We Cannot Help But Sing
Laurie Gauger's new hymn, "We Cannot Help But Sing" follows loosely in the tradition of “When in Our Music God Is Glorified." See Laurie's text notes here.
We cannot help but sing, O Lord, your deeds declare, your bounty bless.
In psalm and hymn and sacred song, we praise you with our every breath.
From all the earth our songs arise; in faith and praise your church is one.
All saints and angels harmonize in this, your choir, so sweet and strong.
Our music brims with hope and joy as we proclaim your victories,
Like Mary's bold Magnificat and Miriam's dance at parted sea.
We also sing to beg for grace when guilt and shame weigh down the soul,
Like David in his suffering psalms, we sing: "Forgive us, make us whole."
You gave this gift of music, Lord, this urge to sing what's in the heart.
You call us to create new songs, to honor you with highest art.
Now help us make our melodies when words alone cannot suffice.
In music, truth and beauty meet when you, Lord God, are praised aright.
In ages when your Word is hid, your truth suppressed or taught askew,
May hymns of old make straight the path and tell your timeless truth anew.
And when our health and mem'ries slip, and names and faces flee our mind,
Still may these hymns be in our grip, our lips still sing each hallowed rhyme.
We cannot help but sing, O Lord, your deeds declare, your bounty bless.
In psalm and hymn and sacred song we praise you with our every breath.
And on that day when you appear and give us each more glorious form,
Transform our music too that we may sing for you a perfect song.
To hear an excerpt of this song, scroll to the bottom and play the video.
Included in your purchase: PDFs of Piano Accompaniment and Guitar Chords and Congregation Bulletin TIFF files in 2 sizes. MP3 file of piano accompaniment only is available upon request.
Suggested donation: $15
Purchase of this song includes permission to print and use the music freely within an individual congregation. Purchases may not be transferred to or used in other congregations. If you have questions about this, please contact me.
