I said,“Let me remember my song in the night;
let me meditate in my heart.”
Then my spirit made a diligent search…
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
I will ponder all your work,
and meditate on your mighty deeds. -Psalm 77:6&11-12
“Songs in the Night” is a name/phrase that I’ve used over the years for worship in the night hours. The very first prayer/worship vigil that I ever led was called by that name, and it kind of stuck. I’ve been thinking about that again after leading worship at the Alliance of Renewal Churches’ midwest gathering. We led a time of soaking worship in the Word, and (as always) my wife and I enjoyed it – as long as we’ve known each other, we’ve worshipped and sang together, and we enjoy times of spontaneous worship, meditating on the Word, and lingering in the presence (that’s actually how we met). Recently, after the kids went to bed, we sat down in front of microphones and the computer and pushed record. It was our own little Songs in the Night. Singing an old Hymn (I Need Thee Every Hour), we spent time meditating on Psalm 46. We’re going to do it more often…
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Psalm 46:1-3