Responsive Reading: Opening Affirmation

Opening Affirmation 

Suggested Uses: 
Lent ● In conjunction with a Psalm reading, such as Psalm 23, 27, 32, 40, 80, 121, or 130, as examples  ●  Black History Month ● Funeral ● In coordination with a choral arrangement or congregational hymn use of When The Storms of Life Are Raging (STAND BY ME).


LEADER:  When the world is tossing me
          ALL: like a ship upon the sea, 
LEADER:  The One who rules the wind and water
          ALL: will stand by me.

LEADER:  When the hosts of sin assail, 
          ALL: and my strength begins to fail,
LEADER:  The One who never lost a battle
          ALL: will stand by me.

LEADER:  When my life becomes a burden,
          ALL: and I’m nearing chilly Jordan,
LEADER:  The Lily of the Valley
          ALL: will stand by me.


Credits: Adapted by Kenneth Athon (adaptation © 2010) from When The Storms of Life Are Raging (STAND BY ME) composed by Charles A. Tindley, 1856-1933, African-American preacher and hymnwriter.

Additional Information: When The Storms of Life Are Raging (STAND BY ME) composed by Charles A. Tindley, appears in some United Methodist hymnals and has been recorded by various artists including Elvis Presley.

Lectionary References: Various Sundays after Epiphany and several Sundays in Lent, Year A (2011).

Tags: Affirmation, Tindley, When The Storms of Life Are Raging, STAND BY ME, Lent, Black History Month, Psalm 23, courage, endurance, perserverance.

Comments: Offer your suggestions for using this worship element, or report when / how you used this in worship.