PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Yesterday at church, one of the hymns we sang was “Shine, Jesus, Shine.”
It’s one of those hymns I don’t think about often until it’s listed in the bulletin, and then I get excited and think, “Ooh, I love that one!”
Then, I get an earworm for the chorus that lasts about three or four days.
Not that I’m complaining.
I far prefer Gospel-music-influenced-earworms to having the Hokey Pokey stuck in my head for a week.
I did a little research on the song because I’m a nerd and that’s what I do…
It was written in 1987 and the chorus says,
“Shine, Jesus, shine
Fill this land with the Father’s glory
Blaze, Spirit, blaze
Set our hearts on fire
Flow, river, flow
Flood the nations with grace and mercy
Send forth your word
Lord, and let there be light”
Of the song, it’s writer, Graham Kendrick, said, “This song is a prayer for revival. A songwriter can give people words to voice something which is already in their hearts but which they don’t have the words or the tune to express, and I think ‘Shine Jesus shine’ caught a moment when people were beginning to believe once again that an impact could be made on a whole nation.”
I honestly can’t add to that.
So, with that said, today, as you pray, thank God for music that moves us.
Thank Him for the opportunity to worship Him through song.
Thank Him that musical giftedness is optional for those of us who take the Psalm 98:4 approach by making a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Ask Jesus to shine on you so that you can carry His light into the world today.
•••
Link to the song.
