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October 2004, Page 2.
Index of articles:
by subject,
by date.
In this issue:
(October 2004)
Staffing,
Song,
Ramadan,
HC bread,
Define God.
Jesus, take me in your arms
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In June's link (p4) I printed some words I'd written for a song suitable for the service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. Here's another one.
As you'll see, the aim was to write the three verses on the three things which Jesus did: he "took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them" (Mark 10:16). I was particularly keen to try to unpack the blessing as meaning not just a warm feeling, but the giving of his Holy Spirit, who brings Jesus' strength and power into our lives.
The two songs came 2nd and 3rd in one of the sections of the competition. Here are some comments which were made about this one:
"This song has a consistent rhyme-scheme, unlike so many songs nowadays. However I'm not very happy with the third verse: although it is about "strength" and "power", the tone is set by the tune and the first line - more soothing than strengthening. And is it really good to pray this first line? I'd be happier with "take me in your care" - but that needs a new rhyme and "care" comes in verse 2 anyway. Sorry, I've no solution to suggest: simply to say the crucial opening line leaves me a bit uneasy!"
You'll see I was only partly successful with my hope for verse 3!
John Hartley