"A Trumpet Blows on Zion's Hill"
/Here's a hymn inspired by Joel 2:1-2, 12-17 that can be used for Ash Wednesday or for the rest of the season of Lent. It's written in CMD and sung to the tune KINGSFOLD.
Click here for a pdf of this hymn.
Permission is given for congregational use. Please give the following credit: "Copyright 2015 Stephen M. Fearing | www.stephenmfearing.com"
A trumpet blows on Zion’s hill; the holy mountain rings.
“Let all the people listen close,” the chosen prophet sings.
“The day of God is coming near with clouds of ashen gloom;
like blackness spread on mountains great, as dark as in the womb.”
Yet even now the Lord will say, “return with all your heart,
with fasting, weeping, penitence; each person do your part.
For you’re my people, I’m your God; your peace, my strong desire.
My hope is for your happiness; your trust, all I require.”
For God is merciful and great; his grace comes from above,
for slow to anger God has been, his work is steadfast love.
Who knows what choice our God will make? The Lord is free to choose.
Beware the coming of this day, if God’s grace we abuse.
So listen, people, gather fast; the time to pray is nigh.
This Lenten journey calls to us to heed its solemn cry.
Come children, elders, infants, too; let bride and groom come near,
for time has come for penitence for God will soon appear.