Rev. Reed Lee Pedersen's
I occasionally like to rummage through my hymnal and sing some hymns. The hymn that has been stuck in my head lately is “Borning Cry” by John Ylvisaker (good luck pronouncing that correctly). On top of a beautiful melody it has some pretty striking words. Feel free to listen to the video and read through the lyrics. “I was there to hear your borning cry,
I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold. I was there when you were but a child, with a faith to suit you well; In a blaze of light you wandered off to find where demons dwell." "When you heard the wonder of the Word I was there to cheer you on; You were raised to praise the living Lord, to whom you now belong. If you find someone to share your time and you join your hearts as one, I'll be there to make your verses rhyme from dusk 'till rising sun." “In the middle ages of your life, not too old, no longer young, I'll be there to guide you through the night, complete what I've begun. When the evening gently closes in, and you shut your weary eyes, I'll be there as I have always been with just one more surprise." "I was there to hear your borning cry, I'll be there when you are old. I rejoiced the day you were baptized, to see your life unfold." These words are sung from the point of view of God. It is as if God is singing a lullaby to us to provide us comfort. It is as if God is reminding us of Jesus’ promise in the last verse of the Gospel of Matthew, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mat 28:20) So there is a look into my brain and the hymn that has been clogging it up! Sometime this week I’d like you to try this exercise: I.Sit or lay down where you feel the most safe and secure. II.Click on the link and listen to “Borning Cry” or sing it yourself. III.As the song carries on imagine God is swaddling you like a baby and singing this song to you like a lullaby. IV.When the song is over reflect on how that made you feel. Feel free to leave your reflection in the comment section. I really enjoy doing these posts but I am not always sure if they are reaching others or if you would like them done a different way. Please feel free to email me about feedback: [email protected] or leave a comment to let me know how this blog could best help you.
4 Comments
Jan
11/7/2017 04:49:49 pm
I made a banner that is in the back of the church when my dad was sick and dying of lung cancer and I’ll have to look at it -Gods hands reaching down and it says I’ll be there with just one more surprise. I️I️ would sing that when I mowed lawn when my dad was so sick nobody could hear me singing but I sure enjoyed it and you’re right it is like a consoling lullaby thanks for sharing Jan
Reply
Pastor Reed
11/20/2017 07:57:31 am
Thank you so much for sharing!
Reply
Nicole
11/15/2017 11:19:40 am
One of my favorite hymns. I asked for it to be played during Emmett's baptism, and regret not doing the same for Noah's. Was always a favorite to sing out of the blue hymnals we used to have at church.
Reply
Pastor Reed
11/20/2017 07:56:32 am
How appropriate for a baptism! I am glad this hymn also has a place in your heart.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPastor Reed is a first call pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Illinois. Archives
July 2019
|