Borning Cry (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 732)
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.
Text and music ©️ 1985 – John C. Ylvisaker
Devotion
John Ylvisaker was the musician for Worship II, an alternative worship held in the Youth Hall at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis in the mid 1970’s.
John wrote the lyrics and tunes for the liturgy that reflected the seasons of the church year and often used the tunes of familiar hymns. As one of the pastoral staff, I was often privileged to lead worship during John’s tenure. His musical leadership always enriched our worship during a season of John’s life which reflected and stretched his creativity, his faith, and his ministry. As many know, it was also a time during which he stretched the church’s music ministry. John’s leadership remains a blessing to the Church.
In this now familiar hymn, John’s lyrics lead us through the cycles and rhythms of life, reminding us of the end-of-life and the life hereafter. I encourage you, just as God has provided graciously for this life and for your eternal well-being, that as good stewards you provide your loved ones with your wishes for end-of-life concerns.
Prayer
Kind and loving God, we are thankful for the gift of music and musicians. Our bodies and minds are lifted and inspired by the dance and rhythms of life. Our spirits are comforted, soothed, and calmed. Our souls are brought closer to God and engage us with a profound encounter with the Eternal. Thanks be to God. Amen.