Forty Days of Lent

        I thought about writing a new song, The Forty Days of Lent, sung to the tune The Twelve Days of Christmas.  The obvious problem, besides my lack of talent in song writing, is the song would be too long.  It may not be as long as One Hundred Bottles of Beer, but it would be a better song to sing while driving down the highway, trying to keep awake.   

        The good news is that we can find a wealth of Lenten songs in our hymnbook.  Actually, there are twelve hymns in the Presbyterian Hymnbook listed under the heading of Lent.

        This afternoon, during our Ash Wednesday Service, we sang the hymn Kind Maker of the World.  If you are one who likes the “old hymns,” this one is for you.  The text is attributed to Gregory the Great who lived in the sixth century (c.540-604).  The tune, A LA VENUE DE NOEL, was first printed in 1535.  My guess is this is not what you had in mind when it comes to the “old hymns.”

        Gregory was member of the Roman senate and became perfect of Rome; however after his father’s death, he gave up his power to become a Benedictine monk and established six monasteries on family land.  In 590 he rose to the office of Pope.  His interest in spreading the gospel, moved the church all the way to England.   And this of course is the Gregory we remember when we think of the Gregorian chant.

        What I am impressed with are the words of his Lenten hymn, Kind Maker of the World. 

        Kind Maker of the world, O hear

        The fervent prayer, with many a tear
        Poured forth by all the penitent
        Who keep this holy fast of Lent!

        Grant, O Thou blessed Trinity,

        Grant, O unchanging Unity,
        That this our fast of forty days
        MAY WORK OUR PROFIT AND THY PRAISE!

        Lord, as we move toward your passion, may we learn the discipline of service – our profit, and may our lives declare your praise as we do the merciful work of Christ.  Amen.