In this inaugural "Into the Song" post we'll dig into Let the Worshippers Arise.
First a brief background. The majority of the words to this song were written as a poem entitled A Morning Prayer by Thomas Ken. Follow the link for all the words (we only sing a portion) and some interesting information on Thomas Ken.
Below are my own thoughts on the song. The lyrics are in bold type and my thoughts... aren't.
Funny side note. I shared it with my praise band and they asked if I had a shorter version. I suppose the song is the shorter version. :)
Awake, my soul, and with the sun
My soul,
Wake up!
Your daily stage of duty run;
Just like the sun obediently follows the path God has set for it, follow the path God has set for you.
Shake off dull sloth, and joyful rise,
Don't allow yourself to be inclined to laziness, but with joy, face the excitement of a day spent in service to your Savior
To pay the morning sacrifice
The first thing you must attend to this morning is the death of yourself. Not the death of the body that people fear, but the death of your own sinful desires and nature. Submit completely to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if it is inconvenient or painful.
By influence of the Light Divine
Let your own light with good works shine
With God as the greatest influence of your life this morning, look for ways and places to serve Him and tackle them with passion. Remember constantly Matthew 5:14-16 14
You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Reflect all Heaven's gracious ways
In ardent love and cheerful praise
Unlike our fallen world, Heaven is perfect. Everything that causes you pain here does not exist there. Everything that brings you real joy here is perfected there. Love and praise are the ways of Heaven, and though imperfect, we can practice them here and so share a foretaste of our glorious future with the world around us. Loving God and praising Him are excellent tools of evangelism.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow
Every good gift comes from above, from the Father of Lights Who does not change.
Praise Him all creatures here below
Creature means "one who is created". The call to praise goes beyond humans, but everything in creation is called to praise God. Humans seem to be the only ones able to disobey this call. It's important to fight that urge.
Praise Him above ye heavenly host
Every time we praise God we are sharing the blessed duty of the angels in His presence.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost
There is much about God that is revealed but is still a mystery. We serve One God but He exists as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. All three are unique. All three are completely God. All three are one.
Direct, control, suggest this day
All I design to do or say
We are now speaking to God Himself: I willfully surrender my right to control and give my will over to You, God. Guide every thought, word and action of mine this day.
That all my powers, with all their might
In Your sole glory may unite
As members of the human race, we are gifted with intelligence, strength, creativity and self-control. There is a reason that man is the dominant species on the planet. God made us that way. We are truly powerful, but it is power given to us by God and should be given back to Him in service. Let your entire life make the light of God shine brightly on the earth.