Terry Headlight News

Since Holy Week, I have been extremely (too) busy, and I have not had the ability to do everything that I have needed to do. Last week even saw my going to the hospital overnight after spending time in the emergency room.

I have not been able to compile a column of news for the past two weeks. I do, though, wish to share three prayers which are special to me. The first one is one stanza and was written by Isaac Watts, the great hymn writer in 1717. (One tune associated with this was written by the British composer Jeremiah Clarke; another tune is ELLACOMBE, which is often sung on Palm Sunday as ‘“Hosana, loud hosanas,’ the little children sang.”)

“With songs and honors sounding loud, Address the Lord on high, Over the heav’ns He spreads His clouds, And waters veil the sky. He sends His show’rs of blessing down; To cheer the plains below; He makes the grass the mountains crown; And corn in valleys grow.”

The second is a gardener’s prayer, certainly appropriate for this time of the year when planting is implemented. The meter is 7.7.7.7, but I cannot think of a familiar tune which fit the words. “Thank you, God, for sun and showers. Thank you for each lovely flower. Thank you for each stately tree. Though all these, you speak to me.”

And, finally, these words have led me to share this hymn prayer which is a favorite of many. Frances R. Havergal, another great hymnwriter, is the author, and this is most often sung to the music of the composer Robert Schumann.

“Lord, speak to me that I may speak; In living echoes of Thy tone; As Thou has sought, so let me seek; Thine erring children lost and lone. “O lead me, Lord, that I may lead; The wandering and the wavering feet; O feed me, Lord, that I may feed Thy hungering ones with manna sweet. “O strengthen me, that while I stand; Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee, I may stretch out a loving hand; To wrestlers with the troubled sea. “O teach me, Lord, that I may teach; The precious things Thou dost impart; And wing my words, that they may reach; The hidden depths of many a heart. “O give Thine own sweet rest to me, That I may speak with soothing power; A word in season, as from Thee, To weary ones in needful hour. “O fill me with Thy fullness, Lord, Until my very heart overflow; In kindling thought and glowing word, Thy love to tell, Thy praise to show. “O use me, Lord, use even me, Just as Thou wilt, and when, and where, Until Thy blessed face I see, Thy rest, Thy joy, Thy glory share.”

I will be resting and studying during this next week. Your prayers will be appreciated. I certainly hope that there will be a news column here next week.

I you wish to contact me with news about weddings, births, engagements, illnesses, deaths, or celebrations, please contact me. I may be called (601-878-5714) or e-mailed (terryj1@bellsouth.net). Pray for peace, people everywhere (especially in Hinds County and in the Ukraine).