ORSBORNAGAIN (1)
A devotional series by Major Rob Birks.
ORSBORNAGAIN is meant to introduce the poetry of the first Poet General, Albert Orsborn (1886-1967) to a new audience and to reintroduce his works to dyed-in-the-(tropical)-wool Salvationists.
These are not new songs.
However, the lyrics are jam-packed with new life, which may be missed during corporate worship. Re-examined through scripture and experience, Rob Birks intends through an examination of these scared songs to renew the spiritual fervor of believers, and point seekers to their Savior.
Here’s a piano track – listen to the music and meditate on the words.
Where lowly spirits meet
Instant in prayer,
All at one mercy seat,
One please to share,
With thee we intercede,
Leader of those who lead,
Heart of our Army’s need,
Make us thy care.
Let not thy people boast,
Empty are we,
Martial and mighty host
Though we may be.
Naught of our own we claim,
Forth from thy heart we came,
Thou are our altar-flame;
We live by thee.
Where secret rivers rise,
Lead us to grace;
Even through clouded skies
Show us they face.
Own us thy people still,
Seal us within thy will,
And in thy holy hill
Stablish or place.
Albert Orsborn
799 – Holiness – Means of Grace – Prayer
You don’t have to look far to find books by well-meaning Christian authors telling you how to pray, where to pray, how long to pray and how to get those prayers answered. I’ve read a few books on prayer that definitely helped jump start my prayer life…for a time. What really gets me praying like my life depends on it is when I start thinking that my life depends on it. The truth is, my life doesn’t depend on prayer. The truth is my life depends on and is found in the One to whom I pray.
In an interview about his book Prayer: Does it Make Any Difference?, Philip Yancey said, ‘I used to see prayer as a spiritual discipline, one of those things you’re supposed to do. Now I see it as a spiritual privilege, an opportunity to communicate with the creator of the universe who loves me and gives me the ability to converse.”
In the three verse prayer-song we consider here, it’s obvious that Albert Orsborn, too, sees prayer as a privilege, one to be entered into humbly, reverently and faithfully. There are words here that speak of proper prayer posture: “lowly,” “plea”, “need”, and “empty.” And yet, as lowly and empty as our needy please are, we are not alone. The “leader of those who lead,” the “heart of the Army’s need,” is with us to intercede. For those familiar with Orsborn’s works of art, you are well aware of his Christ-centric poetry. You don’t get far into one of his songs before you come face to face with the “altar-flame,” that is Jesus, the Christ.
A few years ago, my old friend Jim invited my new friend Bart to speak at a big youth event I was to attend with a few hundred other friends. Before the event, Jim wanted to make sure Bart was on track, so he called to ask for his topics and titles. Bart informed Jim that he would be speaking about Jesus. Jim admits that his answer should’ve sufficed, but he pressed the issue. Again Bart told Jim that he would be speaking about Jesus. Thus ended the lesson, and the phone call I imagine. By the way, Bart not only spoke about Jesus at that event, he spoke like Jesus.
In the songs we will consider in this small devotional, the Poet general will touch on several topics: fellowship, grace, love, sanctification, courage, pardon, service and compassion, to name a few. But he will never stray far from the Savior. Why would he? Why would we?
Not only are we praying to and with God, but this song also makes it clear that we are not alone because we are praying with God’s people. Words like “all,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “thy people” serve as a clarion call for the Army of God to unite in prayer, “all at one mercy seat.” Jesus made it clear that we’re not in it alone with the first two words of what has come to be called the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9), which our Catholic friends call the “Our Father.”
Let’s try something. Let’s put down the books on prayer and devotion (yep, even this one) and pray prayers like “Lead us to grace,” and “Show us thy face.”
Amen.