Beloved of God (A Blessing for Ben)

INTRO — SPOKEN OVER SOFT ORGAN Concerning Benjamin, Moses said: He is the beloved of God, living in safety beside Him. God surrounds him with loving care, and keeps him from every harm. Deuteronomy thirty-three, verse twelve. VERSE 1 — WARM LEAD, PIANO AND ORGAN Ben, beloved of the Lord God, Named the son of His right hand, Spoken over by the prophet At the border of the land. Not by strength and not by merit, But by mercy you were known; You were held before you knew it, You were never yours alone. PRE-CHORUS — VOICES RISING In the morning, in the evening, In the shadow, in the sun, He surrounds you, He is keeping, Till the day is done. CHORUS — CHOIR ENTERS Beloved of God, you live in safety, Close beside Him all the day long. He surrounds you with His loving care, Keeps you from all harm and makes you strong. Ben, Benjamin, son of His right hand, Kept by grace and in His love you stand. VERSE 2 — TALKING DRUM ENTERS SOFTLY When the road is long and narrow, When the night is cold and deep, He who never slumbers watches; He who loves you will not sleep. Every year a page of mercy, Every step a gift of grace, From the ridge where you were rooted To this wide and distant place. PRE-CHORUS In the morning, in the evening, In the shadow, in the sun, He surrounds you, He is keeping, Till the day is done. CHORUS — FULLER Beloved of God, you live in safety, Close beside Him all the day long. He surrounds you with His loving care, Keeps you from all harm and makes you strong. Ben, Benjamin, son of His right hand, Kept by grace and in His love you stand. BRIDGE — QUIET, PRAYERFUL, ORGAN AND VOICE Not the strong arm of the mighty, Not the wisdom of the wise, But the Shepherd's arms surround you Till you see Him with your eyes. Underneath, the arms eternal; Over you, His wings of peace; Of His covenant and kindness There shall never be release. KEY LIFT — BRASS, DRUMS AND FULL CHOIR FINAL CHORUS — TRIUMPHANT, FIRST PERSON Beloved of God, I live in safety, Close beside Him all the day long. He surrounds me with His loving care, Keeps me from all harm and makes me strong. Ben, Benjamin, son of His right hand, Kept by grace and in His love I stand. OUTRO — CHOIR SOFTLY, ORGAN Loving care… all the day long… Safe beside Him, kept from harm. SPOKEN — WHISPERED BENEDICTION Beloved of God, safe beside Him, surrounded by His loving care. Amen. END