Here's one from the 1996 Covenant Hymnal, a gentle praise song by Robert Stromberg (b. 1952), played on the Lester.

"He's Ever Over Me"

It is based on Psalm 121. If you want to sing along to the piano, the lyrics are:

I will lift my eyes to the hills and their Creator who made all heaven and earth.
For he watches over me, will not sleep, no never slumber, he's ever over me.
As I come and I go, I am safe for I know that his care is sufficient for me.
Winter warmth and light, and a shady place in summer, he's ever over me.

Hope you enjoy it!
--Andy

This is gorgeous, Andy, thanks for sharing! You have a beautiful touch, I really enjoy listening to you. Perfect for a Sunday morning . I'm not familiar with this song, but I just sang a different setting of this same Psalm in church this morning.

Lovely playing as always, Andy. This is not a hymn I've heard before.

The Lester sure knows how to sing !!

VERY NICE !!!!

Thanks, carey! I think I'll keep him.

Chris, I've been playing through this hymnal for a while, and I keep finding gems. First of all, the singing tradition in what was the Swedish Covenant Church is a strong one. Lilting harmonious hymns abound in the old hymnals (the brown one, then the green one, and even the one I grew up with, the red one). I think people complained when the red one came out in 1973, because when the blue one came out in 1996, a number of the old Swedish favorites from the green one reappeared. But so did a number of brand new ones that are tucked in amongst heirloom Swedish favorites and traditional Protestant war horses and Episopal high church pageant pieces. This is one of the "new" little gems. (Actually, I guess now you could call the hit an "oldie" from the 90s! ) If you like church music and getting lost in the hymnal every now and again, The Covenant Hymnal: A Worshipbook is definitely worth having in your collection. Tons of nice stuff in there.

LadyChen--isn't it interesting how the spirit moves?

Absolutely lovely, Andy. So simple and basic... yet very moving.

I am always amazed at how true the "less is more" rule in music is. Yours is just a very wonderful, yet incredibly simple melody.

Can't wait to hear more.

I love it Andy!

Thanks for sharing with us your beautiful music making! (yes, it IS music making, since YOU are recording it).

Reminds me of Billy Joel (of course Billy is much younger... Just thought of mentioning it).

Thanks, Nikolas!

Billy Joel? Hmmmm. Yes. I can hear that! Billy Joel and Bob Stromberg grew up in the same pop era.

Thank you, Michael! I'm pleased to oblige. I found this gem in the blue Covenant hymnal this morning, and recorded it with my little Tascam DP-004, so this is not dressed up or under my fingers with any finesse, but I was so struck with the melody that I had to put it down to share with some similarly-minded friends here at PW.

"How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds"

Music by Chris A. Bowater, (1947-), arr. by Noel Tredinnick, (1949-), copyright 1976. Db maj. The words, if you want them, are by John Newton, (1725-1807) and are equally as lovely as the melody and arrangement, imho. I'd be happy to type them out for a subsequent post in this thread, if there's any interest. Or, PM.

--Andy