Come by here!

There was a combined prayer service for the people affected by the tsunami at St. Andrew’s Cathedral on Friday, 7th January. It was a moving service – with leaders of the various mainline denominations leading prayers for those affected in the disaster. The Wesley Singers sang the song Kumbayah as a prelude to the service. Kumbaya is translated "Come by here". In light of this disaster, the words rang deep:

Kumbayah my Lord, Kumbayah
Kumbayah my Lord, Kumbayah
Kumbayah my Lord, Kumbayah
Oh Lord, Kumbayah

Someone’s crying, Lord, Kumbayah
Someone’s crying, Lord, Kumbayah
Someone’s crying, Lord, Kumbayah
Oh Lord, Kumbayah

Someone’s praying, Lord, Kumbayah
Someone’s praying, Lord, Kumbayah
Someone’s praying, Lord, Kumbayah
Oh Lord, Kumbayah

The service ended with the call to go do our part as salt and light of the earth, along with the warning not to trumpet our good deeds so that we will get praised by everyone. After a moment of silent prayer, the versatile bells at St. Andrew’s chimed Amazing Grace.

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God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountain be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV)