During this season of Lent we invite you to connect the practices of prayer, reflection and discussion with our life in worship together. Each week in worship, the Pastors’ sermons will explore themes generated by the content and history of African American Spirituals, each paired with a companioning Biblical text. Below are lyrics, music, scripture and reflection questions so that you might as an individual, family or small group continue to be shaped by God through the Spirituals, the scriptures and prayer.
The Music and Lyrics
Ride On, King Jesus!
Ride on King Jesus !
No man can-a hinder me.
For He is King of kings, He is Lord of lords,
Jesus Christ, the first and last,
No man works like Him.
King Jesus rides a milk-white horse,
No man works like Him.
The river of Jordan He did cross,
No man works like Him.
King Jesus rides in the middle of the air.
He calls the saints from everywhere.
Francis Hall Johnson was born in Athens, Georgia on March 12, 1888. Along with Burleigh and Dawson, Johnson was one of many composers who helped elevate the African-American spiritual to an art form, comparable in its musical sophistication to those of their classical counterparts. He died in a fire at his New York apartment on April 30, 1970.
Todd Farwell sang Johnson’s arrangement of Ride On, King Jesus! in worship on April 13, 2014, with Gabe D’Abruzzo at the piano. Listen to it here:
He Never Said a Mumblin’ Word
Wasn’t it a pity and a shame?
and He never said a mumbalin’ word.
Not a word, not a word, not a word.
They pierced him in the side,
and He never said a mumbalin’ word.
Not a word, not a word, not a word.
His blood came trickling down,
and He never said a mumbalin’ word.
Not a word, not a word, not a word.
He bowed His head and died,
and He never said a mumbalin’ word;
Not a word, not a word, not a word.
Moses Hogan (1957-2003) dedicated his arrangement of He Never Said a Mumbalin’ Word to soprano Marietta Simpson. Marietta is the sister of Evelyn Simpson-Curenton, whose arrangement of Sometimes I Feel was sung during worship on March 16.
Listen to a live recording of Anqwenique Wingfield singing this arrangement in worship on April 13, 2014 with Gabriel D’Abruzzo at the piano.
The Scripture
The Reflection
Week Six – Holy Week
Read through the Passion Narrative in the various Gospels – or follow the passage above. Either read the whole story in one sitting (Perhaps on Palm/Passion Sunday), or throughout the week.
Each day, ask yourself these questions for reflection:
- What aspects of this story am I drawn to?
- What aspects of this story are difficult for me to read or understand?
- Who stands out to you in the text – why?
Act:
- Talk with your family or friends about traditions that have marked Holy Week for you and your family.
- Decide on a tradition in which you will participate this Holy Week – by yourself, or with another.