Ancient Words Ever True

Lyrics by Lynn Deshazo

Verse 1

Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
O let the ancient words impart
Words of life words of hope
Give us strength help us cope
In this world where’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home
Chorus
Ancient words ever true
Changing me changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart
Verse 2
Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
O heed the faithful words of Christ
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
O let the ancient words impart

Chorus
Ancient words ever true
Changing me changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart

Verse 3
Martyr’s blood stains each page
They have died for this faith
Hear them cry through the years
Heed these words and hold them dear
Chorus
Ancient words ever true
Changing me changing you
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart
Misc 1
We have come with open hearts
O let the ancient words impart
O let the ancient words impart
This lovely modern hymn was written by Lynn Deshazo although many people have attributed it to Michael W Smith it was actually written by this lady and popularised by Michael W Smith since the 2003 Dove Awards where Michael W. Smith’s album, “Worship Again,” won Praise and Worship Album of the Year. One of the songs featured on that album was “Ancient Words,” written by Lynn DeShazo.

Lynn DeShazo is therefore a well known author of some of the Church’s most loved worship songs, many of which have been featured on the live praise and worship recordings produced by Integrity Music.

Lynn is best known for such songs as “More Precious Than Silver,” “Lead Me to the Rock,” “Turn My Heart,” “Be Magnified,” “Be Unto Your Name,” “Stand Up and Give Him the Praise,” “In Your Presence, O God,” and “Ancient Words.”

Her songs have been performed by a diverse and distinguished group of worship leaders and vocalists that have graced the popular Integrity’s Hosanna! Music series from its inception. They include Leanne Albrecht, Rita Baloche, LaMar Boschman, Scott Wesley Brown, Travis Cottrell, Brian Doerksen, the Women of Faith worship team, Bob Fitts, Kent Henry, Graham Kendrick, Robin Mark, Don Moen, Marty Nystrom, Ross Parsley, Randy Rothwell, Paul Wilbur, and Kelly Willard. Her songs have also found their way onto countless other worship recordings, including independent productions as well as the works of artists such as Fred Hammond, Kim Hill, Israel Houghton, Michael Neale, Michael W. Smith and John Tesh.

Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, DeShazo is a graduate of Auburn University and the Christian Life School of Theology. Lynn has lived in Birmingham nearly all her life. DeShazo plays the guitar and considers her music education more “hands on” than traditional. In her book “More Precious Than Silver: The God-Stories Behind the Songs of Lynn DeShazo” (WinePress, 2010); Lynn writes “I always had an interest in music and songs; I started playing guitar and played favorite songs by ear. I eventually learned worship songs and then began writing my own. [Being a church worship leader] became a natural overflow of my spiritual growth and involvement in local churches.”Lynn DeShazo has written over 350 songs in a career spanning over 30 years and has written exclusively for Integrity Music since 1989.

Lynn has been involved in ministry on the local church level for over thirty years as a worship leader, a songwriter, and a teacher. Her songs have been sung in worship throughout the Body of Christ since the early 1980’s, and she was an exclusive songwriter for Integrity Media for twenty-two years. Apart from writing songs, Lynn has also produced ten of her own music recordings to date and a book, More Precious Than Silver: The God Stories Behind the Songs of Lynn DeShazo.

The story behind the song Ancient Words.

One blogger Mitzi had the privilege of spending a week with Lynn at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference as she led them in worship.  WOW!  So moved by her overflowing heart of worship, Mitzi immediately bought her newest book and cd to find out more about her.

Lynn was gracious enough to take some time to answer a few questions as well.  Here’s what she had to say to Mitzi:

What’s it like to hear your songs being sung in a crowd of God’s people?

The best! I honestly never get tired of that experience. I write primarily for congregational singing, so if a roomful of people can sing one of my songs together in worship to God, that is the ultimate mark of success for me.

 Give us a brief retelling of the story behind the song, “Ancient Words.”

I have a couple of songs that were written because the idea was so compelling to me, it wouldn’t go away. “Ancient Words” is one of those songs. As I state in the chapter on “Ancient Words” from my book:

The longer I walk with the Lord, the more love and appreciation I have for the Bible and for those whom God has used throughout the ages to make it available to me. I suppose that was the true impetus for my writing  “Ancient Words.”

And I also really wanted to treat it as a contemporary hymn, so that’s how the music took shape.

My claim-to-fame song is actually “More Precious Than Silver.”  It’s still the one song of mine that people are most likely to know. But I think “Ancient Words” will surpass it, given enough time.  Michael W. Smith recorded that song on his “Worship Again” CD, and it really launched the song in a big way. It’s probably the best “bridge builder” I’ve ever written. People from all types of churches love that song because they love the Scriptures so much. “Ancient Words” has already made it to the pages of several hymn book editions by various publishers.

What message would you send to our readers as they struggle to find balance between seeking God’s intimacy while fulfilling the demands around us?

No one is harder on us that we are on ourselves. Give it up! “God is humble,” to quote Mother Teresa.  No one is more open to us, more welcoming, more loving, or more forgiving than our Father in heaven.  Don’t beat yourself up about it, just “call home” as often as you can! I don’t think any of us will ever get the balance completely right this side of heaven.

Well, what a heart blessing it is for all of us to have Lynn’s songs now imbedded in our brains and in our hearts. It is a glorious way to draw closer and praise our God. Thanks to Lynn, and also Mitzi for highlighting her in her blog http://marymeetsmartha.com). For more information on Lynn Deshazo please visit her website and blog@ www.lynndeshazo.com.