Wash Me, Lord

©2007 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #5055351
Scripture References: Psalm 1:3, 51:1-2; Isaiah 1:18, 64:6; Revelation 22:1-2
Theme: Confession
Key: B flat
Mood/Tempo: contemplative, prayerful

As a song of confession, the lyrics are based on David’s heartfelt remorse and the Lord’s abundant mercy, as recorded in Psalm 51. The imagery of water is used not only to convey the means of cleansing, but also to depict the goodness of living beside the river of the water of life.

Wash Me, Lord .pdf file (sheet music)
Wash Me, Lord .mid sound file (audio sample)
Wash Me, Lord .pdf file (bulletin insert)

Wash Me, Lord
Wash me, Lord
In the flood of Your forgiveness
Change my rags
To garments white as wool
Let me live
By the river of Your goodness
And by Your mercy
Cleanse my soul
(repeat)
By Your mercy cleanse my soul

Wisdom

©2003 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #4562931
Scripture Reference: Proverbs 2:1-11
Theme: wisdom, guidance
Key: D
Mood/Tempo: contemplative/medium

This song expresses the deep cry of our hearts to know God and his wisdom, to follow him and be guided by him.

Wisdom .pdf file (sheet music)
Wisdom .mid sound file (audio sample)
Wisdom .pdf file (bulletin insert)

Wisdom
Verse 1
I cry out for wisdom,
Which way should I go?
My life is perplexing,
And I want to know.
So I reach out to open
My Bible that's near,
Praying an answer
Will soon become clear.
As I read, I remember
This truth from your word:
Wisdom begins
With the knowledge of the Lord.

Chorus
Deep, deep, deep in my heart
I want to know you,
Deep in my soul.
Deep in my heart,
Deep in my soul,
I want to know you, Lord.

Verse 2
I cry out to know you
And what you have planned.
Lord, teach me to listen
So I understand
It is when I am willing
To make you first choice
That I can know you
And follow your voice.
Help me humbly remember
This truth from your word:
Wisdom begins
With the knowledge of the Lord

Chorus
Repeat Chorus
Tag
I want to know you, Lord.

Your Perfect Love

©2003 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #4563363
Scripture Reference: I John 4:17-18
Theme: God's love
Key: G
Mood/Tempo: upbeat/medium

This song was written to be a two-part round. We first sing Chorus 1 and Chorus 2 in unison; then half the congregation sings Chorus 1/Chorus 2, while the other half sings Chorus 2/Chorus 1. We end in unison, singing "Your perfect love removes my fear, and boldly I draw near."

Your Perfect Love .pdf file (sheet music)
Your Perfect Love .mid sound file (audio sample)
Your Perfect Love .pdf file (bulletin insert)

Your Perfect Love
Chorus 1
Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
Word become flesh, Anointed One.
Your perfect love removes my fear,
And boldly I draw near.

Chorus 2
Perfect your love in me.
Perfect your love in me.
Your perfect love removes my fear,
And boldly I draw near.

You First Loved Us

©2002 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #4562993
Scripture Reference: I John 2:3-6; 3:16; 4:19;
Philippians 2:1-11
Theme: love, service, obedience, commitment
Key: F
Mood/Tempo: upbeat/medium-fast

This song of commitment recognizes that we can only love, serve and obey as we follow our Lord's example.

You First Loved Us .pdf file (sheet music)
You First Loved Us .mid sound file (audio sample)
You First Loved Us .pdf file (bulletin insert)

You First Loved Us
Verse 1
We love you, Lord,
Because you first loved us.
We serve you, Lord,
Because you first served us.
You left the Father's glory above,
Laid down your life
Because of your love.

Verse 2
We love you, Lord,
Because you first loved us.
We serve you, Lord,
Because you first served us.
Our love proves true
When we obey,
And humbly serve
Each other each day.

Chorus
You loved us,
You served us,
You gave up your rights,
And God exalted you
To the highest heights.

Tag
We love you,
We serve you,
We seek to obey,
And pray for the grace
To follow your way.

repeat Tag

Wisdom and Power Forever

©2002 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #4551791
Scripture Reference: Daniel 2:20-23
Theme: wisdom, knowledge, power
Key: Dm
Mood/Tempo: contemplative/moderate

Wisdom and Power Forever .pdf file (sheet music)
Wisdom and Power Forever .mid sound file (audio sample)
Wisdom and Power Forever .pdf file (bulletin insert)

This song is based on Daniel's canticle of praise, found in Daniel 2:20-23. It is Daniel's heartfelt response to answered prayer, that God has revealed to him the mysteries of Nebuchadnezzar's dream.

This doxology can be used congregationally as a Scripture response or prayer response.

Wisdom and Power Forever
Verse 1
Praise the name of the Lord forever and ever,
For he alone has wisdom and power forever.
The Lord imparts wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who understand.
Praise the name of the Lord forever and ever.

Verse 2
Praise the name of the Lord forever and ever,
For he alone has knowledge of all mysteries.
Our God is surrounded by pure light
And nothing is hidden from his sight.
Praise the name of the Lord forever and ever.

Verse 3
Praise the name of the Lord forever and ever,
For he alone has given us wisdom and strength.
The Lord has revealed his truth to us
And given the answer to our prayers.
Praise the name of the Lord forever and ever.

Tag
Praise the name of the Lord forever and ever.

Holy Flame

©2004 Cheryl A. B. Boydston
CCLI Song #4551636
Scripture Reference: Malachi 3:2-4; Acts 2:1-4
Theme: Pentecost, purification
Key: Dm
Mood/Tempo: contemplative

We have used this song as an invocation, particularly on Pentecost. Being set in a minor key, it is also effective in fostering the contemplative mood of a prayer response.

Holy Flame .pdf file (sheet music)
Holy Flame .mid sound file (audio sample)
Holy Flame .pdf file (bulletin insert)

Holy Flame
Chorus
Holy flame, come purify; Breath of presence, sanctify.
You alone we magnify.
Come, Spirit, come!
Come, Spirit, come!

Repeat Chorus

Verse
With refining fire, burn us pure and clean.
With reviving power, breathe on us again.

Chorus

Tag
Come, Spirit, come!