You could say that my songwriting journey began one day as I taught a preschool Sunday School class. The curriculum was set up so that about a month before Holy Week we had a lesson centering on the first event of that week, the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. It was a very joyful, exciting lesson as we acted out spreading our palm branches on the roadway and welcoming Jesus with "Hosanna" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord".
Later that afternoon, I awoke suddenly from a nap with the phrase "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" in my head—words and music together. I was quite surprised, as nothing like this had ever happened to me before!
Although I had never written a song, it seemed clear to me that this phrase was part of a congregational song that would be appropriate for Palm Sunday. So I began praying and studying the Scripture passages, Old and New Testament, that related to Jesus' triumphal entry. The song unfolded, section by section, a phrase here, a phrase there, until it seemed like it was a complete song.
I found some blank sheet music and manuscripted Behold Your King. Because I had taught that Sunday School lesson about a month before Palm Sunday, the song was ready to introduce to the music team in time that it could be used that year. After practicing it a few times, we decided to go ahead and use it for worship, Palm Sunday 2001.
One step at a time, God graciously leads on the journey. He provides words and music and inspiration. He provides other musicians from the body of Christ who hone and refine and interpret the songs I've worked on. And I'm learning that the important thing is to patiently follow the Lord along the road of faith—any songs that may result are a by-product of the journey, not the goal of the journey.
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Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
At the bottom of the page, click on "Next" to go to Thank You. Click on "Home" to return to the Camino Merced Music home page. Use the back button on your browser toolbar to go to the previously viewed page.
Later that afternoon, I awoke suddenly from a nap with the phrase "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" in my head—words and music together. I was quite surprised, as nothing like this had ever happened to me before!
Although I had never written a song, it seemed clear to me that this phrase was part of a congregational song that would be appropriate for Palm Sunday. So I began praying and studying the Scripture passages, Old and New Testament, that related to Jesus' triumphal entry. The song unfolded, section by section, a phrase here, a phrase there, until it seemed like it was a complete song.
I found some blank sheet music and manuscripted Behold Your King. Because I had taught that Sunday School lesson about a month before Palm Sunday, the song was ready to introduce to the music team in time that it could be used that year. After practicing it a few times, we decided to go ahead and use it for worship, Palm Sunday 2001.
One step at a time, God graciously leads on the journey. He provides words and music and inspiration. He provides other musicians from the body of Christ who hone and refine and interpret the songs I've worked on. And I'm learning that the important thing is to patiently follow the Lord along the road of faith—any songs that may result are a by-product of the journey, not the goal of the journey.
cb
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
At the bottom of the page, click on "Next" to go to Thank You. Click on "Home" to return to the Camino Merced Music home page. Use the back button on your browser toolbar to go to the previously viewed page.