Creating music from the heart

One ministry we have at Immanuel is creating new hymns. We are now finishing our third piece. It is entitled “Lord you know: a lament.” The lyrics of this song are in the form of free verse poetry; it is a storytelling hymn that does not rely upon rhyme or a predictable fixed meter. Many of the thoughts are presented in bits and pieces that are incomplete sentences.

The reason for this is because we wanted the words to embody a life that is unfolding in a confused and unforeseeable manner; these recent experiences have brought with them great struggle. This person’s walk of faith takes on the form of a lament. It is much like those seen in the Psalms of the Old Testament. They cry out to God. It is a plea for release of what troubles them.

The lyrics are as follows:

Lord, you know the challenges that I face. Help me now in this moment hear my prayer. I draw in another breath. My heart drums one more beat (refrain).

Morning sun, break of dawn, as I rise. I begin, prepare for yet another day. These words of hope, I do repeat, a simple prayer, a soulful plea.

I have learned, life is filled, times of joy. Turn the page, reveals a chapter changing mood. The open wound, that cut so deep, my sorrow stills, a quick release.

Be with me, light my path, guide my way. Grant me strength, weakness and doubt lead me astray. Your love for me, is undeserved, comes down so pure, abundant grace.

Turn this death, into life, these dry bones. Resurrect a sense of purpose in my day. This mournful tide, may it recede, reveal Your love, seen, felt, and breathed. (music and lyrics © 2016).

Music is a powerful medium. In my opinion, if Christian music only addresses God with praise, glory, majesty and love, without also acknowledging the frailty of the human experience, it is lacking something important.

I believe that I am a person of faith, yet I do not always have joy in my heart and a smile on my face. I see nothing wrong in this. I think it is entirely human and how we are created.

God yearns to hear honesty from our lips. This should include the expressions from the heart that are not always filled with joy.

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for more than 25 years.