1986 - This is one of the worship songs I came up with that stuck around a little longer than most of the others. Cindy Pierson (now Tresser) always said it was her favorite and would ask me to play it on many occasions. It was a worship song that came straight out Psalm 80; one I had marked with a square around the verse number during my quiet time and later put to music. Listening to it now it sounds a bit cliché since all four lines of the chorus rhyme! Hummm, maybe it would adapt well for a RAP song; haha! By this time I was feeling more confident with adapting bible lyrics into worship songs. Mark Crafford had this dream that we had a full band playing to a large public crowd,and we were playing worship music and the Holy Spirit was falling on unsaved people as we played. We always hoped and prayed this would become a reality, but so far nothing close has happened. Who knows what the future holds though. Meanwhile at Foothills, we moved out of the old Cal Lutheran School and back to the San Carlos Recreation center. All the stage and sound equipment along with the folding chairs had to be set up before service every Sunday morning. It was a big job and required a lot of commitment from the core group and worship leaders. Some of the main players back then were Larry McNamer, Robert Becker, Tim & Tammy Cook, Mark Crafford, Steve & Diane Dahlen, Kim & Renee Garner. I remember the guy with the keys would have to open for us and many times he would be late and we’d all be there waiting to set up.That was the year I saw a mini-van for the first time and after Chelsea was born (in1988), we decided it would be the vehicle of choice for us. Johnny Cordoza had borrowed one and let us take it for a ride and we were sold! A couple years later we finally got one. It had the room of a van but drove like a car. But now I’m getting ahead of myself aren’t I? Here are the lyrics:
SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL
Words & Music by Reggie Michaud © 1986
Give ear O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead your people
You who are enthroned above the cherubim
Lord stir up your power, and free us from the enemy
Restore us with Your weaponry and let Your face be shown
To us: who kneel at Your throne,
We long to come home
Let Your love be known
To us: who kneel at Your throne,
We long to come home
Let Your love be known
Give ear O Shepherd of Israel, Turn away from anger
Lead us out of danger into the promised land
Lord stir up compassion upon Your heavenly citizens
Who serve Your Son with diligence
So cause Your face to shine
Upon us: who kneel at Your throne,
We long to come home
Let Your love be known
To us: who kneel at Your throne,
We long to come home
Let Your love be known
And we will be saved
And we will be saved
By the blood of the Lamb
And we will be saved
By the blood of the Lamb