This project was a combination of the lesser known hymn text by H. R. Palmer and the well known melody of Rowland Prichard usually set to In Humility, Our Savior. The arrangement came about rather quickly and spontaneously. I had always wanted to do an arrangement of the music and when I couldn't find a good A Capella arrangement for my ward choir, this fell into place.
The hymn text is a wonderful, fervent prayer that often goes overlooked. The first two verses are a sincere appeal to the Almighty to help us better ourselves and receive His divine help and guidance despite the unending buffetings and enticements of Satan. Indeed, we can be ever encircled by His arms of safety and love (Alma 34: 16; 2 Ne 1:15).
The final verse is an affirmation of the quiet and simple faith that Christ is over all. When our hearts are broken by the struggles and trials of our earthy existence, He is there to heal us. One of my favorite scriptures is John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." In and through Christ, we too can overcome the world. This is a gospel of peace and security. He will calm the raging torrent and through the darkness of the storms and the billows we can hear the words, "Peace, be still" (Mark 4:39).
You will hear strings here because MIDI strings sound better than MIDI voices. Imagine a choir is singing.
1. Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
Thy sweet message now impart.
May thy Spirit, pure and fervid,
Enter ev'ry timid heart;
Carry there the swift conviction,
Turning back the sinful tide.
Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
May each soul in thee abide.
2. Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
We are weak but thou art strong;
In thy infinite compassion,
Stay the tide of sin and wrong.
Keep thy loving arms around us;
Keep us in the narrow way.
Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
Let us never from thee stray.
3. Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
Thou wilt bind the broken heart.
Let not sorrow overwhelm us;
Dry the bitter tears that start.
Curb the winds and calm the billows;
Bid the angry tempest cease.
Precious Savior, dear Redeemer,
Grant us everlasting peace.
