Singing Theology

At some point while I was pregnant with Abigail, Rachel painted the first verse of this song on a canvas for me. I hadn't heard the song, so I didn't know the tune but kept going back to it during the hard days of being pregnant.

Rock of Ages, when the day seems long
From this labor and this heartache I have come
The skies will wear out, but you remain the same
Rock of Ages, I praise your name 

Rock of Ages, you have brought me near
You have poured out your life-blood, your love and your tears
To make this stone heart come alive again
Rock of Ages, forgive my sin 

Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages
Bind your children, until the Kingdom comes.
Rock of Ages, your will be done. 

Rock of Ages, when in want or rest,
My desperate need for such a Savior I confess,
And pull these idols out from my heart embrace,
Rock of Ages, I need your grace. 

Rock of Ages, broken, scorned for me
Who am I that you would die to make me free?
To give me glory, you took the death and the pain,
Rock of Ages, my Offering. 

Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages
Bind your children, until the Kingdom comes.
Rock of Ages, your will be done. 

Rock of Ages, “It is done” you cried,
The curtain’s torn and I see justice satisfied.
Now write your mercy on my heart and hands,
Rock of Ages, in faith I stand. 

Rock of Ages, my great hope secure,
Your promise holds, just like an anchor to my soul.
And bind your children with cords of love and grace,
Rock of Ages, we give you praise. 

Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages
Bind your children, until the Kingdom comes.
Rock of Ages, your will be done.
And bind your children, until the Kingdom comes,
Rock of Ages, your will be done.

When we sing this hymn in church, I am reminded of God's great strength that He provides for His children. What we believe is important and we should sing our theology. I'm thankful to God for a time that I can worship Him with other believers. You can listen to it here.

This past week we sang I Surrender All. Memories of growing up in my home church at White Springs Baptist Church flooded my mind. I almost expected to hear Mrs. Wood belt out the echo part of the chorus. In all the years that I've been an adult there was always someone to sing the echo part, until this particular Sunday. Near the end I heard someone quietly sing the echo and was almost relieved. (Whew, a part of my childhood still lived on.) Don't underestimate the impact of teaching young children to sing theology through the hymns.