Faith That Lets Us Sing ‎#22

22. Before the Dawn Had Broken

1 Before the dawn had broken,
before God's lamp was spent,
a boy heard someone calling
and wondered what it meant.
The old priest reassured him,
so Samuel, without fear,
said, ""God, your servant listens,
and waits, your word to hear.""

2 A young lad went to battle
a giant ten feet tall,
while others watched and trembled,
and thought to see him fall.
Said David, ""God protects me;
I come in God's own name.""
God helped him save the people,
by faith make good his claim.

3 The soldier was a leper
who thought his doom was sure,
but then a young girl told him,
"God's prophet has a cure."
She sent him to Elisha
who showed him what to do.
and he, made whole and healthy,
saw he could trust God too.

4 The multitude was hungry.
“We have no food,” they said.
A little boy came forward
to share his fish and bread.
“It is enough,” said Jesus,
“this gift of love will last.”
He blessed the loaves and fishes,
and no one had to fast.

5 A child becomes a prophet,
a shepherd boy a king,
a maid, a means of healing.
a boy, of offering.
May we have faith like children,
like them come to believe
that when we trust love’s power
great blessings we receive.

Text Information

• First Line: Before the dawn had broken
• Title: Before the Dawn Had Broken
• Author: Mary Nelson Keithahn (2005)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2017
• Scripture:
  Isaiah 11:6
  ;
  Luke 18:17
  ;
  1 Samuel 3:1-10
  ;
  1 Samuel 17:41-45
  ;
  2 Kings 5:1-14
  ;
  John 6:1-14
• Topic: Children in the Bible
• Notes: Text recalls stories of children: Samuel, David, the young maid who sent a soldier with leprosy to Elisha, and the boy who shared his lunch and ends with a prayer for trust like theirs in love's power

Tune Information

• Name: CHILD-LIKE FAITH
• Composer: John D. Horman (2005)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Key: G Major
• Source: Faith That Lets Us Sing
• Copyright: Wayne Leupold Editions, Inc.