One of our familiar Easter hymns has an interesting history. The African American spiritual “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?” dates back to the early 1800’s. In the days of slavery in America at that time few could read. This spiritual conveyed the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, event by event.
A powerful emotional message was conveyed, also. This soulful song was a parallel story for those suffering through the tragedy of slavery.
In a church service the song leader or preacher would sing out the first line and the congregation would follow. The original hymn features more verses than are currently published in our hymnal. The sequence follows:
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble.
Were you there when they nailed him to the cross?
Were you there when the sun refused to shine?
Were you there when they laid him in the tomb?
Were you there when they rolled the stone away?
Did you know he has risen from the dead?
Sometimes I want to shout, “Glory, glory, glory.”
Were you there when they crucified my Lord.
As we read and sing these poignant words today, may we again experience the wonder and sorrow and promise felt by the slaves 200 years ago.
Prayer: Lord, be with us as we hear and experience the music of the Lenten season. Amen.
Diane K. Bert
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