Opening Song:
Psalm 126 by Isaac Wardell
Lyrics:
Our mouths they were filled, filled with laughter
Our tongues they were loosed loosed with joy
Restore us O Lord
Restore us O Lord
Although we are weeping
Lord help us keep sowing
The seeds of Your kingdom
For the day You will reap them
Your sheaves we will carry
Lord please do not tarry
All those who sow weeping
Will go out with songs of joy
The nations will say He has done great things
The nations will sing songs of joy
Restore us O Lord
Restore us O Lord
Passage:
Restore Our Fortunes, O Lord
A Song of Ascents.
126 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.
4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Musical Reflection:
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (PICARDY)
Reflection Notes:
Adapted from a medieval French folk tune, PICARDY was later arranged by esteemed English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams as a congregational hymn. The minor tonalities and scalar phrasing are very reminiscent of chant and serve to create a hushed environment in which to reflect on the rich text.
Prayer:
Your glorious Majesty surround me, the blessed Trinity protect me, and the eternal Godhead preserve me. Your unlimited mercy support me; your loving kindness encompass me; your favor make me to rejoice. The eternal truth of God be my delight, the saving knowledge of Christ strengthen me, and the all-prevailing grace of God be sufficient for me. May the grace of God the Father lead me, the wisdom of God the Son be my consolation, and the power of the Holy Spirit enlighten me. Lord my Creator, stand by me; my Redeemer, save me; and my Comforter, dwell with me. Amen.
-Johann Habermann
