A ceremonial prelude of praise

Track: 1

Tune: Leoni

Arranged: Meyer Lyon (1770)

Hymnal: Trinity Hymnal #411

Time: 2:17 (NA)

https://hymnary.org/tune/leoni_hebrew_5123453456752

I have played the tuba since I was a child and majored in music education with tuba as my primary instrument, so this track is deeply personal. It reflects not only my love for concert bands and concert band literature but also the roots of my musical training. Though my professional life took me into the world of software and technology, music has remained a steady part of who I am.

The choice of Leoni, a melody tied to Jewish tradition, felt especially significant. Its minor key and historic associations evoke thoughts of King David’s psalms, of ancient worship, and of the enduring call to praise God with trumpet, harp, stringed instruments, and breath itself. Adding Psalm 150 felt natural: this Scripture mirrors my heart’s desire that this project, and indeed my life, would reflect joyful, wholehearted praise to the Lord.

This track serves as a ceremonial opening to the album, offering a musical and spiritual foundation upon which the journey of these hymns will build.

Sets the tone of surrender and trust.

Track: 2

Author: Benjamin Schmolck (1704)

Translator: Jane Borthwick (1854)

Tune: Jewett - Carl Maria von Weber (1821)

Hymnal: Trinity Hymnal #685

Scripture: Matthew 26:39

Time: 4:51

https://hymnary.org/text/my_jesus_as_thou_wilt

This hymn, discovered while seeking songs about travel, reflects surrender and trust in God’s plan. I began arranging it before my wife’s trip to Brazil, marking the start of using synthesizer and electronic drum arrangements. Recording started after she left, and the lyrics became a personal prayer of trust and hope during that time. Listening to it now reminds me of the joy of us reuniting in Brazil and the beauty of trusting God through all seasons of life.

Verse 1

My Jesus, as you will!

Oh may your will be done;

into your hand of love,

I place my life as one.

Through sorrow, or through joy,

carry me as your own;

and help me still to say,

my Lord, your will be done.

Verse 2

My Jesus, as you will!

In times of want or need

give me your people's bread,

their portion rich indeed.

The manna of your Word

let my soul feed upon;

and if all else should fail,

my Lord, your will be done.

Bridge (original verse 3)

Though seen through many a tear,

let not my star of hope

grow dim or disappear.

Since you on earth have wept,

and sorrowed often alone,

if I must weep with you,

my Lord, your will be done.

my Lord, your will be done.

my Lord, your will be done.

Verse 3 (original verse 4)

My Jesus, as you will!

All shall be well, I know;

each changing future scene

I gladly trust and go.

Straight to my home above

I travel calmly on,

and sing, in life or death,

my Lord, your will be done.

my Lord, your will be done.

my Lord, your will be done.

Emphasizes divine truth and direction.

Track: 3

Published: The Psalter (1912) 

Tune: Colywn Bay - Thomas Joseph Linekar (1858-1918)

Hymnal : Trinity Hymnal #50

Scripture: Psalm 12:1

Time: 3:51

https://hymnary.org/text/o_lord_be_thou_my_helper_true

This hymn reflects on seeking God’s truth and direction in a world often filled with conflicting values. Its lyrics remind us of the importance of humility, placing our hope in God, and aligning our hearts with His promises. This song serves as a quiet call to examine where we place our pride and to trust in God as our helper and guide.

Verse 1

Oh Lord, my Helper strong and true

For just and godly men are few;

The faithful who can find?

From truth and wisdom men depart,

With flattering lips and double heart

They speak their evil mind.

Verse 2 

The lips that speak the truth to hide,

The tongues of arrogance and pride,

That boastful words employ,

False-speaking tongues that boast their might,

That own no law, that know no right,

Yahweh’s might will destroy.

Verse 3 

Because the poor are sore oppressed,

Because the needy are distressed,

And bitter are their cries,

The Lord will be their helper strong;

To save them from contempt and wrong

Yahweh alone will rise.

Bridge

The Lord’s true promises are sure.

His words are true, His words are pure

The Lord’s true promises are sure.

His words are true, His words are pure

Verse 4 

The Lord’s true promises are sure.

His words are true, His words are pure

As silver from the flame.

Though wicked men walk all around,

God’s saints are safe, no harm is found.

Protected by His Name.

Transition to praising the sacrifice and worthiness of Christ.

Track: 4

Author: Johnson Oatman (1856-1922)

Tune: George Crawford Hugg (1848-1907)

Approximate date: 1898

Hymnal: Hymns of Glorious Praise #102

Time: 5:05

https://hymnary.org/text/worthy_is_the_lamb_the_hosts_of_heaven_s

The first hymn I arranged, this was my introduction to the art of reimagining these timeless songs. The hymnal, “Hymns of Glorious Praise,” was loaned to me by my church’s worship pastor. This track marked the beginning of a journey. Though I didn’t know it at the time, God would later place it on my heart to create and release this album of 15 hymns, starting with this humble first step.

Verse 1

Worthy is the lamb,

the hosts of heaven sing,

As before the throne they

make His praises ring;

Worthy is the lamb,

the book to open wide,

Worthy is the Lamb who

once was crucified.

Chorus

Oh, this bleeding Lamb,

oh, this bleeding Lamb,

Oh, this dying Lamb,

was found worthy;

Oh, this bleeding Lamb,

oh, this bleeding Lamb,

Oh, this dying Lamb,

was found worthy;

Verse 2

Worthy is the lamb,

who shed his precious blood

To restore a world to

happiness and God;

When no eye could pity

and no arm could save,

Jesus, for our ransom,

Himself freely gave.

Chorus

Bridge

Oh, this dying Lamb,

Oh, this bleeding Lamb,

Oh, this dying Lamb,

was found worthy;

Oh, this dying Lamb,

Oh, this bleeding Lamb,

Oh, this dying Lamb,

was found worthy;

Verse 3

Worthy is the lamb,

let men and angels sing

Worthy is the Lamb, let

hallelujah's ring;

And when life is past,

upon the golden shore,

Worthy is the Lamb,

we'll shout forever more.

Chorus

Bridge Reprise

Builds on the theme of salvation and grace.

Track: 5

Author: Fanny J. Crosby (1891)

Tune: George C. Stebbins (1894)

Hymnal: Hymns of Glorious Praise #154

Time: 4:28

https://hymnary.org/text/some_day_the_silver_cord_will_break_cros

This was one of the first hymns I started arranging, discovered early on as I flipped through the pages of the hymnal. At the time, it was not yet on my heart to make an album, but this song immediately stood out. I was drawn to its message of hope beyond death and the assurance of seeing Jesus face to face.

I shared this hymn with my coworker (who is also a pastor), who had recently loaned me the Trinity Hymnal and encouraged me in this creative journey. When I mentioned it was written by Fanny Crosby, he lit up and began telling me about her remarkable life and ministry. That conversation sparked a deeper interest in her work and her testimony of faith despite blindness.

The lyrics of this hymn reminded me that salvation is not just for some distant day but a present reality grounded in grace. Arranging and playing this song helped solidify the desire in my heart to keep pursuing this project and to trust that each step forward would be guided by God’s hand.

Verse 1

Someday the silver cord will break,

And I no more as now shall sing;

But oh, the joy when I shall wake

Within the palace of the King!

Verse 2

Someday my earthly house will fall,

I cannot tell how soon will be,

But this I know my All in All

Has now a place in Heaven for me.

Chorus

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story Saved by grace;

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story Saved by grace.

Verse 3

Someday, when fades the golden sun

Beneath the rosy tinted west,

My blessed Lord will say, "Well done!"

And I shall enter in to rest.

Verse 4

Someday, till then I'll watch and wait,

My lamp all trimmed and burning bright,

That when my Savior swings the gate,

My soul to Him may take its flight.

Chorus

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story Saved by grace;

And I shall see Him face to face,

And tell the story Saved by grace.

Celebrates Christ’s triumph over death.

Track: 6

Author: Robert Lowry (1874)

Hymnal: Hymns of Glorious Praise #105

Time: 3:16

https://hymnary.org/text/low_in_the_grave_he_lay_jesus_my_savior

I came across this hymn while paging through the hymnal before this project had fully formed. The energy of the lyrics and the triumphant nature of the melody made it impossible to pass by.

But this was also one of the first hymns where the final recording took a very different shape from how I originally imagined it. What began as a simple acoustic version with voice and guitar evolved through the process of arranging and layering parts. As I added the bass line and percussion,  using both cajon and djembe, and then experimented with the way they supported different sections, the song began to open up in new ways.

One of the most surprising moments came during the second chorus. I muted the acoustic guitar completely and let the vocals and bass guitar move together in a kind of counterpoint. That choice showed me that hymn arrangements did not need to be static or predictable. They could take on new life, shifting in texture and weight to reflect the message of the lyrics.

Christ Arose became more than a bold declaration. It became a reminder that God often expands our vision as we move forward in faith, revealing possibilities we had not seen at first. This track helped me discover just how much creative room there was in this project, and how each hymn could become something deeply alive.

Verse 1

Low in the grave He lay

Jesus my Savior!

Waiting the coming day

Jesus my Lord!

Verse 2

Vainly they watch His bed

Jesus my Savior!

Vainly they seal the dead

Jesus my Lord!

Chorus

Up from the grave He arose,

With mighty triumph over His foes;

He arose a Victor from the dark domain,

And He lives forever with His saints to reign,

He arose! He arose!

Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Verse 3

Death cannot keep his prey

Jesus my Savior!

He tore the bars away

Jesus my Lord!

Verse 4

Low in the grave He lay

Jesus my Savior!

Waiting the coming day

Jesus my Lord!

Chorus

Continues the theme of purification and new life.

Track: 7

Author: Phoebe Palmer (1807-1874)

Tune: O now I see the crimson wave - Phoebe Palmer Knapp (1839-1908)

Approximate date: 1873

Hymnal: Hymns of Glorious Praise #386

Time: 4:56

https://hymnary.org/text/o_now_i_see_the_crimson_wave

Inspired by the theme of water baptism, this hymn reflects the journey of obedience to God’s command and the transformation it symbolizes. The lyrics celebrate the cleansing power of Christ, the joy of walking in Heaven’s light, and the ongoing need for grace. The arrangement mirrors these themes with a layered, folding intro that reflects the complexity of life, a steady yet intricate rhythm symbolizing the journey of faith, and a disjointed ending to represent life’s continued challenges. Despite the messiness, the hymn affirms our trust in God’s choice and His promise of eternity with Him.

Verse 1

Oh, now I see the crimson wave!

The fountain deep and wide;

Jesus, my Lord, mighty to save,

Points to His wounded side.

Verse 2 

I see the new creation rise,

I hear the speaking blood;

It speaks, my thankful heart replies,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

Chorus

The cleansing stream I see, I see!

I plunge, and oh, it washes me!

Oh, praise the Lord, it washes me!

It washes me, yes, washes me.

Verse 3 

I rise to walk in Heaven’s light,

Above the world and sin,

With heart made pure and garments white,

And Christ enthroned within.

Verse 4 

Amazing grace! Heaven's light shines

To feel the blood applied,

And Jesus, only Jesus know,

My Jesus crucified.

Chorus

A call to worship, praise, and seek God.

Track: 8

Author: Benjamin Schmolck (1704)

Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863)

Tune: Unser Herrscher - Joachim Neander (1680)

Hymnal: Trinity Hymnal #376

Scripture: Psalm 27:4

Time: 3:11 (NA)

https://hymnary.org/text/open_now_thy_gates_of_beauty_zion#tune

After successfully introducing electronic sounds, I sought to push the boundaries by combining diverse sonic elements. This arrangement features 10 tracks of my voice layered with octave-up and octave-down harmonies, complemented by heavy synth sub-bass and a drum beat. With slightly altered chords and a distinct sub-bass line, this track offers a modern and dynamic interpretation of the original hymn.

Verse 1 

Open wide your gates of beauty,

Zion, let me enter there,

where my soul, in joyful duty,

waits for him who answers prayer.

Oh, how blessed is this place,

filled with solace, light, and grace!

Verse 2 

Lord, my God, I come before You;

come, and meet me in this hour.

Where we seek You and adore You,

heaven’s here in fullest power.

Enter now, O Lord, my heart;

make it Yours in every part!

Verse 3 

Here Your praise is freely spoken,

here Your truth takes root and grows.

Let my soul, in faith unshaken,

bring forth fruit Your Spirit sows.

May the word I hear today

guide my steps in all Your way.

Verse 4 

Strengthen faith, renew my spirit,

keep Your gift of life alive.

When temptations draw me near it,

may Your truth alone survive.

Be my star to light my path,

be my peace in storm or wrath.

Verse 5 

Speak, O God, for I will listen;

let Your will through me be done.

In Your presence, hope will glisten,

as You guide Your chosen ones.

Here the stream of life still flows,

here Your healing love bestows.

A hymn of adoration chosen through prayer and trust in God’s guidance.

Track: 9

Source: Münster Gesangbuch (1677)

Arranged: Richard S. Willis (1819-1900)

Tune: Crusader’ Hymn (1842)

Hymnal: Hymns of Glorious Praise #34

Time: 4:07

https://hymnary.org/text/fairest_lord_jesus_ruler_of_all_nature

As I approached the end of this project, with only two hymns remaining, I grew anxious about finding the right ones. Relying on my own methods, I sifted through categories, listings, and indexes, trying to make the final selections. During this time, I read 2 Chronicles 16 and was reminded of King Asa’s mistake in trusting human alliances instead of seeking God. Convicted, I prayed for guidance and stopped leaning on my own understanding. Later, I felt led to open the hymnal, where I found a page with a childlike scribble marking this hymn. I knew this was the one God wanted me to arrange next.

Verse 1 

Fairest Lord Jesus!

Ruler of all nature!

O Son of God and Son of Man,

I will cherish you,

I will honor you.

You are my soul’s delight and crown.

Verse 2 

Fair are the meadows,

Fairer still the Forest Shade.

Robed in the blooming hues of spring.

Jesus is fairer,

Jesus is purer,

Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Verse 3 

Fair is the sunshine,

Fairer still the moonlight,

And all the twinkling starry skies.

Jesus shines brighter,

Jesus shines purer,

Than all the angels heav’n can boast!

Verse 1 Reprise

Shifts to joy and the blessings of walking with Christ.

Track: 10

Author: Eliza E. Hewitt (1887)

Tune: Sunshine - John R. Sweney (1887)

Hymnal: Hymns of Glorious Praise #484

Time: 4:24

https://hymnary.org/text/there_is_sunshine_in_my_soul_today_more

This was another hymn I found simply by turning pages, long before I knew I would record an album. But from the first time I played it, I felt joy rise up in me. The melody is cheerful, the rhythm uplifting, and the message deeply encouraging.

Soon after arranging it, I played it live with my church’s student group. We printed out the lyrics, passed them around, and the students sang along. That experience was special, seeing young people join in worship, smiling and singing about the sunshine of Christ’s presence.

It reminded me that joy in the Lord is not just a quiet inner peace, but something that overflows and blesses others. That moment helped confirm the purpose behind this project: to share the joy and hope of Christ through the gifts He has given me.

Verse 1

There is sunshine in my soul today,

More glorious and bright

Than glows in any earthly sky,

For Jesus is my light.

Verse 2

There is music in my soul today,

A carol to my King,

And Jesus, listening, can hear

The songs I cannot sing.

Chorus

O there's sunshine, blessed sunshine,

When the peaceful, happy moments roll;

When Jesus shows His smiling face,

There is sunshine in my soul.

Verse 3

There is springtime in my soul today,

For when the Lord is near,

The dove of peace sings in my heart,

The flowers of grace appear.

Verse 4

There is gladness in my soul today,

And hope and praise and love

For blessings which He gives me now,

For joys laid up above.

Chorus

A reflective prayer for divine illumination.

Track: 11

Author: Clara H. Scott (1895)

Hymnal: Hymns of Glorious Praise #115

Time: 2:31

https://hymnary.org/text/open_my_eyes_that_i_may_see

This hymn taught me the power of simplicity and authenticity. Its lyrics, a prayer for clarity to see, listen, and follow God’s direction, inspired a minimalist arrangement. With just a simple guitar part, vocals, and a touch of whistling to highlight the melody, this track reflects that aligning with God’s will doesn’t have to be complex, it just requires an open and willing heart.

Verse 1

Open my eyes that I may see

Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;

Place in my hands the wonderful key

That shall unclasp, and set me free:

Chorus 1

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready, my God, Thy will to see;

Open my eyes, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Verse 2

Open my ears that I may hear

Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;

And while the wavenotes fall on my ear

Everything false will disappear:

Chorus 2

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready, my God, Thy will to see;

Open my ears, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Verse 3

Open my mouth and let me bear

Gladly the warm truth everywhere;

Open my heart, and let me pre-pare

Love with Thy children thus to share:

Chorus 3

Silently now I wait for Thee,

Ready, my God, Thy will to see;

Open my heart, illumine me,

Spirit divine!

Focuses on being used by God for His purposes.

Track: 12

Author: Frances Ridley Havergal (1872)

Tune: Canonbury - Robert Schumann

Hymnal : Trinity Hymnal #561

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:2

Time: 2:22 (NA)

https://hymnary.org/text/lord_speak_to_me_that_i_may_speak

Inspired by a sermon from my church pastor on saying Yes to God’s direction, this hymn reflects the call to be used by God. The track was arranged, recorded, and mixed entirely on an iPad. Work began on my plane trip to Brazil to meet up with my wife. While staying with family in Goiânia I arranged, sequenced, and recorded the parts. The final mixing touches were completed mid-flight on the journey home. Its unique background ambiance features the vibrant sounds of Goiânia, captured from the 17th-floor apartment where my wife once lived during her school years.

Lord, speak to me that I may speak 

in living echoes of your tone;

as you have sought, so let me seek 

your strayed children lost and alone.

Oh teach me, Lord, that I may teach 

the precious truths you plant as sparks;

and guide my words, that they may reach 

the hidden depths of many hearts.

Oh fill me with your fullness, Lord, 

until my heart does overflow

in stirring thought and glowing word 

your love to tell, your praise to show. 

Oh use me, Lord, use even me, 

just as you will and when and where;

until your blessed face I see, 

your rest, your joy, your glory share.

A reflective call to spiritual vigilance and gratitude.

Track: 13

Author: Friedrich von Canitz (1700)

Translator: Henry J. Buckoil (1841)

Translator: Thomas Arnold (1836)

Tune: Haydn 34234 - Franz Joseph Haydn (1791)

Hymnal: Trinity Hymnal 396

Scripture: Psalm 57:8-9

Time: 3:08 (NA)

https://hymnary.org/text/come_my_soul_thou_must_be_waking

I found this hymn while searching through both of my hymnals, and what immediately caught my attention was the melody, written by Franz Joseph Haydn. During my college years, I studied the lives and works of many classical and romantic composers, and Haydn, along with Mozart, became a favorite. I still remember writing a long paper about Haydn’s music and his influence on the development of Western music.

Wanting to do something different for this arrangement, I explored two musical approaches. One leaned into a 90s-style acoustic rock feel with a minor key edge, while the other followed a jazz direction, built around a walking bass line. I could not decide which style to commit to, so I used both, alternating them between the verses.

Since the hymn has an odd number of verses, I closed the final jazz section with a bass solo. It allowed the two contrasting styles to coexist without competing, and it brought a sense of playfulness and closure to the piece.

This track reflects both my respect for musical history and my willingness to take creative risks, combining tradition with something fresh as a way to honor the gifts God has given me.

Verse 1 

Come, my soul, you must be waking; 

now is breaking over earth another day:

come to Him who made this splendor;

see and render all the strength you can repay.

Verse 2 

Gladly hail the sun returning;

ready burning be the incense of your powers;

for the night is safely ended,

God has tended with His care your helpless hours.

Verse 3 

Pray that He may prosper ever 

each endeavor, when your aim is good and true;

but that He may ever stop you,

and convert you, when you choose the wrong to do.

Verse 4 

Think of Him who sees your living;

He is giving light to faults that hide within.

every stain of shame glossed over

can discover, and discern each deed of sin.

Verse 5 

Only God's free gifts abuse not, 

light refuse not, but this Spirit's voice obey;

you with Him will dwell, beholding 

light enfolding all things in unclouded day.

Broadens into a universal praise of God.

Track: 14

Author: Johann Jakob Schütz (1675)

Translator: Frances Elizabeth Cox (1864)

Tune: Mit Freuden Zart (Bohemian Brethren’s Gesangbuch) (1566)

Hymnal: Trinity Hymnal #4

Scripture: Psalm 107:15

Time: 4:03

https://hymnary.org/text/sing_praise_to_god_who_reigns_above

The first hymn I discovered in the Trinity Hymnal, this song resonated deeply with me. I arranged it to an irregular rhythm, one measure of 3 followed by one of 4, totaling 7 beats, as it naturally flowed in my heart. Biblically, the number 7 symbolizes spiritual perfection and completion, seen in Scripture through God’s sevenfold promise to Israel (Exodus 6:6–8), Jesus’ call to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22), and the dramatic account in Joshua 6, where seven priests with seven trumpets marched around Jericho, and on the seventh circuit of the seventh day, the walls crumbled under God’s mighty hand. The book of Revelation also underscores the significance of seven, with seven letters, seven candlesticks, seven seals, and more, mentioned over 50 times as good and evil climax. This arrangement reflects both the hymn’s beauty and its deeper spiritual significance.

Verse 1

All praise to God, who reigns above, 

the God of all creation,

the God of wonders, pow'r, and love, 

the God of our salvation!

Chorus 1

With healing balm my soul he fills,

the God who every sorrow stills.

To God all praise and glory!

Verse 2 (original 4)

The Lord forsaketh not his flock,

his chosen generation;

he is their refuge and their rock,

their peace and their salvation.

Chorus 2 (original 4)

As with a mother's tender hand

he leads his own, his chosen band.

To God all praise and glory!

Bridge (original verse 3)

I cried to him in time of need: 

Lord God, O hear my calling!

For death he gave me life indeed

and kept my feet from falling.

Bridge Chorus (original verse 3)

For this my thanks shall endless be;

o Thank him, thank God with me.

To God all praise and glory!

Verse 3 (original 6)

Then come before his presence now

and banish fear and sadness;

to your Redeemer pay your vow

and sing with joy and gladness:

Chorus 3 (original 6)

Through great distress my soul befell,

the Lord, my God, did all things well.

To God all praise and glory!

To God all praise and glory!

To God all praise and glory!

A bold, electric prayer for God’s light to shine through us.

Track: 15

Author: John Ellerton (1881)

Tune: Leoni

Arranged: Meyer Lyon (1770)

Hymnal: Trinity Hymnal #411

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:2

Time: 3:38

https://hymnary.org/text/shine_thou_upon_us_lord

This was one of the last hymns I found for the album, the result of searching through topics and lyrics in both hymnals I’ve been using. What first drew me to it was the melodic minor key, rare among hymns, and its connection to Jewish musical tradition. I used this both as the album opener, and also as the penultimate track.

This arrangement became something unexpected. Rather than a soft or contemplative treatment, this version exploded into a hard-driving, electric guitar-led anthem. It’s the only track on the album that rocks with this level of energy and the only one to feature electric guitar. It stands apart musically but feels right at home in heart and purpose.

The lyrics remain a prayer for God’s light, breath, voice, and presence to dwell within us, but this time, that prayer is sung with boldness, conviction, and a sense of urgency. While the opening track sets a formal, liturgical tone, this version brings the same melody into a modern, raw, and present expression of praise.

For me, this song represents embracing not only the quieter side of worship but also the energy and passion God has given us through music. It’s a celebration of His faithfulness and a joyful, amplified offering of the gifts He’s given me, back to His glory.

Verse 1

Shine on us now, O Lord,

true Light of all today;

and through Your written Word,

Your very self display,

that from our hearts that burn

while gazing at Your face,

Your little ones may learn

the wonders of Your grace.

Verse 2

Breathe on us now, O Lord,

Your Spirit’s living flame,

that we, with one accord,

may boldly speak Your name.

Give us the ears to hear,

and fix the wandering thought,

that those we teach may hear

the great works that You have brought.

Verse 3

Speak through us now, O Lord,

in all we say of You;

according to Your Word,

let all we teach be true,

that so Your lambs may know

their Shepherd’s voice and care,

and everywhere they go,

rejoice in love You share.

Verse 4

Live in us now, O Lord;

Your mind and will be ours;

be ever loved, adored,

and served with all our powers,

that so our lives may show

Your children who You are,

and more than words may go

to reach each seeking heart.

Concludes with assurance of God’s care and love for all of us.

Track: 16

Author: Maria Straub (1838-1898)

Tune: Providence - S. W. Straub (1842-1899)

Approximate date: 1876

Hymnal: Trinity Hymnal #135

Scripture: Luke 12:6-7

Time: 4:38

https://hymnary.org/text/god_sees_the_little_sparrow_fall

This hymn was inspired by a conversation about “falling into grace,” which reminded me of Matthew 10:29-31 and God’s care for even the sparrow. After experimenting with electronic sounds on earlier tracks, I wanted this hymn to be a return to simplicity. Every part of this song was recorded acoustically, using only a microphone, with no direct plug-ins or electronic elements, to reflect the purity of its message, and to close this session of praise and worship.

Verse 1

God sees the little sparrow fall,

it meets his tender view;

if God so loves the little birds,

I know he loves me too.

Chorus

He loves me too, he loves me too,

I know he loves me too;

because he loves the little things,

I know he loves me too.

Verse 2 

He paints the lily of the field,

perfumes each lily bell;

if he so loves the little flow'rs,

I know he loves me well. 

Chorus

Verse 3 

God made the little birds and flow'rs,

and all things large and small;

he'll not forget his little ones,

I know he loves them all.

Chorus