Send us as your Blessing, Lord

When I started this Choir President gig, Hanan told you all that I’m a blogger, and that’s somewhat true. I’m actually a retired blogger – I’ve been out of the blogging game for about two and a half years, but for many years I used to co-write a blog that wasn’t about choral music or religion at all, but rather about California NHL hockey teams. That’s right – even though I don’t blog about them anymore, I’m still a pretty die-hard fan of the Anaheim Ducks, and wouldn’t you know it? They’ll be dropping the puck on their first playoff game of their season tonight, in about twenty minutes. Oh, lucky me, but hey – I guess I am a pretty committed president. And at least I won’t have to blog about tonight’s game – we’ll leave that work for the non-retired bloggers. :)

So yeah, I guess that’s not very meaningful to most of you, but still, next time you’re ever on the fence about attending choir practice, just think: Remember where John was during the Ducks’ first playoff game of 2015? That’s right – in his seat, rehearsing, and only occasionally looking at his phone for a score update.

Anyways, tonight I’m going to open us up in prayer using a verse we will not be singing in the anthem “Send us as your Blessing, Lord” by Christopher Walker. In previous years, we’ve sung this anthem using verses 1, 2, and 6, but since this year we’re only doing verses 1 and 2, I’m instead going to use the lyrics of verse 6 as our opening prayer tonight. So let’s bow our heads.

Dear Lord,

Bless us all, the music-makers who sing your praise.
In our songs and music speak to your people;
That the music of heav’n will sound out here on the earth.

Send us as your Blessing, Lord.

May this be our prayer tonight, Father. In your holy name we pray, Amen.