UCC Musicians Association - A Prayer for the Musicians

A Prayer for the Musicians

By Rev. Freeman L. Palmer

Conference Minister, Central Atlantic Conference UCC

(Based on Psalm 100)

May you make a joyful noise in song 
Leading worship amidst the beloved throng 
In every note, may God's spirit flow, 
As voices lift heavenward, may God's great love show.  

Make a joyful noise, as the Psalmist proclaimed, 
In the beauty of holiness, may God's praise be named. 
With strings and keys, with drums that resound, 
In each note heard, may God's grace be found.  

May the lyrics and melody to all inspire, 
and ignite in passion, a holy fire. 
May every chord ring forth glory divine, 
As you play and sing, may your spirits shine.  

May you enter God's gates with thanksgiving bright, 
In the courts of God's presence, may you behold God's light. 
May songs of worship rise like incense sweet, 
In your sacred spaces, may earth and heaven meet.

May God guide your hands and voices, let harmony reign, 
As you serve the people through joy and through pain. 
In the worship you lead, may the Spirit be your guide,
In your fellowship blessed, may God ever abide.
Amen.

Rev. Freeman L. Palmer serves as Conference Minister for the Central Atlantic Conference United Church of Christ. Originally from Washington, DC, Freeman is a second career minister, attending Seminary after a fifteen-year career with CBS Inc. He currently lives with his beloved Donal, an ordained Lutheran minister, and their beloved dog in Baltimore, MD. Freeman has sung in church choirs since childhood and has also directed the gospel choir at his alma mater, Swarthmore, as well as the Jerriese Johnson East Village Gospel Choir at Middle Collegiate Church in New York City.

A prayer that Freeman offers daily is Psalm 143:10, "Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your Good Spirit lead me on level ground (NIV)."

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LOOKING BACK – 30 YRS.

The first 22 years of Worship, Music & Ministry in print.

Worship, Music & Ministry is a publication of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, Inc. and is issued three times a year. The journal is distributed to members of UCCMA as a benefit of membership.

All correspondence concerning membership in UCCMA, changes of address and other inquiries should be addressed to the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, P.O. Box 370631, West Hartford, CT 06137.

Information about the United Church of Christ Musicians Association is available at www.uccma.org.