Gently Raise the Sacred Strain

FOR NEARLY A CENTURY, the weekly broadcast of Music & the Spoken Word has begun with five words, sung by The Tabernacle Choir. Those five words serve as a prelude to each week’s program—as the Choir and Orchestra prepare to offer their talents, their hearts, and their faith to the world.

The words are “Gently raise the sacred strain.” The verse—though not sung by the Choir—continues:

For the Sabbath’s come again,That man may rest,And return his thanks to God… For his blessings to the blest.

As I’ve listened to those words—“Gently raise the sacred strain”—week after week, I’ve increasingly come to appreciate their meaning, both literal and symbolic.

Of course, a strain, musically speaking, is a short melody or musical phrase. But the word strain can also mean pressure, a burden, or something difficult to bear.

And so, each week as those words are sung, I’ve felt that not only are the Choir and Orchestra striving to gently offer a sacred melody to heaven, but their music also invites each of us to quietly lift our own burdens and strains to heaven, asking God to help us, to lift us, and to strengthen us.

We all carry strains of one kind or another, or even multiple ones. Some are burdened by sickness, loneliness, or despair. Others carry worry for loved ones at the crossroads of important decisions. And still others feel the heavy strains of anxiety or depression.

Regardless of the strains that weary us, as we faithfully raise our burdens to God and seek His help, we can feel His power and find rest. As the psalmist said, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.”1

In the United States, Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember those who gave their lives in service for their country. In their sacrifice, we recognize another kind of sacred strain—one borne for the blessing of others—and we honor these courageous people with quiet gratitude.

The strains we offer to heaven—whether sung out loud in praise or voiced silently from our hearts—are sacred to God. He knows us. He sustains us. And He loves us. In Him we find rest.

Psalm 55:22