Song for the Day: I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

This song, written by John Ylvisaker, is a popular song for funerals, baptisms, weddings and Confirmation services. It is one of those songs that causes many of us to spend more time listening than singing, because there is a catch in our throat and a tear in our eye.

What I appreciate about this song is the completeness of God’s promises, from start to finish. God is the Alpha and the Omega (or in our alphabet – the A and the Z) and everything in between. The promises of baptism are the same promises we proclaim over the casket. God is with us.

Here is a lovely recording of this hymn: https://youtu.be/PqOFmE6r2OI

"I was there to hear your borning cry,

I'll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized,

to see your life unfold.

I was there when you were but a child,

with a faith to suit you well;

In a blaze of light you wandered off

to find where demons dwell."

"When you heard the wonder of the Word

I was there to cheer you on;

You were raised to praise the living Lord,

to whom you now belong.

If you find someone to share your time

and you join your hearts as one,

I'll be there to make your verses rhyme

from dusk 'till rising sun."

In the middle ages of your life,

not too old, no longer young,

I'll be there to guide you through the night,

complete what I've begun.

When the evening gently closes in,

and you shut your weary eyes,

I'll be there as I have always been

with just one more surprise."

"I was there to hear your borning cry,

I'll be there when you are old.

I rejoiced the day you were baptized,

to see your life unfold."

Let us pray: Almighty God, we thank you for your promises. Washed clean in the waters of baptism, may we live each day in sure and certain hope that you will be there, as you have always been, holding us firmly in the grip of grace. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen