On Friday I was frantic.  After working with my kids on their papers in the morning, I had just a few hours to get a handout booklet prepared for an upcoming SAT Essay writing workshop (they had to be turned in that afternoon) and songs lined up for 3 singing sessions at Women’s Retreat. I was able to get a reprieve on the handouts (which required me to write the whole syllabus, and I wasn’t ready for that!) so I turned to the music.

Music in our church can stir up strong feelings, so I had to be careful. I was looking for a mix of Scripture songs, hymns I could do with guitar, and two Getty/Townend songs . “In Christ Alone” and “How Deep the Father’s Love” particularly tied in with the speaker’s theme. But I needed some more songs; I didn’t have enough material.

I suddenly thought to pray. Now, at times I have had to wait patiently for answers to prayer, asking God to make it clear when He answered, afraid I would miss His leading.  I didn’t have any time to spare this day, however!  It was prayer under pressure.

I prayed for guidance. Before I opened my eyes, I became aware of the tune that had been playing in my mind, “O Church Arise”.  As clear an answer as if He had put it right before me! I quickly worked it up.

Saturday we had a few hours for recreation time, during which I took my Getty book and learned a few more songs.  As I ran through “O Church Arise”, Katharine joined me and we made beautiful harmony.   Julie came and sat nearby to enjoy the sound. Marcia came and looked over our shoulder.

Over the course of the next half hour several women joined us till I had an enthusiastic choir. My goal was to prepare a core who would know the song when I introduced it for the afternoon session, but when Marcia suggested we sing it on Sunday morning we readily agreed.  I finessed their performance a little, having them back off from a full, all-out sound, and when they did, oh!  The sound pealed sweet and clear. They sounded like Girl Scouts–young and fresh and sweet.

The entire group sang it through twice, and the next day we did indeed sing for the church, where the congregation sat in profound stillness till we finished. Many commented on its impact. I can’t get over how beautiful the women sounded.

So, from that hurried prayer came an idea that grew beyond anything I had planned. He answered me quicker than I could blink and gave more than I could ask or think. Isn’t God good?