My Life Flows On in Endless Song (ELW 763)
1 My life flows on in endless song;
above earth’s lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Refrain
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I’m clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
2 Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing? (Refrain)
3 What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth. (Refrain)
4 The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing? (Refrain)
Devotion
Deep memories about singing with a wonderful assortment of groups over the past seven decades has kept me singing—children’s choir, high school choir, church choirs, a high school quartet, a college trio, college chapel choir, a Japanese congregation choir, seminary choir, the liturgy, in the shower, campfires during confirmation week, vespers at Holden Village, worship in Woldia, Ethiopia, humming tunes while hiking in the Cascades, singing while doing tasks in our yard! Those diverse groups bring a smile when I also remember the accompanists, directors, other singers, other musicians and of course seeing the smiles on the faces of those, maybe even some of you, who have heard any of those groups or individuals. There is a special element of enjoyment and passion expressed “when you keep on singing”! So when you are able to sing, to listen, to participate when there is music in the air, may you sing with loud voices among the people of God and give thanks for that gift of singing!
Prayer
Singing God, open our ears to the music of your creation! May the myriad of noises from all the “saints” around us reveal music that sustains us for life on our journey with you. We lift up our voices and prayers to you through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen.