"Release What Holds You Back"
/A hymn inspired by Matthew 19:16-22 by Stephen M. Fearing.
Read MorePastor, Preacher, Hymn-Writer, Justice-Seeker
Original Hymns and Liturgical Music by Stephen M. Fearing
A hymn inspired by Matthew 19:16-22 by Stephen M. Fearing.
Read MoreA new hymn by Stephen M. Fearing inspired by Matthew 14:22-33
Read MoreA new original hymn paraphrase of Psalm 27 by Stephen M. Fearing.
The meter of this paraphrase of Psalm 27 is CMD (8.6.8.6. D). Suggested tunes: KINGSFOLD, ELLACOMBE, and RESIGNATION.
Click here for a pdf of this hymn sung to the tune ELLACOMBE.
The Lord, the stronghold of our life, removes our cause for fear.
God shelters us in troubled times and saves when strife is near.
When light is dim and hope is thin we listen for God’s Word.
Our trust is found, God’s grace is sound, we sing and praise the Lord!
One thing I ask, to seek your home and dwell forevermore.
There beauty lives and comfort gives; your temple I adore.
Upon this place you show your face and fill my heart with mirth.
This song I’ll sing as my God brings each day a new rebirth.
The reason for my strong desire to have you make me whole
Is all around me evil things that test this wearied soul.
The armies shout, their taunts cry out, their threats against me stand,
But by your word, my prayer you’ve heard, they fall at your command.
Be strong, take heart, for God is good and goodness shall prevail.
Our hope is in the Lord, our Light, and God will never fail.
God’s love is pure, our faith is sure, with courage we live on
For we will stand on living land with God, our hopeful song.
Reproduction of this hymn is permitted for congregational use. Please include the following credit: ”Text by Stephen M. Fearing | www.stephenmfearing.com.” If your community uses this paraphrase, I would love to hear how it goes! Email me at smfearing@gmail.com where I welcome your input regarding this paraphrase of Psalm 27.
This hymn is dedicated to my dear friend and mentor, Michael Morgan, who has inspired me to try my hand at Psalm paraphrasing. He is the author of Psalter for Christian Worship, a complete psalter of all 150 psalms. Among his many contributions to hymnody are numerous hymns in Psalms for All Seasons and Glory to God, the new hymnal of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is Organist Emeritus at Central Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia and is musician at Columbia Theological Seminary.
Original hymns, liturgies, and sermons by Rev. Stephen M. Fearing. Liturgies for use in worship based off of the Revised Common Lectionary.