When it rolled to the third track, my brain did a mental halt. It was a song that I've loved since high school, but had somehow forgotten about it. Not just had I forgotten about the song, I forgot what the lyrics held. The life changing prayer wrapped up in the song.
If you have the time, I'd encourage you to take a couple minutes and listen to World's Apart by Jars of Clay.
The part that strikes my soul every time is the end of the song. I mean, really pay attention to what this prayer us saying. The challenge, the call, the desire of this is absolutely amazing.
I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
and wipe away the crimson stains
and dull the nails that still remain
More and more I need you now,
I owe you more each passing hour
the battle between grace and pride
I gave up not so long ago
So steal my heart and take the pain
and wash the feet and cleanse my pride
take the selfish, take the weak,
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
the sin-soaked heart and make it yours
take my world all apart
take it now, take it now
and serve the ones that I despise
speak the words I can't deny
watch the world I used to love
fall to dust and thrown away
I look beyond the empty cross
forgetting what my life has cost
so wipe away the crimson stains
and dull the nails that still remain
so steal my heart and take the pain
take the selfish, take the weak
and all the things I cannot hide
take the beauty, take my tears
take my world apart, take my world apart
I pray, I pray, I pray
take my world apart
Could there be any more beautiful, challenging, life changing prayer? What would our lives be like if we were to wake up and pray this every day? If we were really willing to allow Him to take our world apart and rebuild it with His? I know that my hearts desire is for Him to take my world apart and make it fresh, new, abundant with His desires, plans, and love.
This is not any easy way to live. However, it is the way He calls us to live. We cannot do this without Him, His love, and His support. So what better way to refocus is there?
This song is what...16 years old? 17? And I still listen to it weekly. I never grow tired of it. love it. need to pray this relentlessly.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing it today, friend!
It released in '95, I didn't get familiar with it until the past 8 years. Ha. Little late on that pick up. I think i could listen to this song on loop forever and never get sick of it.
ReplyDeleteOver the last two years God has rebuilt my world...and I wouldn't have it any other way. {Although I am quite worn out! lol}
ReplyDelete[...] One Else Knows-A dearly loved song that helps ease my insecurities every time I hear them Worlds Apart-A song that challenges into the depths of my soul each and every listen Still Haven’t Found [...]
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