Though I Was Born an Orphan

In his article on Orphan Sunday, Russ Moore, author of Adopted for Life, suggested that "for some of your worship leaders, [Orphan Sunday] might be a time to build up the body in song with some of the recent hymnody about orphan care and our adopted identity in Jesus.

That got me to thinking about hymns on orphan care and adoption. So, I wrote one yesterday.

I'm sure that David and I will edit it some and perhaps give it a new tune. But, for now, here is the first draft, singable to Aurelia, the traditional tune of "The Church's One Foundation."

UPDATE: David has completed a new tune, now available here.

Though I Was Born an Orphan
© 2009 ReformedPraise

Though I was born an orphan,
Abandoned and alone,
Enslaved and bound in darkness,
Without a hope or home,
The God of grace and mercy
From his eternal throne
Ordained to be my Father
And claim me as His own.

That I might be adopted
The Father sent his Son
To live in full obedience
And die for what I’ve done.
Now through his resurrection,
Through faith, with him I’m one.
A member of his household,
I am an heir, a son.

To soothe my fear and worry
The Spirit from on high
Was sent to be a witness
That “Father!” I might cry.
O How I love this Father!
I’m never left alone.
He’s come to dwell within me
Until he calls me home.

Since I have this adoption,
I cannot close my home
To widows and to orphans,
Abandoned and alone.
Lord, fill me with compassion
To love the fatherless,
That I might show the nations
How great my Father is!