Some of you may know that I play the piano in my church. I am always available to play whenever I am asked mostly because the music itself is such a great blessing to me and I am confident that God is ultimately blessed; it's a small thing that I can do to contribute to His Kingdom! I'm currently 'filling in' for the church organist who needed a bit of a break during the month of January. In February, I will join the organist to play the piano during the singing of hymns.

When I select music for a prelude I have to cut and re-cut my list of favorite songs to use! I pray during the week prior to the worship service and ask for God's leading so that I will use exactly the right music that will be a blessing to the Lord and to others. As I create my prelude, I read over the lyrics and sing or play the songs, then I put many short choruses or hymns together to create one complete offering of music.

As I play, others might occasionally see me 'move my lips' as I VERY quietly sing along with portions of the music! I 'sing along' in spirit with all the songs that I play but there are just some song lyrics that I can't help 'verbalizing' to the Lord. Tomorrow's prelude will include: Step by Step, Jesus, Draw Me Close, You Are the Mighty King, In His Time, He Is Lord, Father God, I Just Want to Praise You, Great Are You, Lord, I Come to the Cross, For His Name is Exalted, Beautiful, Ancient Words and He Is Exalted.

I am pretty sure I'll be singing along to the song, "Father God" which was written by Jack Hayford (also the author of the wonderful song, "Majesty").

Father God, I give all thanks and praise to Thee.

Father God, my hands I humbly raise to Thee;

for Your mighty pow'r and love amazes me, amazes me

and I stand in awe and worship, Father God.

Another recent favorite is "Ancient Words" written by Lynn Deshazo.

Holy words, long prepared,

For our walk in this world;

They resound with God's own heart,

O let the ancient words impart.

Words of life, words of hope,

Give us strength, help us cope;

In this world where e'er we roam,

Ancient words will guide us home.

Ancient word, ever true, Changing me and changing you;

We have come with open hearts, O let the ancient words impart.

Holy words of our faith,

Handed down to this age;

Come to us, thro' sacrifice,

O heed the faithful words of Christ.

Ancient words, long preserved,

For our walk in this world;

They resound with God's own heart,

O let the ancient words impart.

I'm looking forward to playing the piano tomorrow. I pray that GOD will be blessed and honored! May He be exalted in all we do!