The church calendar celebrates only three birthdays, those of Jesus (December 25), Mary, his mother (September 8) and John the Baptist whose feast is today (June 24). Luke’s gospel tells us that Jesus and John shared a relationship even while in utero: Jesus, in Mary’s womb and John in Elizabeth’s womb. John is called the Forerunner because he announced the coming of Jesus when the Lord began his public ministry.
Today’s Pause for Prayer includes a song first, followed by a prayer drawn directly from the song’s lyrics – so, please be sure listen to the music first – and then maybe again afterwards!.
It was John the Baptist, Prophet of God
It was John the Baptist (Oooh)
John the Baptist
Was a prophet of God Almighty in old Judea
John the Baptist was preparing a way for Jesus
It was John the Baptist
Was a prophet of God Almighty in old Judea
John the Baptist was preparing a way for Jesus
John lived simple and he lived the truth (Lord, make me like John)
He did just what he came to do (Lord, make me like John)
He told everybody about Jesus coming (baptized him in the river Jordan)
Oh John the Baptist was a prophet of God Almighty in old Judea
John the Baptist was preparing a way for Jesus
It was John (prophet of God) It was John
He was willing to sacrifice (Lord make me like John)
Was even willing to give his life (Lord make me like John)
In the meantime the Lord preached up a storm
That’s the way the faith was born
It was John the Baptist
Was a prophet of God Almighty in old Judea
John the Baptist
Was preparing a way for Jesus
It was John the prophet of God (prophet of God)
Lord give me that strength and give me courage
(Lord make me like John)
Make me your faithful worthy servant
Lord make me like John
Oh help me to walk to pave the way
Into somebody’s heart today
Just like John the Baptist
Was a prophet of God Almighty in old Judea
John the Baptist
Was preparing a way for Jesus
It was John the Baptist
Was a prophet of God Almighty in old Judea
John the Baptist
Was preparing a way for Jesus
It was John the Baptist
It was John the Baptist
It was John the prophet of God
Today’s Prayer
John prepared the way for you,
he lived a simple life in truth,
he did what he was called to do:
Lord, make me like John the Baptist!
He told everyone of your coming, Lord,
and the good news you came proclaim,
help me prepare the way for you:
Lord, make me like John the Baptist!
John was willing to sacrifice, Lord,
to spend and lay down his life for you:
Lord, make me like John the Baptist!
Give me the strength and courage, Lord,
of a worthy and faithful servant:
Lord, make me like John the Baptist!
As John prepared the road for your coming,
so help me, Lord, to pave your way
into somebody’s heart today:
Lord, make me like John the Baptist!
