the best-loved and favourite hymns from ages past.

The Holy City (the Song)

Popular religious song composed by Stephen Adams (Michael Maybridge)  and written by Frederick Weatherly. It is in the spirit of Christmas, and for the love of it, that the "The Holy City" is being featured.

"The Holy City", which is a religious Victorian ballad dating from 1892,  has been a popular song in English during Christmas either sung in solo or with a choral group. It is a universal favourite especially among believers. The music was composed by Michael Maybrick, an English composer and singer who wrote under the pseudonym as Stephen Adams, and the lyrics written by Frederic Weatherly, an English lawyer, author and lyricist. 

We Thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend

We thank Thee, Jesus, Dearest Friend

Words: Un­known au­thor, 1607, cen­to (Wir dank­en dir, Herr Je­su Christ); trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Matthias Loy, 1880, alt.

Music: Er­schien­en Ist, Nikolaus Hermann, Die Son­tags Euan­gel­ia, 1560

We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,
That Thou didst into Heav’n ascend.
O blessèd Savior, bid us live
And strength to soul and body give.
Hallelujah!  

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

Reflection:

The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. -- Psalm 34:18

Hymn for today:  Just A Closer Walk With Thee

(Author Unknown)

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, if you please,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

I'll Walk with God

I was trying to re-organize one of my bookshelves and found a video of an all-time favourite musical, "The Student Prince" with an upward reflective reminder of a song in it that I've loved through the years, "I'll Walk with God." It was sung by Edmund Purdom.  My CD features the tenor Mario Lanza with his magnificent voice.


I'd like to extend a personal thought: that God does not fail us, even if our faith occasionally weakens. He never fails.

Link to Video from YouTube:


Lyrics: Paul Francis Webster
Music: Nicholas Brodszky

Church Choir

Singing in Church

A choir (also referred to as chorale or chorus), is a musical ensemble or body of singers who perform together. A church choir is composed of singers performing in church. A choral music is written for an ensemble to perform.

The Church Choir

In general terms, a choir is very often applied to groups affiliated with a church, and in general, a choral group performs performs in theatres or concert halls, but this distinction is flexible.In fact the term "choir" has also been defined as a subset of an ensemble of an orchestra or different "choirs" of voices or instruments in a polychoral music.

Handel's Messiah and Biblical Message

Messiah by Handel is considered the greatest oratorio of all time, with its powerful "Hallelujah Chorus".

Handel's oratorio, Messiah, remains the most famous sacred music for Easter and Christmas among Christians, most especially the "Hallelujah Chorus."  The fact is that this oratorio was not created by George Handel for Christmas but for Lent. It was premiered on April 13, 1742, the Tuesday before Easter, in a small theater in Dublin, Ireland.

Starting in 1745, the performance of the Messiah became an yearly event in Dublin during Holy week. It was only during the 19th century when it crossed the Atlantic that performances of the oratorio became associated with the Christmas season.

My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me

"I'll never leave you nor forsake you."

Sometimes silence is the best thing to do. I woke up this morning with this sacred song "My Father watches over me" aptly on my mind as I paused for quiet meditation to feel his presence. "Quiet" includes switching off my favourite FM classical music radio station.

Feeling down? Alone? Everything seems wrong?

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." ~ Prov 3: 5-6 NIV.

My Heavenly Father Watches Over Me(I Trust in God)

Words by Rev. W.C Martin Music by Charles H. Gabriel
© 1910 by Charles H. Gabriel, © renewed 1938 (extended), The Rodeheaver Co.

Refrain
I trust in God, I know He cares for me,
On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea;
Tho' billows roll, He keeps my soul,
My heavn'ly Father watches over me.

1. I trust in God wherever I may be,
Upon the land or on the rolling sea,
For, come what may, from day to day,
My heav'nly Father watches over me.
Refrain.

Our Hope and God's Faithfulness

Hope Hymn - "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"

Our hope is built on nothing less than a foundation of God's faithfulness. Faith and a positive attitude will ease our efforts. I am aware that tomorrow is a question on hold, but God knows exactly how life will unfold.

There is this popular wise quote which says "Hope springs eternal," which reminds us that when everything else fails, there  is hope to hang on to.  When we are in the brink of a major life crisis, illness, separation from loved ones, bankruptcy, extreme loneliness, you get the picture... we will keep hanging on as long as we have hope within us.

Verse to reflect on:

Daniel 7:9
"As I looked, thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat."

The hymn close to my heart is Isaac Watt's "O God, Our Help in Ages Past," from Psalm 90,  and indeed for believers, our hope for years to come.

Here's the first stanza of the hymn, word by Isaac Watts, and music attributed to William Croft:

"O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home!"

What flicker of hope can we keep burning within us today?

Why Sing in Church

Some of us who grew up singing hymns as part of our everyday lives have been blest. The same songs we sing in our hometown church, we also sing in our family devotions in the comfort of home. Why do we sing in church? Simply and foremost, we sing to worship God, the almighty.

 

Protestant Reformation Founder Martin Luther and Congregational Hymn Singing

Our very nature as human beings makes us reach out for a closer fellowship with God, and this is extended through coming together in church with fellow believers. Singing in church has been an important form of worship. When I think of finding or initiating reasons why we sing in church, immediately comes to mind Martin Luther, the founder of the Protestant Reformation, who was also our strength in congregational hymns and singing, although history tells us that it was not until the 18th century that Christian congregations took up hymn singing. In later posts, we will share insights that caused him to integrate congregational singing as essential part of Protestant worship service, for all denominations.

 

Church Music Before Martin Luther

Singing in church and Christian congregations have not always been allowed to sing their hearts out. St. Ambrose, the teacher of St. Augustine and a 4th-Century Bishop of Milan, is said to have started congregational hymn singing in the Western church but experienced some opposition from some clergies. Hymn singing, in its deep roots as practiced in churches today, can be traced back in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. The Holy Bible, in the Old Testament writings, provides us evidence of psalm singing. The book of Psalms amongst other, is full of it, songs expressing praises to God.

Why We Sing in Church

We Sing in Church to Worship God

Why do we sing in church?

by Kathy Brunker, Guest Writer.

Ever wondered why we sing in church?  Here are four good reasons.

1.  Singing has always been part of the life of God’s people

We see examples of this in both the Old and New Testaments:

• Song of Moses in Exodus 15:1-8

• Hannah's Song in 1 Samuel 2:1-11

• Many of the Psalms, for example, Psalm 95

• Mary's Song in Luke 1:46-56

• The Elder’s and the Living Creature’s Song in Revelation 5:9-10

How Great Thou Art

How Great Thou Art Hymn

Southwest Rocks, Coffs Harbour
(c) Tel's Collection of Images

How Great Thou Art  has been a favourite hymn of many believers.

Words and Music by Carl G. Boberg and R.J. Hughes

1.
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Refrain:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

Be Thou My Vision

Notes on Hymn Be Thou My Vision

The hymn is at­trib­ut­ed to Dal­lan For­gaill, 8th Cen­tu­ry, trans­lat­ed from an­cient Ir­ish to Eng­lish by Ma­ry E. Byrne, in “Eriú,” Jour­nal of the School of Ir­ish Learn­ing, 1905, and versed by Eleanor H. Hull, 1912, alt.

Music: Slane. It is of Ir­ish folk or­i­gin.

Slane Hill is about ten miles from Ta­ra in Coun­ty Meath. It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Pat­rick de­fied a roy­al edict by light­ing can­dles on East­er Eve. High King Lo­gaire of Ta­ra had de­creed that no one could light a fire be­fore Lo­gaire be­gan the pa­gan spring fes­ti­val by light­ing a fire on Ta­ra Hill. Lo­gaire was so im­pressed by Pat­rick’s de­vo­tion that de­spite his de­fi­ance (or per­haps be­cause of it­), he let him con­tin­ue his mis­sion­ary work.



Be Thou My Vision lyrics

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.