The Worship Quote of the Week for (01/17/2006):

"I Lay My Sins on Jesus" Friends, even for those who have been Christians for many years, sin is still a real problem. We need God’s forgiveness as we come to saving faith in Christ; but we also need forgiveness in our daily lives. Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE is a modern version of a 19th-century hymn about our sin and God’s forgiveness through the work of Jesus (the spotless Lamb who died). Notice that composer David Ward makes the words, lead sheet, and recording available at his site (www.reformedpraise.org). Because of today’s WORSHIP QUOTE, he is also offering a free piano score and an MP3 file from the recently released recording, CROSS-CENTERED WORSHIP. Our congregation sings this song several times each year and I recommend it to you. I LAY MY SINS ON JESUS I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb who died; He bears them all and frees me from all my shame and pride. I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains White in His blood most precious 'till not a spot remains. Chorus: I lay my sins on Jesus, He's waiting now with open arms. I bring my guilt to Jesus, For He is willing, able, Ready to forgive. I lay my wants on Jesus, my advocate above; He heals my broken body, redeems my soul in love. I lay my griefs on Jesus, my burdens and my cares; He takes them all upon Him and in my sorrow shares. I rest my soul on Jesus, this weary, thirsty soul; His gentle arms embrace me and point me towards the goal. I put my hope in Jesus to bring me safely home, To sing with heaven's millions, my praise to Him alone. —David Ward, ReformedPraise.org, 2005. Original words by Scottish hymn writer Horatius Bonar, 1843, (www.ReformedPraise.org/song.php?SongID=70). The worship songs at ReformedPraise.org are usually older hymn texts that David Ward has modernized, often adding a chorus. Another favorite of mine is David’s reworking of Martin Luther’s setting of Psalm 130, “By Grace Alone” (see www.wqotw.org/quote.php?date=2005-08-16). I LAY MY SINS ON JESUS (original version, 1843) I lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all, and frees us from the accursèd load; I bring my guilt to Jesus, to wash my crimson stains White in His blood most precious, till not a stain remains. I lay my wants on Jesus; all fullness dwells in Him; He heals all my diseases, He doth my soul redeem: I lay my griefs on Jesus, my burdens and my cares; He from them all releases, He all my sorrows shares. I rest my soul on Jesus, this weary soul of mine; His right hand me embraces, I on His breast recline. I love the Name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord; Like fragrance on the breezes His Name abroad is poured. I long to be like Jesus, strong, loving, lowly, mild; I long to be like Jesus, the Father’s holy Child: I long to be with Jesus, amid the heavenly throng, To sing with saints His praises, to learn the angels’ song. — Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), SONGS FOR THE WILDERNESS, 1843. I see from www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/l/ilaymsoj.htm that this is thought to be Bonar’s first hymn. Have a great week. Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu/icw =========================== WORSHIP QUOTE OF THE WEEK: To subscribe, unsubscribe, or view a complete index of worship quotes, please visit http://www.wqotw.org ===========================