Started working on a text based on 1 Peter 2 (+Ephesians 2) after getting a sermon topic/passage in advance, but discovering that there aren't a whole lot of songs on this theme. Is the train of thought coherent? All help appreciated! We are living stones In the Maker's hands, All are precious in his sight, Each a miracle Of his (dazzling/lavish) love, Called from darkness into light. As he breathes in us, As he builds us up, We become his holy home, Standing firm and strong/fast On the solid/living Rock: Jesus Christ, the/our Cornerstone. (CH) We are the house of God, The (holy) house of God, His Spirit lives in us, And moves through us, May our lives display His amazing/unmeasured (wondrous) grace As a holy house of God. Let this temple ring With the ancient song (melody) Of his gift for humankind: Every debt was paid, Our foundation laid, When our Savior gave his life. And his glory shines As we multiply, Making God’s salvation known; Every tribe/clan and kin We will welcome in / Is invited in To t/his church of living stones. (CH)

I was going to lead “this is my father’s world” this Sunday and was thinking about adding this verse for some explicit gospel. If you have any feedback or suggestions or concerns, please let me know! Thank you! This is my father’s world To earth he sent His son To bear my sin, to show his love I join creation’s song This is my Father’s world For birds he cares and feeds Oh how much more he loves his own My shepherd will supply every need

I wrote these lyrics in response to meditation on Psalm 11. It's a simple 5 stanza hymn with a basic meter and rhyme-scheme. My recommendation is to read Psalm 11 first and then read the hymn. Also, I don't have a melody yet so if anyone is inspired to write one I'd love to hear what people come up with! The shadows hide a hateful foe We know his aim, we fear his bow An earthly refuge calls to us But heaven's King shall be our trust We shall not flee to mountain high Nor shall we leave this world and hide For though the wicked foe assail, Our true foundation shall not fail We do not stand on earth or stone But in the care of heaven's throne Where God the Judge of all presides And sees our plight with loving eyes His hand shall bring the wicked low With fire and wind and every woe For He shall save His righteous saints The upright shall behold His face Yet who are we to claim such grace? For we are of that wicked race Behold! Our God brought low for us That we might own His righteousness!

This has been a tough month with way too much going on, but I've managed to get something down for the challenge. I'm not much of a guitarist, but I don't have a keyboard where I currently am so I borrowed my daughter's little 3/4 classical and did my best. All help/feedback welcome (is the original song too obvious?)! 1] You are my shelter in times of trouble, You are the stronghold that keeps me safe, Holding me steady through every trial; You are my hiding place. 2] You offer peace when the ground is shaking, Rest, though the earth and the sky give way. You will surround me when fires are raging; You are my hiding place. CH] You are my Savior, My rock, my defender. God, my protector, You are my hiding place. You are my hiding place. 3] Even through days when I doubt your goodness, Even though mine is a fragile faith, You hold me fast like a mighty fortress; You are my hiding place. CH 4] Guarding my soul, through my final journey, You'll not abandon me to the grave. Even through death I will keep on singing, “You are my hiding place!”

Hey everyone! This is a new hymn I’m working on. I just started it yesterday, so I’d love any thoughts you have on where it could be improved. In addition to feedback on the text, I’d also love your input on what tune to use for it. I think I’ve narrowed it down to two options, both of which are already familiar to our congregation. I’ve uploaded a recording of me singing the lyrics to each tune, so I’d love to hear which you think suits the text better! BEACH SPRING is one of my favorite public domain tunes, and ROAN ROAD is one that I wrote. The recordings are just to show the tunes, so I'd probably do a tag or something else musical at the end of each one to make the ending feel less abrupt. REVISED TEXT (6/25) Oh, my soul, be not discouraged By the trials that you face For your Shepherd goes before you And has numbered all your days. He will guide you through the tempest, He will guard you from the flame, He will keep you from all evil, He will hold you in His grace. Oh, my soul, be not disheartened By this life’s uncertainties For your Shepherd knows your weakness And supplies your every need. He who clothes and feeds the sparrows Will provide your daily bread. He will give you strength and wisdom, He will lift your weary head. Come, my soul, and lay your burdens At the faithful Shepherd’s feet. Bring your grief and bring your failures, Bring your troubles and defeats. He will bear your every sorrow As He bore your every sin; He who bled for your redemption Calls you now to rest in Him. --- ORIGINAL TEXT (6/24) Oh, my soul, be not discouraged By the trials that you face For your Shepherd goes before you And has numbered all your days. He will guide you through the tempest, He will guard you from the flame, He will keep you from all evil, He will hold you in His grace. Oh, my soul, be not disheartened By the things you cannot see; For your Shepherd knows your weakness And supplies your every need. He who clothes and feeds the sparrows Will provide your daily bread.