I’ve recently discovered some new music (actually old, old lyrics put to new tunes) being churned out by a local church in Louisville, KY. This CD, “Over the Grave” is made up of several revamped lyrics written by Isaac Watts (1674-1748).
I’ve had this one playing for the past week and have truly enjoyed the arrangements. We just introduced one of their songs, “Refuge” two Sundays ago. Here is the lyrics from the chorus:
“I know my days are in Your hands/though I draw near to dust/You are the God in whom I trust/you are my refuge./So lift up your voice and sing aloud,/and praise Him all you saints/How wondrous is his grace/He is our refuge.”
I picked up that disk a couple weeks ago at a conference they were doing worship at. It has not left my CD player at home. My wife and i have been enjoying the words of Isaac Watts so much. It is amazing the way God speaks to us through music. If you like Over the Grave, you would love Before the Throne, one of Sojourn’s other albums. If you don’t have it you can get it on itunes, its worth it.
Doug, thanks so much for all your work in providing such excellent “new wineskins” for such old (or better to say, timeless) lyrics!
3 standout tunes from this CD for me are:
1. Refuge (based on Watt’s hymn from Psalm 31)
2. May Your Power Rest on Me (based on Watt’s hymn entitled “Hymn #15″)
3. Warrior (based on Watt’s hymn on Psalm 21)
I appreciate Isaac Watt’s ability to characterize our fallen race quite well – while displaying the faultless and perfect character of Christ. Beautiful.
Thanks Doug, I just ordered a CD.