People: How Can We Sing the Lord S Song in a Foreign Land?

Psalm 137

Leader: The people of God have been taken captive by the Babylonians. Hear what they say: People: By the rivers in Babylon, we sat down and wept. We wept because we remembered Zion - our homeland. We hung up our musical instruments on the branches of the willow trees; we had no reason to sing. Leader: Their captors said to them, “Sing us some of those songs you used to sing in your homeland – those songs filled with joy and enthusiasm – those songs of Zion!” People: How can we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?

Song Suggestions: “On the Willows There” from Godspell is a wonderfully, mournful setting of this text; for this, put together a small ensemble of singers (maybe youth or college age).

“Within Our Darkest Night” (Taise) TZE “Be Not Afraid” W&R “Why We Sing” FWS “Sing unto the Lord” CLB

Hymn Suggestions: “Wonderful Words of Life” “We’re Marching to Zion” “How Can I Keep from Singing?” “Gracious Spirit, Give Your Servants Joy” (Carl P. Daw) WLP (8.7.8.7.D) “By the Babylonian Rivers” FWS, PRS (8.7.8.7)

Anthem Suggestion: “Be Not Afraid” (Craig Courtney)

Hymn Text (CMD): “Lord, Teach Us How to Sing Again” – R. G. Huff

Lord, teach us how to sing again Those songs from better days When all was well with us, with you, When all our songs were praise. In recent times, our dancing’s turned To mourning and to grief; Restore our laughter, bring back joy; Lord, help our unbelief.

Lord, teach us how to sing again Those songs we sang before; No longer bound by doubt and fear, Our praises now must soar. Great Teacher of the lasting song, Instruct us in Your ways, That we may join the worldwide throng In symphonies of praise!

Suggested Tunes: *ELLACOMBE FOREST GREEN

* - In some hymnals, this tune is CMD; in others, it is 7.6.7.6.D. This text works better with the tune as set to “I Sing the Mighty Power of God.” (BH75, W&R)