Sanctuary Choir

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For the music of creation,

for the song your Spirit sings,

for your sound's divine expression,

burst of joy in living things:

       God, our God, the world's composer,

       hear us, echoes of your voice --

       music is your art, your glory,

       let the human heart rejoice!

Psalms and symphonies exalt you,

drum and trumpet, string and reed,

simple melodies acclaim you,

tunes that rise from deepest need,

       hymns of longing and belonging,

       carols from a cheerful throat,

       lilt of lullaby and lovesong

       catching heaven in a note.

All the voices of the ages

in transcendent chorus meet,

worship lifting up the senses,

hands that praise, and dancing feet;

       over discord and division

       music speaks your joy and peace,

       harmony of earth and heaven,

       song of God that cannot cease.

Joy is not mere happiness, nor does joy spring from a life of ease, comfort, or peaceful circumstances. Joy is the soul’s buoyant response to a God of promise, presence, and power. - Susan Lenzkes