A Chorus for the Street

It is our Scripture-based practice to come into the Lord’s presence with praise. Somewhere early in the worship service each week we often sing The Doxology…Praise God from whom all blessings flow… And that’s as it should be.

Generally, the “hymn of praise” or the “morning hymn” is a powerful anthem rather than a gospel song. A hymn is about Him; a gospel song is about our journey, often more of a testimony. Shall we gather at the river…that’s more of a gospel song.

I want to be careful this doesn’t become a music lesson or a class on musical technique, but I want to offer a suggestion. I’ve been in church enough times over the last three-quarters of a century to be aware that if the worship leaders are not careful, the congregational music can become pretty ho-hum.

Recently God has recalled to my mind a little chorus I learned long ago and far away. In my quiet time in the morning, I’ve started singing it – as a prayer. Here are the words; pause and sing it right now if you know it.

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,

All His wonderful passion and purity.

Oh, Thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,

Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

As I was singing it to the Lord a few days ago, the thought came to me, What if that prayer was embedded in the heart of every worshiper across North America and it became the driving force in our lives as we spilled out onto the streets after being transformed by spending a reverent hour in His presence.

What if we made those powerful words and thoughts our own:

  • Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in us, His forgiving spirit, His unconditional acceptance, all those things that make Him beautiful.
  • All His wonderful passion and compassion. And His uncompromising purity.
  • Spirit divine, refine my nature so I’m gracious and patient and thoughtful and unselfish and gentle and sensitive to the needs of those around me,
  • So truly I can reflect the beauty of Jesus to everyone He brings into my path.

Maybe we should make that our chorus for the street. What do you think?

By Don Jacobsen