Broken Praise

"You were the one who filled my cup.  And you were the one who let it spill.  So blessed be your Holy name if you never fill it up again.  If this is where my story ends, just give me one more breath to say Hallelujah!"

I recently learned about Music Inspired by The Story. 

On this album is 18 songs by 24 amazing artists.  The songs are taken from the Word of God and are absolutely beautiful.  From the orchestra playing the overture "I AM" about creation to Mark Hall and Megan Garret of Casting Crowns singing as Abraham and Sarah in a song called "Who But You" to Steven Curtis Chapman singing as the thief on the cross in "How Love Wins" these songs are all amazing.  They are backed by the London Orchestra.  Not only are they composed absolutely beautifully, the lyrics are from the word and are so extremely moving.

But out of all of these, the song that hit me the hardest is called "Broken Praise".  It is from the book of Job and it is sung by non-other than Todd Smith (from Selah, and of course the husband of the beautifully inspiring Angie Smith)!  You can go HERE to listen to part of the song (#11), but I really wanted to post the lyrics here as well.  I HIGHLY recommend you purchase this song (actually the whole album).  It is such an awesome way to experience the Bible.  And check it out!  They are all going on tour together too!

***

Broken Praise

If one more person takes my hand

tries to say they understand

tells me there's a bigger plan

that I'm not meant to understand...

If one more person dares to jest

that I have something un-confessed

tries to make the dots connect

from righteousness to Easy Street...

I, I won't deny that I've relied

on some assumptions.

A man's honest life

entitles him to something.

Who am I to make demands

of the God of Abraham?
And who are you that you would choose

to answer me with mercy new?

How many more will wander past

to find me here among the ashes?

Will you hold me?  Will you stay?

So I can raise, this broken praise

to you...

Who else would see my suffering

as one more opportunity 

to educate, to help me see

all my flawed theology?

If one more well-intentioned friend

tries to tie up my loose ends...

Hoping to, with rug and broom,

sweep awkward moments from the room...

I, I can't forget 

that I have been just like a mad man

for my chance to die

never have to face the morning.

Who am I to make demands

of the God of Abraham?

And who are you that you would choose

to answer me with mercy new?

How many more will wander past

to find me sitting in this ash?

Will you hold me? Will you stay?

So I can raise, this broken praise

to you?

You were the one who filled my cup.

And you were the one who let it spill.

So blessed be your holy name

if you never fill it up again.

If this is where my story ends 

just give me one more breath  to say...

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!