Holy Cross Music Notes with Adelaide

This Sunday we will continue our Lenten tradition of beginning the worship service in silence.  Although very appropriate, I am not a fan of this tradition.

Our sequence hymn, Down to the River to Pray is a traditional American folk song with roots that date back to the 19th century. While its exact origins are unknown, it is often described as an African American spiritual, an Appalachian song, and a Southern gospel hymn.  The song sets the tone for the Gospel.

During communion we will sing John Foley’s Come to the Water.

The lyrics are primarily based on Isaiah 55:1–2 ("Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters") and Matthew 11:28–30 ("Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened").  Fun fact – John Foley also wrote One Bread, One Body – a big Holy Cross favorite.

The service will close with I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say, a classic hymn written by a Scottish minister in 1846. It’s an invitation from Jesus, followed by the believer's response, and then focusing on finding rest, life, and light.

The music I will highlight is the offertory - Tom Booth's Sacred Silence, a Catholic contemporary spiritual song used mostly in prayer settings.  This song will help center you.  It will help you find inner peace in the presence of God; and find freedom through forgiveness. 

“Sacred silence, Holy ocean, Gentle waters, washing over me

Help me listen, Holy Spirit, Come and speak to me”