Wings of Prayer

Lift me up above the clouds
where Thy sunlight I can see.
Let me rise above my doubts,
for a clearer view of Thee.

Lift me up above the clouds,
though it cannot be for long;
for I know on earth below,
others truly need my song.

Lift me up above the clouds,
I'm so weary of earth's gloom;
I feel cramped and oft distressed,
let me be where there is room.

Lift me up above the clouds,
let me view the heavenly dome
of Your universe so vast--
somewhere out there is my home.

Lift me up above the clouds

for a breath of heavenly air

far above earth's dust and fog,

take me up on wings of prayer.

fpn/1986

Photo by Samuel Zeller on Unsplash

How Do I Know

words and melody by Eva Mae Withaus, harmony by Frank P. Nickel

How do I know that the Father above 
watches o’er me with His tenderest love?
He sees the fall of each little bird,
I read it in God’s Holy Word. 

How do I know that He’ll answer my prayer 
when I am sad and there’s no one to care?
Somehow I know my cry will be heard,
I read it in God’s Holy Word.

Just like the shepherd He leads us;
He seeks for the sheep gone astray;
He carries the lambs in His bosom,
and keeps them from danger always.

How do I know that He died in my place,
giving me life through His marvelous grace?
Sweetest of stories ever heard,
I read it in God’s Holy Word.

©1965, Radiant Light Enterprises.
Published as song #12 in Sing and Give Thanks , and recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice, side one, by the Junior Trio: John, Steve, and Paul. Video design by Joyce Rempel on animoto.com using the recorded song and photos from the family collection.

I Do, Don’t You?

Words by Melville W. Miller. Music by Edwin O. Excell, 1907
Click the arrow above to play. If you see no video play arrow, click the song title to view online.

I know a great Saviour, I do; don’t you? 
I live by His favor, I do; don’t you?
For grace I implore Him, I worship before Him,
I love and adore Him, I do; don’t you?

I need Him to lead me, I do; don’t you?
Heav’n’s manna to feed me, I do; don’t you?
What ever betide me, I need Him beside me,
In mercy to hide me, I do; don’t you?

I love to be near Him, I do; don’t you?
He speaks and I hear Him, I do; don’t you?
For me He is caring, the cross I am bearing,
I love Him for sharing, I do; don’t you?

I want Him to use me, I do; don’t you?
For service to choose me, I do; don’t you?
I want Him to bless me, to own and confess me,
completely possess me, I do; don’t you?

Public Domain. Sheet music available here.
Published as Song #2 in Sing and Give Thanks
Recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice (verses 1 and 4 only)

Thy Praise We Sing (Table Grace)

Thy praise we sing; our thanks we bring,
O God, Thou gracious Giver;
Thy mercies great we contemplate,
Almighty to deliver!

Let words be kind, grant peace of mind;
rule out all thoughts distressing;
to every good, and this our food,
we pray Thee, add Thy blessing!

Amen.

fpn/1972

This is available as a song. For a copy of the music, contact Joyce.



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Confess Whose Sins?

by Frank P. Nickel

Some of the most profound lessons of life have been transmitted to us by our black brothers and sisters, in the form of songs composed during the slavery days, such as this one:

You can talk about me all that you please.
I’ll talk about you down on my knees.

Complaining about people to people is gossip. Complaining about people to God, privately, is intercession. We cannot do both. If we expect God to listen, we cannot gossip. Our prayers will go no higher than the ceiling.

One of the most hideous sins in the eyes of God is confessing the other fellow’s sins while he’s listening, unless, of course, he has asked you to help him pray about a problem sin.

This principle is very important in a marriage. A husband and wife must pray together, if they expect to have God’s blessing on their marriage. But each will need to pray privately as well, in order to affect necessary changes in his or her mate.

Probably your husband (or wife) does things that “bug” you. In fact, you may at times feel like “crawling up a wall.” Well, go right ahead. You may find a hidden spot on the rooftop where you can pray for him or her.

Originally printed in “The Pepper-Upper,” a small handout containing quotes, quips, jokes, poems, scripture, and brief inspirational thoughts which Frank compiled on a weekly basis. He often carried several copies in his pocket to share with church members, neighbors, and folks he encountered while going about his daily business.



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Heaven and Home

Once she gave you love’s protection
and surrounded you through prayer;
will you join your precious mother
in her heavenly mansion there?
Did you ever make a promise 
that you’d meet her up above?
She is waiting for your coming
in that land of light and love.

Life on earth is harsh and fleeting,
pain and tears both have their part;
but a better day is coming
for rejoicing from the heart.
And the Saviour of your mother
has prepared a glorious place
where you’ll share through Christ, the Saviour
all the bounties of His grace.

Yes, I’ll meet my precious mother
and each loved one—saved and blessed;
through the precious Blood of Jesus,
I have entered into rest.
Friend of mine, if you’ve been careless
and on earth you vainly roam,
turn to Christ, your mother’s Saviour,
be prepared for heaven and home!

fpn/undated



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Effectual Prayer

James 5:16-18

All the springs had dried and fields were barren;
neither dew nor rain—three years and more;
then Elijah prayed for showers from heaven,
staying on his knees till he was sure.

Soon a little cloud—just a little cloud
seemed to be the size of a man’s hand
in the western sky, granting from on high,
promise of refreshing to the land.

“Of like passions to us,” was the prophet;
this should give us courage to achieve.
God is still the same and we can trust Him
when we humbly call and then believe.

Ponder well the drought and ask the question,
was not sin the cause of failure there?
If your soul is parched and joy has vanished,
search your heart and go to God in prayer.

God is merciful and quick to pardon
when we own our sins and humbly bow;
He has made provision to forgive us
by the death of Christ on Calvary’s brow.

And my native land, for thee I’m praying;
how we need revival from above.
Strife and turmoil then will be averted;
souls will come to know the God of love.

fpn/undated
Published as Poem #52 in Contemporary Psalms


Picture: accessed online, August 28, 2017

Concern or Worry?

Concern or worry, which is which?
Sometimes it’s hard to tell.
To shun responsibility
may spawn a living hell.
But care that leads us to despair,
till friends become distressed,
is never noble or divine;
of God cannot be blessed.

Behind a flippant attitude
so often there is grief;
the victim may be out of sight,
but pained beyond belief.
The world may laud the guilty one,
who seems so light of heart,
yet under burdens really his,
another one must smart.

Just take the drunkard—he has friends
(and what a time they have),
while one whom he has pledged to love
is a veritable slave.
The less he cares, the more she must,
for children and their needs;
while he steps out for merriment,
her heart in silence bleeds.

But let us take a look, my friend,
at others close around,
professing that they know the Lord,
yet are not free, but bound.
They lie awake at night and fret
o’er troubles sad and deep,
then spend their days complaining
that at night they cannot sleep.

We would not minimize their grief;
life deals some awful blows;
so often people suffer more
than anybody knows.
And we should seek, the Bible says,
Christ’s law to thus fulfill,
and bear another’s burden
who is struggling up some hill.

But in the self-same scripture
of Galatians, chapter six,
(and now I pray, dear friend of mine,
this message really sticks),
a following verse—it’s number five;
OUR burdens we must face;
we dare not shun or fail to lift
and carry them with grace.

Yes, “Every man shall bear his own,”
whate’er that burden be,
without resentment or complaint;
now notice, please, verse three:
If anyone some merit claim, 
thinks highly of himself,
when he is nothing but deceived,
he’ll soon be on the shelf.

The Lord’s supply of mercy and
of grace, as well, is long.
But these are not for coddling us;
they’re given to make us strong.
“Let every man prove his own work,”
true honors to receive;
awards in heaven will not be given
for deeds of make-believe.

A burdened heart, which seeks in prayer 
to bring men to the cross,
is different than the selfish heart 
that weeps o’er earthly loss.
Concern or worry? You will prove,
if you believe God’s Word;
your attitude shows the degree 
to which you trust the Lord.

fpn/undated
Published as Poem #46 in Contemporary Psalms


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Life’s Priorities

In the voyage of our lifetime,
through the valleys and o’er hills,
we may climb to lofty summits
and traverse the rocks and rills.
In the valleys there is profit
gathered from the fertile fields;
on the mountains we gain riches
time with God so richly yields.

In our deep preoccupation
with the mundane, day by day,
we do well to make provision
for a little time away
when we look to the horizon
and survey the distant goal,
then appraise the time and effort
spent on body, mind and soul.

“Thou shalt do thy work and pleasure
in six days,” but there’s one more
set aside for prayer and worship—
may that never be a chore.
Yes, in fact, may daily pleasures 
oft include a tryst with God
so that love and faith’s pure virtues
shall distill as dew on sod.

In our youth and in our manhood,
may we never count it loss
to reflect on what was purchased 
by our Saviour on the cross.
Since we’re part of the transaction
and to God we now belong,
may we walk in sweet communion
so that life is filled with song.

Sweet companionships and earth-ties
sanctified by trust and love
add dimension to our living—
bliss like that in heaven above.
Oh, to gain the right perspective—
not to shirk and yet to make
time for God and time for others
in this voyage that we take!

fpn 5/79



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Cause for Rejoicing

In the presence of the angels
there’s rejoicing when is heard
that a sinner has repented
at the hearing of God’s Word.

Who rejoices? Who is present
where the angels chant their praise?
Could be father, likely mother, 
who on earth have closed their days.

Yes, you went the wrong direction,
which your mother said not to;
“It’s my life!” Oh, how it hurt her.
Brazenly, your plans went through.

Now she’s gone—has been promoted,
ne’er a protest we can raise.
She will shout glad hallelujahs
as her son or daughter prays!

fpn/undated




Picture: accessed online at huffpost, July 8, 2017

Unsung Heroes

 ‘Tis fitting that we honor those
who fought on land and seas,
but are we overlooking some
who fought upon their knees?

For those who fall on battlefields
far from their families,
our gratitude should be expressed
sincerely on our knees.

But never underestimate
the sacrifice of these
engaging in fierce warfare
and combat on their knees.

Not every person knows first hand
the mighty power that frees
the souls of men, and nations too,
is wrought upon our knees.

Yes, many have engaged in both
by muscle and through pleas,
and won a battle, almost lost,
by conquest on their knees.

The cause behind the triumph oft
no mortal fully sees.
‘Tis God who turns the tide when we
get humbly on our knees.

fpn / undated



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In the Morning

There are times when skies are grey
Clouds obscure the light of day
And we're tempted so to worry and to fret
There are times at eventide
Nerves are tense and spirits tried
But there's victory in Christ, oh don't forget!

Things will look so different in the morning!
Towering mountains will not seem so high.
You will find relief from care
After rest and time of prayer
Things will look so different in the morning.

Do not speak that unkind word
Fix your eyes upon the Lord
And remember how he stood when he was tried.
He was tempted just as we
Prayed in dark Gethsemane
He will ne'er forsake one soul for which he died.

Things will look so different in the morning
When you wake to feel the Savior near.
Don't attempt to rest at night
'Til your wrongs have been made right.
Things will look so different in the morning.

Then some day - and it may be soon -
Whether morning, night or noon,
God will call us from this vale of toil and tears.
All the trials of the way
Will have ended on that day
We shall share His glory when our Lord appears.

Things will look so different in the morning
Mysteries of life will be explained.
Seeing Jesus as He is
In a body just like His
Things will look so different in the morning.

fpn/67

Published as poem #54 in Contemporary Psalms and song #36 in "Sing and Give Thanks" 
Contact Joyce if you would like a copy of the music.

Photo credit: Joyce Rempel

The Dignity of Life

The Dignity of Life

The dignity of life can raise
our hope to heights sublime;
the sense of charge with sacred trust
will motivate through time.

The humdrum and the commonplace
become adventuresome;
when God constrains us by His love
exciting days must come.

Why am I here? Why was I born?
—Not merely happenstance;
I’m not an afterthought with God;
My life he would enhance.

A miracle, I must concede,
my spirit, body, soul—
with vast potential, good or bad—
can drift, or reach a goal.

The only way to ascertain
the plan God has for me
is that I daily walk with Him;
what He reveals, I’ll see.

Not burdened with tomorrow’s care
I’ve ample strength today;
I’ll plan ahead, but more than that,
I’ll listen as I pray.

God manages the universe,
this world and all its strife.
When he endows us with his grace,
there’s dignity of life!

fpn 11/82


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The Family Altar

Do you have a family altar
where you gather every day
and each member of your family
unites to read and pray?
Have you learned the blessed secret
of that quiet, holy hour;
have you seen the burdens lifted
and each soul renewed with power?

If God’s favor on the marriage,
which His providence decreed,
shall be yours as loving parents,
grace abundant you will need.
Many homes today are broken,
Oh, how great is satan’s might;
but if you’ll read and pray together,
things will surely turn out right.

If with healthy minds and bodies
all your family might be blessed
and success results from effort
as they strive to do their best,
you may ask for heavenly mercies
which are brand new every day
when you call them all together
and take time to read and pray.*

Refrain:
You can only bless your family 
with a heritage so great
by a firm and honest effort,
taking time on God to wait.
You will never find it easy 
with your family thus to meet,
but the choicest of God’s blessings
must be sought at Jesus’ feet!

fpn / undated

Recorded on LP 365: My Sheep Know My Voice, side two
Published as poem #35 in Contemporary Psalms and as song #21 in Sing and Give Thanks
Contact Joyce for a copy of the music.

*verse modified by the Editor



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The Lord’s Prayer Potential

The Lord’s Prayer Potential
Matthew 6:9-13

Not only “Our Father in heaven”—
but also our “Father on earth.”
How we need this One we can talk to
in the native land of our birth.

“Thy will” – is not good just for heaven
where only is done what is right;
no billions for bombs and for war planes,
not a case of the refugee’s plight.

No starving nor crying for hunger;
if we’ll all cooperate with our God.
We’ll eat only what is nutritious
“Our bread” means we’ll eat wholesome food.

We will not be crooked or spiteful—
never carry a grudge for a day!
And we’ll know the release of forgiveness
and a glad heart when ever we pray.

A deaf ear we’ll turn to temptation
whenever we’re put to the test;
the devil offers all that’s alluring,
Caution! Not time yet to sit back and rest.

Now that is the way that it will be;
if God gets the credit that’s due.
The kingdom, the power and the glory
belongs not to me or to you!

fpn 11/81



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A Peaceful Afterglow

There comes a time for everyone
when the race of life is nearly run.
We give up this and we give up that;
we begin to wonder where we’re at!
But with Christ, at sunset we can know
a bright and peaceful after-glow!

Gods got a job for me to do;
I won’t give up until I’m through.
The devil says I’m not much good;
he’s lied before, I knew he would!
There are folks around with pain and care
so I’ll stand by with love and prayer.

fpn / August 1985

Alternate title: "Never Quitting"

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Gethsemane

Gethsemane

The word seems much too sacred – 

(the place where Jesus prayed) – 

for other application.

Alone, sin’s debt He paid!

But shall not servants also

share suffering with their Lord?

The act of full submission 

is basic in God’s word.

“Thy will, not mine” prevailing

though I shrink back with fright,

when claws of death surround me

while crying in the night.

Gethsemane – He conquered,

prevailing all alone;

great joy was set before Him

one day to mount the throne.

We love to think of reigning;

potentially we may,

but qualifying guidelines

prepare us for that day.

If we would reign, then suffering –  

intense, beyond our strength –  

is needed to refine us

and build our faith at length.

Gethsemane – let’s face it – 

you must, and so must I;

if we would reign with Jesus,

to self we then must die.

fpn 1/85

Photo Credit: Screen image of Gethsemane by Adam Abram