I am coordinating the music for a contemporary at church this summer. We have had four services and have used HERE I AM TO WORSHIP as the opening song each time. Wednesday night after worship, one of the planners of the worship brought up the idea of possibly using a different song to open next week's session. About three minutes into my six minute drive home, the following song started being written(I was driving on 43rd Street at the time). I finished the lyrics while singing my daughter to bed and then tweaked it a bit while setting guitar chords to it this morning. Hopefully, we will be able to get it ready for Wednesday, July 2.
A quick note on the refrain... That is actually where the song started. A friend who I previously worked with at Camp Lone Star told me a story about a sermon he heard one time. Basically, the preacher got in the pulpit and Said, "On Friday, Jesus died on the cross... On Sunday, he rose again!" He continue repeating this phrase over and over again with dramatic effect added as the Spirit moved. I don't know how long the sermon went on, but it was quite lengthy. I don't have the dramatic wherewithal to give a spoken message like that, but I am surprised I was able to fit it into this song. I am looking forward to teaching it to the band on Sunday and then using it in worship on Wednesday!
The subtitle THE THREE DAY WEEKEND was suggested by the friend who told me about the sermon.
43rd Street Melody(The Three Day Weekend)
On Friday, Precious Friday... Jesus died on the cross
On Friday, Precious Friday...Jesus died for our sins
On Sunday, that Third Day... Our Savior rose again
1...2...3
Now is the time to rest in His grace
Now is the time to listen
Now is the time for all weary hearts
Now is the time to worship
Now is the time to sing praise to Him
Lift up our voice in thanksgiving
Now is the time to make joyful noise
Now is the time to worship
On Friday, Precious Friday... Jesus died on the cross
On Friday, Precious Friday...Jesus died for our sins
On Sunday, that Third Day... Our Savior rose again
1...2...3
Now is the time to gather as one
And fix our eyes upon Him
Now is the time for old and for young
Now is the time to worship
Now is the time to sing "Hallelujah"
The time to sing "Christ is Lord"
Now is the time to sing praises to you
Now is the time to worship
Now is the time to worship
On Friday, Precious Friday... Jesus died on the cross
On Friday, Precious Friday...Jesus died for our sins
On Sunday, that Third Day... Our Savior rose again
