The Prayer Connection

Edwin Hawkins’ funk style arrangement of the hymn "Oh, Happy Day" has a long pedigree: It began as a hymn written in the mid-18th century ("O happy day, that fixed my choice") by English clergyman Philip Doddridge (based on Acts 8:35) set to an earlier melody (1704) by J. A. Freylinghausen. By the mid-19th century it had been given a new melody by Edward F. Rimbault, who also added a chorus, and was commonly used for baptismal or confirmation ceremonies in the UK and USA. The 20th century saw its adaptation from 3/4 to 4/4 time and this new arrangement by Hawkins, which contains only the repeated Rimbault refrain(all of the original verses being omitted).

The Edwin Hawkins SingersThe Edwin Hawkins Singers began as The Northern California State Youth Choir of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. and was founded in 1967 by Hawkins and Betty Watson. Members were aged 17–25. As was common in gospel circles they produced and distributed their own LP:



I know Sister Act II is not known as a Christian movie, however this song, as it starts out, is much like us. Often when we speak of what Christ has done we are timid UNTIL we actually feel and believe what He did for us all. As you watch the video see the uncertainity and fear, yes, a portion is due to performance anxiety but anxiety is often what prevents us from "singing" the Good News out loud and clear. As we become more comfortable and more sure of ourselves then we become the force with which this young man sings.

My prayer for us all is to have the boldness and confidence to sing out loud and clear the Good News. I want heaven to have so many people that Satan is left with less than a handful of souls. Because souls are what it is all about. If you would like help overcoming your fears of approaching others there are several great books on this...one that I like is Sharing Jesus Without Fear. You may also contact me at the email address to the left.

Dear Lord,
We come to You a broken vessel but You the Potter mold us and shape us into new and whole vessels. Thank you for the love You show each of us and may we bring You joy. You are the Father who shows no favoritism but love each of us the same. We all have different ministeries in which to serve You and the Kingdom. Give us the boldness to serve You and to proclaim the Good News.

We ask that You put others, who do not know You, into our paths. Help us to share You with them with enthusiasim and without fear.

In Jesus' Sweet Name We Pray,

Amen