OzThoughts – Friday 4th September 2009

OzThoughts – Friday 4th September 2009

If on my soul a trace of sin remaineth,
If on my hands a stain may yet be seen;
If one dark thought a wearied mind retaineth,
O wash me, Lord, till every part be clean.
For I would live that men may see thyself in me,
I would in faith ascend thy holy hill,
And with my thoughts in tune with thy divinity,
Would learn how best to do thy holy will.

This beautiful prayer by Arch Wiggins, is best known sung to the tune of Londonderry Air, also known as Danny Boy. The words and tune blend beautifully to form a song which is not only a favourite but had been a challenge to many.

I will never forget one Sunday afternoon, our band sung these beautiful words at an aged person’s nursing home. It was some time since we had been to this particular home and it was brought back into our roster because one of our loved sick aged Salvation Army Soldiers was there.

The band met just outside the sunroom where the residents had gathered and they enjoyed the stirring marches and hymns including some favourites they selected. After we had played to these very appreciate folk and then prayed God’s blessing upon them and the staff who cared for them, we put down our instruments.

The band assembled around the bed of our friend, Don and we sang these beautiful words that Don had requested. The sound of the 20 or so bandsmen singing in the confined space of the room which was about 8 metres (25feet) by 3 metres (9feet) was certainly a “foretaste of Glory divine.” We also sang two verses of “When I survey the wondrous cross”. It was a special moment as we all shared in prayer with Don.

Some years on now, Don is remembered with affection although we know he is now safe in the arms of his Saviour and Lord, Jesus.

There are many privileges that God leads us into when we answer his call to ministry. There are also the blessings of fellowship and team ministry which comes in our Salvation Army Bands and, of course, our other musical groups.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I thank you that I can be useful to you. I see it is none of my doing but all yours through your son, Jesus. Thank you for your salvation and for your Spirit enabling me to share your love with others as I minister in your name. Amen.

MEDITATION:

Psalm 100 (The Message)

1On your feet now--applaud GOD! 2 Bring a gift of laughter,
sing yourselves into his presence.

3Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD.
He made us; we didn't make him.
We're his people, his well-tended sheep.

4Enter with the password: "Thank you!"
Make yourselves at home, talking praise.
Thank him. Worship him.

5For GOD is sheer beauty,
all-generous in love,
loyal always and ever.

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[Listen: http://www.salvoaudio.com/audio/music/mus_2802.mp3 ]

If on my soul a trace of sin remaineth,
If on my hands a stain may yet be seen;
If one dark thought a wearied mind retaineth,
O wash me, Lord, till every part be clean.
For I would live that men may see thyself in me,
I would in faith ascend thy holy hill,
And with my thoughts in tune with thy divinity,
Would learn how best to do thy holy will.
Author: Lieut-Colonel Arch R Wiggins
The Salvation Army Song Book: Chorus Number: 72
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