Pause for Prayer: Saturday 5/2

Nearly all the folks reading this post will be familiar with the song, On Eagle's Wings, by Fr Michael Jonca - and not only familiar - but intimately and spiritually familiar.  Although composed by a Catholic priest, Eagle's Wings has become a favorite, a staple in the liturgical repertoire of Christians across the denominational spectrum.

Joncas was a seminarian when he composed this song for the funeral of a friend's father and the lyrics (based on Psalm 91) still offer comfort and support to those who find themselves in need of consolation and hope. 

What many may not be aware of is that Joncas wrote Eagle's Wings in 1976, making this year the 50th anniverary of its appearance...

As we pray together this morning...

 

Let's remember all who have found 

    solace and peace

        in the words and melody of this beautiful song...

 

Let' remember all those

    who are moved to tears, 

    whose souls are stirred 

    and whose hearts find healing

       each time they hear and sing this piece...

 

Let's give thanks for the grace of God

    who lifts us on eagle's wings

        when grief and sorrow 

            weigh us down...

 

Let's remember the gift of God

    who holds us in the palm of his hand, 

the gift that's ours in the word of God,

    set to a simple tune, 

to bear us up on the breath of dawn

    and to make us shine like the sun...

 

Amen. 

 

On Eagle's Wings by Michael Joncas 

 

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You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abide in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, "My refuge
My rock, in whom I trust!"

And He will raise you up on eagle's wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand

The snare of the fowler will never capture you
And famine will bring you no fear
Under His wings, your refuge
His faithfulness, your shield

You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day
Though thousands fall about you
Near you it shall not come

For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone

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