Here's a song I've been working on for a while. It contrasts God's faithfulness with our sinfulness, weariness, and mortality. Any thoughts/feedback appreciated!

Here's a quick first draft of a communion song or song of confession. Sorry to mess up the end of the chorus...guess I'm not sure how it should go. Does it need a bridge? I think I've stolen the melody...?? All help gratefully received! V1] Near to the cross of our Savior We bring our burdens of shame; All that is broken and wanting We lay before him, again. V2] Baring our deep imperfections Here, where Perfection was killed, Pardon and love without limits Flow through the blood that he spilled. CH] Streams of mercy unrestrained Tumble down like holy rain Beneath the cross, Beneath the cross. Strongholds crumble, sweep away In the rushing swells of grace Beneath the cross, Beneath the cross of Jesus. V3] Here he bore cosmic rejection, Justified wrath for mankind. Driven to save his beloved, Christ paid our debt with his life. V4] Nothing can now separate us, Neither the future nor past; Torrents of love spring, unceasing, From the One holding us fast. Streams of mercy…

If you’ve seen “What About Bob?”, then you’ll get the reference. The Lord has been taking me on a journey over the past year as our church, corporately, and myself, personally, have been challenged to invest some of our dearest friends in a ministry opportunity. This is nothing new. At the Spirit’s prompting, Antioch set aside Barnabas and Paul for the work of ministry. The Ephesian elders wept went they sent off Paul after years of co-laboring. Psalm 126 speaks to those who sow in tears. We are not home yet, and sometimes paths diverge for a season. This is a long-winded way to say that I would like to work on something that churches could sing with faith in a season of sending forth. My heart is especially full for those who stay. Here’s what I’ve got so far … it has not been highly polished … but I wanted to get any early gut-checks. I’m also still working on a tune and tempo and such. Thanks, all! This is what I’ve got so far… Sow In Tears (Psalm 126) Verse 1 (Past grace) You have visited us, O Lord And have rescued your homeless rebels You have filled up our hands … restoring our souls Until we were like those who dream Verse 2 (Future grace) Now we scatter our hopes with tears In each season - throughout each year As they slip from our hand … to fall upon sand How we yearn for the fruit that may grow! (Chorus) For the Lord has done great things for us Yes the Lord has done great things for us Renewed, restored, replanted From your fullness, we gladly give Verse 3 (Our motivation) Once you scattered your blood with tears Yet your sacrifice brought us near For each nail in your hands … marked the path of your plan For the joy set before you, you go (Bridge) We go out with tears, We know what we’re losing This gift has a cost, That’s why it’s worth giving We follow the One Who went on before us To join in his harvest — We shall reap with joy!