Hymn of the Week: February 8, 2021

Hymn of the Week: Every Time I Feel the Spirit
Hymn 66 in Glory to God

African American Spiritual
Arr. Joseph T. Jones
Adapted by Melva Wilson Costen 1989

Every Time I Feel the Spirit

Upon the mountain, when my Lord spoke,
out of God's mouth came fire and smoke.
Looked all around me, it looked so fine,
till I asked my Lord if all was mine. 

Every time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart I will pray.
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart I will pray

Jordan River, chilly and cold,
it chills the body but not the soul.
There is but one train upon this track.
It runs to heaven and then right back. 

Every time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart I will pray.
Yes, every time I feel the Spirit
moving in my heart I will pray

After yesterday’s Lessons and Songs service around the African American Spiritual, I thought it would be great to reflect on yet another stirring spiritual. This hymn is usually sung around the time of Pentecost but can be sung at any point in the year with the possible exception of Lent and Advent.

The following is from Eileen Guenther’s book: In Their Own Words that we used in Sunday’s service:

The Holy Spirit gives life and provides inspiration. This spiritual affirms that, no matter the circumstances, whenever the Spirit is “moving in my heart, I will pray.”

Testimony from Unknown Slave

“I tell you it’s a wonderful feeling when you feel the spirit of the Lord God Almighty in the tips of your fingers, and the bottom of yo’ heart.. I didn’t know then what was the matter with me. I knows now when I feel that spirit rising in my body, yessiree.”

Please relax and enjoy this stirring rendition by the singer, Paul Robeson.