Ancient words, ever true
Holy words long preserved
for our walk in this world,
They resound with God's own heart.
Oh let the ancient words impart
Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us Home.
CHORUS:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you,
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ.
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world.
They resound with God's own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart.
CHORUS x4
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart
Michael W. Smith
Can't stand this song. It constantly begs the question: "Oh let the ancient words impart" Impart what??? Bugs me every time - it shouldn't be left hanging without. It says how wonderful these "ancient words are" because they are nice for us and "help us cope". Well that's exactly what most people think Christianity is about: a nice message that helps you feel good and "cope" if you are a bit weak. The substance of these ancient words is only briefly touched on "the faithful words of Christ" but the rest of the song (if you pulled out that line) could be about any ancient words that make us feel warm and fuzzy and help us feel good about ourselves. Rubbish! Our faith has specific content and is a revelation from God not a random ancient feel-good text. As a general appeal to all church music coordinators out there, please kick this song to the curb.
ReplyDelete"it shouldn't be left hanging without" Wish I could say that was intended irony. But see how annoying it is when someone does that?!
DeleteDeb, you're write. Impart is silly just hanging there.
ReplyDeleteBut if you could have seen all these earnest faced primary school kids (they had been trained to look what they were singing!) singing 'Ancient words ever true changing me and changing you,' you'd have had a moment too!
Awh, that part I get! I watched some middle schoolers sing "The Holy City" with such earnestness last December that I sang it for a week afterwards. And it's a song with issues too.
DeleteIf I ever use it you can be certain there's a Bible reading straight after we finish.
ReplyDeleteOn a related subject to Deb's comment I think I have a similar reaction to:
'And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?'
'Right' not 'write' in comment above!
ReplyDelete