Isaac Watts penned the words to “Jesus Shall Reign” in 1719. I just paused for a moment and realized that these lyrics have been around before the USA was the USA. To still be singing them is both a privilege (that they’ve been preserved) and an encouragement (that this man walked humbly with God 300 years ago, and our church is being built up today because he meditated on Psalm 72).
I decided to write a new melody for it a few years ago, and it has been a joyful addition to many of our corporate worship services since.
To see my post, read the lyrics, and download a free mp3, chart and lead sheet, go to this page at reformedpraise.org. Reformed Praise is a site that I came across 6 or 7 years ago. David Ward developed this site as a place for music and worship leaders to find new melodies to songs with great lyrical content from ages past. We share a vision for these kinds of hymns, so I’m thankful that David has welcomed me to call Reformed Praise my home for the re-worked hymns that I compose. All of his content is free, and you can find many great, theologically rich songs to use there.
Be looking for a post here soon about the new CD that Reformed Praise is now in the process of making.
This is one of those songs that quickly reminds me of my rightful place before our holy God – on my knees, begging for mercy. I think it’s one of my favorites because when I sing it, I feel that mournfulness over wrong choices, and the cry of David’s heart for forgiveness so many centuries ago resonates with me. What a sad, passionate, broken song he wrote in Psalm 51.
James Tealy invited me to come write one afternoon with some brothers (spiritually, and literally – they were siblings) who were spending some time in Nashville. We finished another song they were working on before I got there, and then started and finished this one. I’m thankful we did.
From my mother’s womb I was a sinner / Against You alone I have done evil / Surely you desire truth and wisdom / But I turned away, I hid my face / Purge me and I will be clean / Wash me and I will be whiter than snow
(Chorus) Have mercy on me, oh God / According to Your love / According Your faithful love / Have mercy on me, oh God / Wash my transgressions / Cleanse me from all my sin
I am so ashamed my rebellion / Don’t cast me away, away from Your presence / Restore to me the joy of Your salvation / Open my mouth and I’ll sing your praises / Here is my offering to You / I bring the song of a broken heart (chorus)
Written by Jeff Bourque, Jarod Espy, Jonathan Espy, James Tealy. Copyright 2007 Manicotti Music/Universal Music Publishing/Cumberland Belle Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved.