Notes on the Notes – February 22, 2023

Ash Wednesday 

Service music: 

“Beneath the Cross of Jesus”  (VU #135)

“Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand:
The shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land,
A home within the wilderness, a rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noon-tide heat and the burden of the day.

Upon the cross of Jesus my eyes at times can see
The very dying form of one who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears, two wonders I confess,
The wonder of his glorious love, and my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face,
Content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross.”

We join our hearts together in worship with this familiar hymn by Elizabeth Clephane (1868).  In the hymn, Elizabeth alludes to a passage in Isaiah that speaks of “the shade of a great rock in a weary land” (Isaiah 32:1-2).  Perhaps one reason that this hymn has become so well-loved is that we know what it means to live in a weary land.  We feel the need of a mighty rock to shelter us from the storms of life.  Jesus’ cross is that resting place.  As we begin our Lenten journey, we know that Jesus’ cross is our home within the wilderness, our rest upon the way.

“Come to My Heart” (VU #661)

“Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.
Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; come to my heart today.
Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.
Come to my heart, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.

Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.
Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; fill me with love today.
Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.
Fill me with love, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.

Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; teach me to walk in your way.
Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; answer my prayer today.
Give me the peace and joy that only you can bring.
Answer my prayer, Lord Jesus; give me a song to sing.”

This song was written by Joe Pinson in 1979.  Its simple lyrics are an invitation for Jesus to be with us both now, during this time of worship, and as we go through life’s journey.

“How Deep the Peace” (MV #95)

“How deep the peace, the confidence, of those whose wrongs are forgiven.
How deep the peace, the confidence, of those whose hearts are healed.”

This short response is based on Psalm 32.  It was written by Linnea Good in 2004.

“Healer of My Heart” 

“God of light, take away the dark of night.
Fill me with Your pure delight, touch me with Your hand.
God of grace, flow into this holy place.
Listen as Your children pray,
Take me as I am.

Healer of my heart,
Lover of my soul,
Maker of the stars, the earth, the sky,
Come and make me whole.
Savior of this world,
My voice praises You alone,
Healer of my heart,
Lover of my soul.”

Tonight’s anthem is composed by Robert White Johnson and references Psalm 51:10.

“May the Christ Who Walks on Wounded Feet” 

“May the Christ who walks on wounded feet
Travel with you all your journey through.
May you see Christ’s face in all you meet
And may all you meet see Christ’s face in you.”

Our benediction response was written by Allan Baer in 2013 and arranged by S. Porter. The words are adapted from a traditional Celtic prayer.