'And can it be that I should gain'

Tonight I was so not 'ready' to lead in worship. Tonight I was wiped, a tad anxious by the crazy preworship rehearsal time we had, distracted and just hoping I'd be a blessing as I was just there to serve because my friend had nobody to lead worship with...but my heart was wanting to be somewhere else on this special church service night." But we so seldom gather on a Sunday Night" , was an unspoken sadly half hearted statement to self both to reconcile and complain.

We sing Hymns at my church 1-2 a week incorporated into a contemporary set. Lin picked out the usually sung at Easter John Wesley Hymn, And Can It Be..a very tough song to sing in the original key....a Hymn you need to 'eat your Wheaties' for. I chided her for picking it out for me to lead with a giggle. With it's interval 'runs' it sings like a part of an Italian Art Song. Never the best for my still have to work on it pitch. I usually vocalize in the car on the way if I attempt that one, I didn't know and was struggling for sure in every way. I took a very deep but not correctly from the diaphragm breath as I began the first note....ugh not good. Somewhere between the 3rd and 4th verse the words, the truths of the hymn just popped off the page in a fresh way..as if you were singing it for the first time...saying to my soul...fix your eyes on Jesus!.I began to declare and pray the truths of the Hymn.

Suddenly my heart quickened and I was strengthened to sing fully unhindered and full hearted. It's only by grace we enter. May those times of His presence leave me wanting for more. May Our songs and hearts meditate and consider, ponder and give thanks upon the great truths of the faith. May we gaze with wonder upon Christ and His great work to save us.

What a Savior.

I woke, The Dungeon Flamed with Light!

I rose, Went forth and followed Thee

Below Below is a YouTube Video/ Contemporary Version I found on YouTube, but we sang it traditionally.

And can it be that I should gain

An interest in the Savior’s blood?

Died He for me, who caused His pain—

For me, who Him to death pursued?

Amazing love! How can it be,

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be,

That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

’Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies:

Who can explore His strange design?

In vain the firstborn seraph tries

To sound the depths of love divine.

’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,

Let angel minds inquire no more.

’Tis mercy all! Let earth adore;

Let angel minds inquire no more.

He left His Father’s throne above

So free, so infinite His grace—

Emptied Himself of all but love,

And bled for Adam’s helpless race:

’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

’Tis mercy all, immense and free,

For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,

Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—

I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

My chains fell off, my heart was free,

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

Still the small inward voice I hear,

That whispers all my sins forgiven;

Still the atoning blood is near,

That quenched the wrath of hostile Heaven.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

I feel the life His wounds impart;

I feel the Savior in my heart.

No condemnation now I dread;

Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;

Alive in Him, my living Head,

And clothed in righteousness divine,

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,

And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,