Our foundation hymn for Sunday, April 22, 2012 is “All Creatures of Our God and King”. Saint Francis of Assisi wrote the words in 1225. As a young man he was said to be quite indulgent but he reformed his ways after a time as a soldier. At age 25, he made a decision to be like Christ. This was not a casual thing to Saint Francis. When he made this decision to be like Christ it was a serious life change for him. He chose to be selfless as Jesus was selfless. He denounced his family’s possessions and wealth. He lived with only the absolute necessities of life.
I remember reading the classic book, “In His Steps”. The main character is the Rev. Henry Maxwell, pastor of the First Church of Raymond, who challenges his congregation to not do anything for a whole year without first asking: “What Would Jesus Do?” What kinds of things would change in our lives if we asked this same question? Our second song, Holiness (Take My Life), is also about life change.
So take my heart and form it.
Take my mind transform it.
Take my will conform it.
To Yours oh Lord
“Holy is the Lord” and “How Can I Keep from Singing” are songs about praising our Holy God. Our last congregational song is an old chorus. It is a song of commitment to God. “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” may seem like a simple camp song but this morning I pray that it will have a powerful impact on each of us. Just think of the power of these words. “I have decided to follow Jesus” then the next phrase, “No turning back”.
I pray that we will sing these words with conviction in our hearts. No turning back, no turning back.

My prayer for this Sunday; Lord this morning as I sing these songs I ask that you would let my heart focus on you. Let the words not just escape from my lips but also penetrate my heart. As I sing of your creation let me feel the presence of the Creator. As I sing of giving you my heart, mind and will I pray that I would not take them back when pressed by this world. As I sing of Your Holiness, let me experience the Joy of the Lord! Let this joy never escape me and always flow out of me. Lord, when I make decisions in Your name, let there be no turning back.