Lyrics 

In response to your requests, we are pleased to provide the lyrics to the following Steve Reeves Christian Ballads for your review and reading pleasure.

NOTE: Words and music by Steve Reeves. Copyright 2005/2006/2007, Steve Reeves (Manna Records). All songs are protected by US and international copyright law.  Use of these lyrics in part or whole, in any form, without specific, written permission, is prohibited. To request permission to use any portion of this creative property, contact the author/composer at: stevereevesmusic@aol.com. To read the stories behind the songs, visit our 'Stories' page.

“HE IS THERE”

“GALILEE”

From the edge of the crowd,

He strained to see,

Squinting at the late morn’ sun,

There was a man at the center of this mob he knew,

But was it Him?  Was this the One?

He had traveled a long, hard hundred miles,

Dusty desert, burning sand,

All to be near the one in the stories he’d heard,

Maybe touch those healing hands

So now he gathered his tattered clothes around,

That the others might not see,

And with his head held low, pushed into the crowd

There on the shore of Galilee

But just as he neared the clearing where,

The kindly teacher stood,

A man nearby saw the sores on his face,

And tore back the leper’s hood

Ashamed, confused and frightened,

He turned to run away,

But over the crowd’s chastisement,

He heard a voice behind him say …

My child you look so weary,

Let me give you rest,

It’s time to shed those burdens,

And every pain confess

I know of all your troubles,

Each one to me release,

Come close, let me give to you,

Healing, love and peace

He stood frozen for a moment there,

Not knowing what to do,

But one look back at the Master’s face

And the truth came flooding through

And though they cried “Unclean!”

And spat and jeered,

They cleared the leper’s way,

And as he flew into the Master’s arms,

The sores began to fade away

And though he’d long ago stopped crying,

Now the tears began to come,

For it wasn’t just the leprosy

But his heart that Christ had won

And as the crowd there pushed in closer,

A leper’s miracle to see,

He looked into the Savior’s eyes,

And found the strength to speak …

Oh, Master, I’m so weary,

So thirsty for your rest,

I cannot bear these burdens,

Though I have tried my best

You’ve known my every trouble,

Delivered me from this disease,

Pray thee Master, give to me,

Your healing, love and peace

All my life, I’ve searched for this,

Your healing, love and peace

“HOLD THEM CLOSE”

Seems like yesterday,

Little ones at play,

Carousels and nursery rhymes,

They went so fast, those special times

Then came homework books,

And those longing looks,

Young romance and grown-up dreams,

They’re suddenly adults, it seems

So full of love & pride, we gather here today

To celebrate a milestone, to turn to Him and pray

Lord here, in the faces of our children,

In the smiles we love the most,

Are the hopes for their tomorrows,

For each of them, we pray

Hold them close,

Through life’s joy & pain & struggle,

Hold them close,

Teach them love and strength & peace

As each tomorrow dawns,

May each of them count on,

The armor of our faith, the radiance of your love,

And the promise that we’ll soon be going home

True companions these,

Full of life and tease,

With love enough to light their way,

And joyous hearts, they come today

To start a life anew,

Always including You,

We wish for them each dream come true,

And your blessings, Lord, their whole lives through

So full of love & pride, we gather here today,

To celebrate their marriage, to turn to You and pray

Lord here, in the faces of our children,

In the smiles we love the most,

Are the hopes for their tomorrows,

For each of them, we pray

Hold them close,

Through life’s joy & pain & struggle,

Hold them close,

Teach them love and strength & peace

As each tomorrow dawns,

May each of them count on,

The armor of our faith, the radiance of your love,

And the promise that we’ll soon be going home

Lord, hold them close

“IT’S THE ONE”  

She sat beside my old piano,

Gentle hand there on my knee,

She said, “Steve sing me that old hymn

The one I love … sing it for me”.

And I said, “Granny … which one is it?”
She has so much praise in her soul,

And she hummed a bar or two and said,

 “It’s like me … it’s very old”

“It’s the one that lifts my soul up every time I hear the tune,

The one that makes me feel my Savior’s right here in the room

It’s the words and soaring melody that fill the hollows of my days

It’s the one that brings me back to Him always”

So I played on through a few bars,

Of the hymns I’d heard her sing,

And she smiled, enjoying memories

Those sweet old songs can bring.

And I asked my precious Granny,

“Have I sung this one before?”

And she looked away and nodded,

Then she said to me once more …

“It’s the one that lifts my soul up every time I hear the tune,

It’s the one that makes me feel my Savior’s right here in the room

It’s the words and soaring melody that heal the sorrows of my years

It’s the one that calms my pain and stills my fears”

Do you ever find that music

is a salve upon the soul?

Like rain on steaming pavement,

Like food in famined hands?

Do you have a favorite hymn

That lets you let go of this world?

A tune and lyrics, though man-made

Reconnect you with God’s plan?

Just as I’d thought we’d never find it,

She squeezed my knee, her eyes lit up,

“It’s the one about tomorrow”, she said,

“‘Bout the Savior and His love”

“When they sing it in our church you see

The others who are old like me,

They seem to find their hope,

It really helps us cope …”

Because He lives

I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives,

All fear is gone,

Because I know,

He holds the future,

Oh, life is worth the living,

Just because He lives!

That’s the one that lifts her soul up every time she hears the tune,

The one that makes her feel her Savior’s right there in the room

It’s the words and soaring melody that heal the sorrows of her days

It’s the one that calms her pain,

It’s the one that stills her fears,

It’s the one that brings her back to Him always …

(“Because He Lives” by William & Gloria Gaither)

“’TIS NOT THIS SHIP”

Another port, unlike the rest,

I gave my all, I stood the test

Time to cast off, old anchors weighed,

Here comes the dawn, decisions made

‘Tis not this ship, withstands the gale,

‘Tis heaven-sent winds, that fill her sails,

And when at last the trumpet sounds,

The waters calm, the harbor found,

‘Tis not this ship

Now off the stern, this isle grows small,

And o’er the bow, the seas so tall,

And all ahead is not yet clear,

The storms may come, but I’ll not fear

‘Tis not this ship, withstands the gale,

‘Tis heaven-sent winds, that fill her sails,

And when at last the trumpet sounds,

The waters calm, the harbor found,

‘Tis not this ship

Oh Lord, when the rushing seas,

Prove just too much for me,

I will come to you.

There in my darkest hour,

I’ll call on your great power,

And kneel to you!

For though these tempests rage,

You’ve promised we are saved,

Lashed to that promise true,

I will endure … through You

‘Tis not this ship, withstands the gale,

‘Tis heaven-sent winds, that fill her sails,

And when at last the trumpet sounds,

The waters calm, the harbor found,

‘Tis not this ship

“THE BEST OF US” (Stu’s Song)

Here, Lord, we give you the best of us,

Please, Lord, draw him close,

Love him well

For he, Lord, is so missed by the rest of us,

Such loss, only each heart can tell

He showed your love to us all, Lord

Taught your word, loved your law, Lord,

Brought us close to the light

And he was a friend without measure,

Humble teacher, church treasure,

Cheerful witness and guide,

He loved you, Lord

Now, Lord, in a world less without him,

To our lives, his example still tells,

That soon, Lord, with our brother we’ll share again,

That bright story, he told often and well

Yes, he showed your love to us all, Lord,

Taught your word, loved your law, Lord,

Brought us close to the light

And he, matchless friend, kindly preacher,

Father, husband, peacekeeper,

Full of hope, love and cheer

Loved you, Lord

“SOFT, SURE VOICE”

The headlines read & the newsman said

“Another war has begun in the east”,

They tore the towers down, and all around town

Business failures increased

And on the home front, it’s harder than ever

to make those tight ends meet,

I don’t know about you, friend,

To me it feels like the end,

In this crazy world, it's sometimes hard

To keep our eyes on Him ... but there’s a ...

Soft, sure voice

Calling through the darkness,

The voice of Jesus

Promising He’s near

Yes, a soft, sure voice,

Heard above this madness,

And before we know it,

Jesus will be here

On the tube today, a preacher hollered away,

“800” numbers flashed on the screen,

As the dollars poured in, he declared with a grin,

Folks, we’re going to build us a dream!

A crystal palace, with chandeliers,

And pews of emerald green!

I don’t know about you friend,

To me, it feels like the end,

With all of this glitter, isn’t harder

To keep our eyes on Him? ... and hear that ...

Soft, sure voice

Calling through the darkness,

The voice of Jesus

Promising He’s near

Yes, a soft, sure voice,

Heard above this madness,

And before we know it,

Jesus will be here

Once in awhile, I hear someone ask,

When do you think the prophecies will come to pass?

For the Bible, you know, speaks of famine & plague,

The end of the world, the lost & the saved

Well brothers & sisters let’s open our eyes,

Look around, we’ll be surprised to see

Where we are, and who we are, today

So take a moment, here and now ... to hear that ...

Soft, sure voice

Calling through the darkness,

The voice of Jesus

Promising He’s near

Yes, a soft, sure voice,

Heard above this madness,

And before we know it

Jesus will be here

“REUNION DAY”

I have felt the keys of this piano,

Many times before,

When I walked as we all did this morning,

Through that chapel door

I have sung the hymns and read the lines,

Heard the preacher’s message clear,

And this morning as each time before,

I have felt the Savior near

Can’t you feel Him here around us now?

Just as sure as He has been there always?

Wherever we go, whatever we may do,

He has promised to be near us,

Just a simple prayer away from me and you

There’s a warm familiar feeling,

As I’m walking through these halls,

There are memories in the faces in

The photos on the walls

And in the lives of each old friend I see,

There’s a story being told,

Of how Jesus cares for you and me,

As we turn from young to old

Can’t you feel Him here around us now?

Just as sure as He has been there always?

Wherever we go, whatever we may do,

He has promised to be near us,

Just a simple prayer away from me and you

There are times that I spend thinking back,

On how easy life was here,

Oh, don’t you wonder at the swiftness of

The passing of the years?

And as each of us return today,

To remember times gone past,

Don’t you long for that reunion day

That will last and last and last?

Can’t you feel Him here around us now?

Just as sure as He has been there always?

Wherever we go, whatever we may do,

He has promised to be near us,

Just a simple prayer away from me and you.

Just a simple prayer away from me and you …

“GUITAR ON PIANO”

I play guitar on piano,

Words are easy with music by ear,

And if I’ve a ballad to fill hollow hearts,

I’ve made good use of my time here

I play guitar on piano,

And I write the simplest of songs,

‘Bout the chapters of life,

My kids and sweet wife,

No wonder they tend to run long

Oh, and Billy and Elton,

And Barry and Neil,

Your stories in music

For me rang so real

You inspired a young boy,

Through all that went wrong,

To share moments, and music

and memories in song

So I play guitar on piano,

Can’t read notes, but I’ll show you my heart,

For the Lord who made music,

Put music in me,

And I’m trying to just sing my part

And I wish I’d not listened

To those who sewed doubt,

Said a boy without training

Should never sing out

For the good Lord has given us

All gifts to use,

And imagine, without them,

What this world would lose!

So I play guitar on piano,

I pray the music and message are clear

And if I’ve a ballad to fill hollow hearts,

I’ve made good use of my time here.

Yes … I play guitar on piano …

Lyrics from "Road To Nineva"

“I Will Sing”

How could it be, Lord,

That You would choose me, Lord,

Unworthy & broken,

To sing of Your love?

But I’ve heard your voice calling,
And though doubt wells inside me,

I know I’m saved by the promise,

You’d have me sing of …

So I will cast away the worries

of a dark and stormy world,

I will turn my eyes toward Jesus

And His light …

I will sing to You in darkness, Lord,

I will sing right through the storm,

I will sing to those You send me to,

‘Til every heart is warmed,

And though I may not feel I’m able

And I may have doubts and fears,

For as long as You will give me voice,

Oh I will praise you Lord in song …

For all my years

I’m so humbled You see, Lord

In someone simple as me, Lord

This unremarkable sinner,

One to lift up Your name

Oh, let the music & stories,

You have put here inside me,

Let them glorify You, Lord

Your love to proclaim!

And I will cast away the worries

of a dark and stormy world,

I will turn my eyes toward Jesus

And His light …

I will sing to You in darkness, Lord,

I will sing right through the storm,

I will sing to those You send me to,

‘Til every heart is warmed,

And though I may not feel I’m able

And I may have doubts and fears,

For as long as You will give me voice,

Oh I will praise you Lord in song …

For all my years

In quiet moments with you, Lord,

On my knees you have heard me,

Pray for strength to accomplish,

Your will for my life,

Through the voices close ‘round me,

And the Spirit’s sweet presence,

You’ve called this one so unlikely,

To bring this music to life …

So I will cast away the worries

of a dark and stormy world,

I will turn my eyes toward Jesus

And His light …

I will sing to You in darkness, Lord,

I will sing right through the storm,

I will sing to those You send me to,

‘Til every heart is warmed,

And though I may not feel I’m able

And I may have doubts and fears,

For as long as You will give me voice,

Oh I will praise you Lord in song …

For all my years

“A Prayer For Aiden”

Our God reached down, and touched their love,

Made this sweet child, gift from above …

When he was born, I held him close,

And found a granddad’s love … a granddad’s love,

We’ve watched him grow for just a little while,

He’s got his mama’s eyes and his daddy’s smile

We thought our hearts were full, before he came to be

Grandpa, now I know, why you so loved on me …

And Lord we lift him up, to you today

With hearts full of joy, please hear us pray …

For Your blessings full, his health and happiness,

That he will know Your love, Lord,

That he will know Your Love …

In a troubled world, child of my child,

You may always trust, in the Savior’s smile,

We may let you down, from time to time,

But He will never fail you, grandson of mine

As we gather round, you here today,

We lift you to the One, Who will light your way,

The best thing we’ll do, in all your days,

Is trust you to Jesus, and raise you in his ways

So Lord we lift him up, to you today

With hearts full of joy, please hear us pray …

For Your blessings full, his health and happiness,

That he will know Your love, Lord,

oh let him know Your Love

With hearts full of joy, please hear us pray …

That he will know your love, Lord,

Let Aiden know your love …

“Bearers Of The Promise”

When I think of all the times I have hurt you,

And try to measure just how hard my heart has been,

And I remember even when I would desert you,

You’d welcome me with open arms again … mighty friend …

And in the darkest hours of my life, you’d be there,

To light the gloom and put hope back in this heart,

And with the Spirit’s gentle giving, you taught me to care,

To see that my life has a purpose, to help me understand my part

He’s given me a song to sing,

Not just words & melody, but hope for all eternity,

Though unworthy I’ve been made the bearer of,

The promise of our Savior’s perfect love …

It seemed cold and dark and hopeless there in prison,

And the chains that bound him cut into his flesh,

But he clung to a great faith that Christ had risen,

And that he need do was claim the Master’s righteousness,

And not far away a group of friends knelt praying,

They fasted and sang praises through the night,

And in the morning guards found Peter’s chains there laying,

Where another son of the promise had been set free by heaven’s light!

He’d given them a song to sing,

Not just words & melody, but hope for all eternity,

Though unworthy they’d been made the bearer of,

The promise of our Savior’s perfect love …

You know today’s not just another Sabbath morning,

But a brand new chance for all the faithful here,

To lift up heart and voice, to reaffirm our choice,

To claim His promise, and make our love for Jesus clear …

And as in ancient times He’s promised He will listen,

And guide us through the pain this world puts in our way,

And when our troubles seem the worst, and for worldly things we thirst,

If we listen very closely, He’ll draw near to us and say …

I’ve given you a song to sing,

Not just words & melody, but hope for all eternity,

I gave my life … to make you worthy of,

The promise of a Savior’s perfect love

“ShiningThrough”

Lord in my heart I feel,

The weight of pain and fear,

And though I love you Lord,

My worries still seem near

Come into my heart, sweet Jesus,

I will trust everything to You,

Lord make me a light in the darkness,

So your love can come shining through,

Your love will come shining through

Lord I can’t count the times,

That I have fallen short,

You are my only hope,

My anchor strong and sure!

I give you my life, sweet Jesus,

I will trust everything to You,

Lord make me a light in the darkness,

So your love can come shining through (me)

(So that) Your love will come shining through

Lord bless our worship here,

Please hear my our humble prayer,

Make us your witnesses,

Fill us with love and care

We give you this church, sweet Jesus,

And we will trust everything to You,

Lord make us a light in the darkness,

So your love can come shining through

Your love will come shining through (us)

So that your love can come shining through

Your love will come shining through …

The Way That My Love Prays

As a boy I sang the hymns,

In the church of my youth

And I found my Savior there

In those songs …

As a young man I would find Him

In the scriptures late at night

With His parables and promises

So strong …

And lately, Lord, I’ve found you,

In unexpected ways,

Like the peace and inspiration,

In the way … that my love prays …

Sometimes I’ll sit and watch her,

As she’s talkin’ to you Lord,

And I can feel my heart grow open,

As I listen to her words …

Oh I’m so grateful for

The blessings of my days,

But especially, Lord …

For the way … that my love prays

It’s so easy midst life’s troubles,

To forget Who’s in control,

To despair and let my faith,

Just fall away …

But the healer of hearts knew,

Long before I came to be,

That in the life of this unworthy one,

He’d put a shining light, named Lee …

For it seems when I am lowest,

And sometimes try to lose my way,

He brings me home just in the reverent love,

In the way … that my love prays

Sometimes I’ll sit and listen,

As she’s talking to you Lord,

And I feel the Spirit’s presence,

As you’ve promised in your word …   

Oh I’m so grateful for,

The blessings of our days,

And especially, Lord …

For the way … that my love prays …

It’s like the weight of the world is lifted,

And a childlike peace falls o’r her radiant face,

Oh Lord, you’ve made so many wonders,

But I find myself amazed …

At just-how-much I love the way,

That my love prays

“The Ballad Of Miss Lilly”

Every Sabbath morning,

At the sanctuary door,

Miss Lilly gave out bulletins and hugs,

And sometimes more …

And to us kids, she’d always say,

I’m so glad that you’re here today,

And do you know that Jesus love you,

In such a special way?

Embarrassed we would nod and smile,

And wonder inside all the while,

What filled Miss Lilly’s heart with joy,

Amid her many trials

You see her family’d left her all alone,

There was no money now,

Just a one-room home,

And her health was not at all what it should be

Yet each new day we’d find her,

Never looking back behind her,

But bringing love and hope,

To others all alone …

Miss Lilly made our church and all of us,

Her family and her home.

And she wore,

One of two tattered dresses,

And unlike me and you,

And all our stresses,

She would never seem sad,

And what little she had,

Was always enough …

Then there came a sunny morning,

Last Sabbath in July,

I came to church to find Lilly gone,

And I asked the pastor why,

Well he knelt down and, smiling, said,

“Son, don’t worry ‘bout a thing…”

“This morning you’re gonna get a special treat,

Oh Yeah, you’re gonna hear Miss Lilly sing!”

And she looked so small,

As she stood behind that podium,

I heard her whisper,

“Lord I sing this in Your name”

And like her sweet, lilting voice,

That filled the hollows of our hearts,

I’ll never forget the words Miss Lilly sang …

Like the woman at the well, I was seeking,

For things that could not satisfy,

And then, I heard my Savior speaking,

Draw from my well, which never shall run dry,

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord,

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul,

Bread of heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more,

Fill my cup, fill it up, and make me whole.

There in the congregation,

Sweet reverence filled the air,

Seemed even little babies wouldn’t cry …

And for those of us who’d wondered,

‘bout the love that she had shared,

Miss Lilly’s song had begun to teach us why …

She wore …

One of two tattered dresses,

And unlike me and you,

And all our stresses,

She would never seem sad,

And what little she had,

Was always enough …

And she sang …

There are millions in the world,

Who are craving,

The pleasures earthly things afford,

But none can match the wondrous treasure,

That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord!

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord,

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul

Bread of heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more,

Fill my cup, fill it up, and make me whole

Not for a single moment,

Through the whole of Lilly’s song,

Did this boy’s eyes stray from her radiant face,

And I listened with my heart and soul,

Even tried to sing along,

As she turned toward me,

And sang the final phrase …

So my children,

If the things this world gave you,

Leave hungers that won’t pass away,

My precious Lord will come and save you,

If you kneel to Him and humbly pray …

Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord,

Come and quench this thirsting of my soul

Bread of heaven, feed me ‘til I want no more,

Fill my cup, fill it up, and make me whole

“Miracles Still Happen”

The story’s a long one,

Full of twists and turns,

Of life’s sweet pleasures,

And pain so hard it burns.

But my life’s been a strong one,

Full yet incomplete,

Now in these precious moments,

I find destiny so sweet!

Miracles still happen,

Dreams do come true,

I can feel this love alive,

As I’m standing here with you …

For all of our tomorrows,

I will treasure today,

It still feels too good to be true,

The miracle of me … here with you …

I close my eyes,

And try to look into a new forever,

It’s no surprise,

That life is full and new when we’re together.

And no words can impart,

The love in this full heart,

For today, He has made,

A dream come true!

Miracles still happen,

Dreams do come true,

I can feel His love alive,

As I’m standing here with you.

For all of our tomorrows,

I will treasure today,

It still feels too good to be true,

The miracle of me, here with you …

“The Master’s Arms”

One less smile among us,

One more empty seat,

Beloved voice, silent now,

Leaves us with but memories sweet …

But consider this my friend,

The moment that life here ends,

The next thing we’ll see,

Is Christ in glory,

And all our lost family and friends …

And while we’re here counting the hours,

Forget not the Savior’s power,

And though we’ll have tears,

Through all of our years,

Our loved one lies in the embrace,

Of the Master’s arms …

In our minds, pictures turning,

Aching hearts still holding on,

Too many tomorrows,

Will find us yearning,

To hold her again, in these lonely arms …

But consider this my friend,

The moment that life here ends,

The next thing we’ll see,

Is Christ in glory,

And all our lost family and friends …

And while we’re here counting the hours,

Forget not the Savior’s power,

And though we’ll have tears,

Through all of our years,

Our loved one lies in the embrace,

Of the Master’s arms …

Oh, my friend, I see you hurting,

And all hearts here, weep with you,

But I beg you, brother,

Look beyond life’s curtain,

To our Savior’s promise shining through!

But consider this my friend,

The moment that life here ends,

The next thing we’ll see,

Is Christ in glory,

And all our lost family and friends …

And while we’re here counting the hours,

Forget not the Savior’s power,

And though we’ll have tears,

Through all of our years,

Our loved one lies in the embrace,

Of the Master’s arms …

“At Last”

Lord, I am weary of this sorrow,

And my fear of each tomorrow,

Send your hope I pray …

Blinding pain down deep inside me,

Oh Lord, I need you here to guide me,

Won’t you light the way …

When I feel that I have lost the will to live …

(Oh, Lord I’ll come to you …)

Have my soul and person nothing left to give?

(I’ll trust my life to you …)

I will gather up the weighty burdens,

Pain and sorrow of my past

And humbly lay them,

At my Savior’s feet,

At last …

Lord, I want to so much to trust you

Show me now just what I must do

Won’t you send me strength …

For when my path is of my choosing

Then my course becomes confusing

Oh give me greater faith …

When I feel that I have lost the will to live …

Have my soul and person nothing left to give?

I will gather up the weighty burdens,

Pain and sorrow of my past

And humbly lay them,

At my Savior’s feet,

At last …

Yes, I will gather up these earthly burdens, pain & sorrow of my past …

And humbly lay them at my Savior’s feet …. At last

NOTE: Words and music by Steve Reeves. Copyright 2005/2006/2007, Steve Reeves (Manna Records). All songs are protected by US and international copyright law.  Use of these lyrics in part or whole, in any form, without specific, written permission, is prohibited.  To request permission to use any portion of this creative property, contact the author/composer at: stevereevesmusic@aol.com. To read the stories behind the songs, visit our 'Stories' page.