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Sorrow and Salvation: A Playlist for Lent
Music
March 19

Sorrow and Salvation: A Playlist for Lent

Music and remembering are intimately tied together. Just as snatch of a song overheard at a grocery store can take you back to childhood, we hope this new Lenten playlist will stir up your memories of the one who gave his lifeblood for us all.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

Today we want to share this timely new song performed by our missionaries, “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.” The text, thought to be the origin of the phrase, “God moves (or works) in mysterious ways,” was written in 1773 by the poet William Cowper. Cowper was a friend and collaborator of John Newton (the author of "Amazing Grace") and was active, along with Newton, in the abolitionist movement.

Nick Holovaty based this arrangement on a hymn tune from Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, William Walker ed. (1854). Cowper’s poem was originally entitled, “Light Shining Out of Darkness.” 

God moves in a mysterious way,
    His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
    And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
    Of never failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
    And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
    The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
    In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
    But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
    He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
    Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
    But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
    And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
    And he will make it plain.

 

Responses

  1. Ron Gouveia says:

    Beautiful and perfect for this time of storm!!!

  2. Dominick Minotti says:

    I can confirm the words. In my illness I experience the words everyday. I know he is the great healer. However I accept his will. God is so good. Thanks so much for your emails. God’s blessings on all of you.

  3. Margaret Sak says:

    Absolutely beautiful. Wisely timed and encouraging. Thank you.

  4. Jim Kadera says:

    What a great meditation song. I used it in my prayer time.

  5. Kathleen Heinrich says:

    Beautiful and peaceful. Thank you.

  6. Carmen Fraga says:

    Lovely and moving melodic song. The singing and harmony were soothing to my spirit! Thank you so much!

  7. Anne Nicklaus says:

    Love this! Thank you for the beautiful words and music!

  8. Jim Grill says:

    Beautiful arrangement. Nice to hear another "new" song. thanks Nick.

  9. Rick Ridenour says:

    Wonderful song, arrangement--greatly blessed by this. thank you

  10. Karen Heintzelman says:

    Beautiful!!

  11. Bruce Wansart says:

    Trust in the Lord in all his ways and He will grant you the desires of your heart!

    This song brings this out very clearly!

    No pain no gain- Occuh

  12. Jeri bartek says:

    Great encouragement as as I wait the results of a Covid ?

  13. Gloria murphy says:

    Thank you for this lovely rendition of the Cowper poem... It is always a joy to hear your recording and recognize the lovely voices who are making this reflection for us.

  14. MariaNicotra says:

    Lovely..thank you

  15. Frances Gauthier says:

    Loved the simple vocal harmony. Very inspired poem and musical arrangement. I thank God for your talent, Nick and singers.

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