We had this version of Rock of Ages sung at our wedding almost 29 years ago. Now my husband and I have evacuated from War-torn Kyiv Ukraine and are in the midst of making some important decisions about our future. This song came to my mind and I was thrilled to find it on RUclips . Thank you! James sounds amazing and it was just what I needed to set my mind on Christ.
This version was my Grandpa's favorite. I remember so clearly singing it during his memorial service at The Covenant Presbyterian Church in St. Louis as I watcbed tears stream down the faces of my brothers. Not tears of stricken grief but in knowing the words of this beautiful hymn are true, both for us in this life and for my Grandpa in eternal life. James Ward has been a part of our lives since my parents were at Covenant College back when he had a rock band. I grew up on "Shout From The Highest Mountain", "Faitb Takes A Vision", "So His Honor". Our entire family, including my 2 day old brother, attended hia concert at Westminster Christian School the summer of 1982.
This rendition causes one to flee from works and plea for God's grace mercy. It draws one to the Rock to be hidden. It is petitionary throughout. Lyrics and melody are married perfectly and brings this wretched sinner to the knees every time. May the Lord be exalted in every way.
I miss my Grammy & Grampy - they always show us total unconditional love - God is like this - thankyou dear Abba Father!! Bless the Lord ! For songs that grip us !❤
Absolutely gorgeous!! I can't express it enough... I am a Covenant grad and am forever adoring of your faith, ministry and beautiful music by any standard. Thank you James..
James Ward led worship at the Montreat youth conference I attended almost 50 years ago. I was a teenager and through all these years still remember sitting in the auditorium being ministered to by his music. His singing of the Lords Prayer is one I turn to frequently. It is powerful, as is this hymn. Thank you James.
THE BEAUTY OF THIS ARRANGEMENT IS WONDERFUL! I CAN FEEL THE YEARNING TO BE FAITHFUL TO OUR LORD IN THE WORDS. As a Covenant grad I feel blessed to have had James Ward's music so much a part of my life back in the day.
I have loved this harmonization for years! The lyrics become much more introspective and meaningful with this flowing melody. I saw on your website that there are several sheetmusic options available for purchase. One of them is "Rock of Ages solo performance." Is that this particular performance? Or is it an arrangement for solo piano?
James Ward, I will never forget you. You performed at Miami Bible College in Miami, FL when I was there from 1971 to 1975. I can still here your music. I bought the book. Isaiah 53, and other fantastic songs. Is it possible to get a recording of some of those. The cover was black with a white drawing of you and your name. Wish I could remember more of the names of the songs. Love that album!! Love your ministry. It really touched me and that was almost 40 years ago. Thank you! In Jesus' Wonderful Name, Beth
You can tell that it is overdubbed if you watch closely, but it is really good. Most people won't notice. I noticed more due to the sound not fitting with environment.
I will never forget a young James Ward at our house in Hillside, NJ singing a song I boldly requested. His talent has gone from glory to glory! Thank you, James, for your ministry!
James, some artists, like fine wine, improve with age.. This rendition of your version of Rock of Ages confirms you are one of them. While you were great back in the day (with Linda and Dan etc.) you're even better now! THanks fo this dear brother!
"Snuck" away one weekend from Bob Jones University (way back in 1977-ish) to hear James Ward perform at Covenant College ~ his music has been a blessing ever since! Now married to a PCA pastor, I enjoy his music "openly"! LOL!
Hahaha, Bill Price! Somehow, I "pulled it off" with impunity. Further, I received an INCREDIBLE education at BJU whilst maintaining my (clandestine) "rebel" status! There were a few of us....
So fun! My parents left Covenant in the spring of 1976 or I bet they would have been at the same concert! Even still, I wonder if our paths crossed as I'm guessing your PCA husband likely attended Covenant Seminary....my Grandma worked there and we attended St Louis county PCA churches.
From the 70s to now, the Lord has used the gifts He has given James Ward to edify me and, as my son came home from a missions trip in Chattanooga several years ago I heard, "Hey mom, there was this guy who led worship! It was incredible and powerful!" God continues to use you! Thank you!
You are still blessing people with your music James Ward. I still have a copy of your vinyl album Mourning to Dancing from 1979. God Bless you. All the way from Australia.
@@jamesward95 I am an Aussie, so yes, I was in Australia in 1979-1980 but I don't recall you playing anywhere in our region at that time. I just found myself playing this song again today and noticed your comment. Sorry for a delayed response.
@@jamesward95 You showcased immediately after Faith and I at FCCM Covenant College in '78. We bought the first pressing of Mourning to Dancing on AD Records from you. It is still in rotation on our turntable and one of our favorites. Don Peters
Thanks James for this music I remember listening to your music in the 70s during the Jesus movement Ive been following Jesus ever since now with a family. NO Regrets!
I was a student at Chattanooga Christian School from 2000-2004 and was blessed to learn choral and jazz music under "Mr. Ward." I still have and listen to a recording of the CCS choral ensemble singing James Ward's choral arrangement of this. Having this on youtube is wonderful since I can better share it with others!
I love to know the history behind this song, and this one is awesome. Augustine was literally on the cleft of the rock They’re in a storm and wrote the song. ❤
James, I first heard this melody in maybe between '83-'85 at a family conference and loved the tune and how it adorned the text. But hearing this today, with you playing and singing makes me appreciate it even more. Love the quasi-jazz influence and your vocalization is wonderful. Simply wonderful and God honoring.
I don’t know if you’ll get this notification, but hello Mr. Malone! You brought this rendition to HBC and it became my favorite song as a young girl (Brittney Wilhite). I searched for it on the internet on and off for several years as a young adult to finally, and joyfully, find it about 6 years ago. I play it often and I’m thankful for your part in brining this song into my life. It was fun for me to see your name when I scrolled to the comments. Happy Easter weekend, Mr. Malone, and I hope you and the family are well :)
@@brittneybalbas4416 of course I certainly remember you and the great times we had together at HBC. I am well and blessed. May our God receive much praise this weekend. Happy Resurrection Day to you and your family.
This may be my favorite hymn. Truly anointed! Got to hear James Ward live in the 90's at his church when I was on a summer mission trip with our young people. He sounds as good as ever.
Mr. Ward, I have to say for one thing, hymn 500 red trinity hymnal is one of my favorite hymns. I also have to say that your singing of it, has been a personal blessing in my own life. I have not stopped playing it over and over, especially when struggle with my own sin and fickle nature. What a glorious Lord we serve. He is our "Rock" amidst the struggles of this life. Praise you Jesus for all you do and are doing in our lives.
First heard James at Asbury College, now University. I bought a cassette tape back and wore it out. Great to hear him again. The songs from that tape often play through my mind from time to time. Mr. Ward, keep bringin' it. Let it out there... It is great to hear this music, with such great content, again...
This video has been a source of continuing blessing, inspiration, meditation and worship for me for over a year, since it was first introduced to me by our Pastor.
James Ward, This song is so beautiful and it is such a blessing. I thank God for your music ministry and in every memory of you. Praise the Lord Jesus!
I came through this song in the church hymn book one day, tried it on the piano and loved it. This song gave me comfort in the midst of family moves and heartbreak, reminding me that God is with me as I weep. Thank you so much.
James. I remember that we were doing Camp Agape in Tennessee back in, oh, 1985, when you had just written this! I worked out guitar chords for it while there... still play it today. THE BEST arrangement of Rock of Ages I've ever heard. Thanks for blessing His Church, Brother! - Johnny
+Kelly Lilienthal Hi, Kelly. Becky and I are missionaries with Serge (formerly World Harvest Mission). Need your email to send the chord chart. Email me at: jlong@serge.org. Grace! Johnny Who? www.grace4life.org www.serge.org/staff/id-50116/
I have not recently been blessed with music as I was with this. The simple beauty and humility of this presentation has deeply moved my soul! Thank you James.
It's so great to see the older Jesus Music artists still plugging away after all these years.... still serving both Christ and the body. James' voice hasn't diminished one iota with his age.
I am blessed to be able to call. Jim friend. Our elan years, facing you facing me facing HIM. We're doing a Bible study. On first chorinthians." what does it mean to me" Is ringing in my heart.thank you jim; eddie?
I was driving to a distant commitment and my mind was sharpened to the road and the highway signs. Suddenly and abruptly my attention was lifted and shifted as this song filled my car interior. The hymn line 'be of sin the double cure - cleanse me from its guilt and power' - had a literal physiological affect on me. Pulling over, weeping from something deep within, I grew that day--deeply and closely to Christ. This has been my comfort and go-to-song now. Thanks for such a profound & beautiful message
Wow! This was a first for me! Never heard James Ward sing before. This is, without a doubt, the way this song should be sung and heard! I remember when we joined the PCA over twenty years ago and we sang this for the first time. I learned this song as a child from my mother and had sung it my whole life. But there is just something about this melody that opens up the words for me in a fresh way. I weep every time I sing or hear it. Dare I say that I think it is inspired by God? May God richly bless you, James, for your ministry to the body of Christ.
Some people just sing. James sings and ministers to your heart. Have heard him many, many times over the years starting at Covenant College, and his music never failed to stir my soul. Surely, we will hear him in Heaven as well!
The Christian James Taylor. Heard him first at Sterling College in the early eighties (Mourning to Dancing). Still have the vinyl. Beautiful music. Inspirational.
Thanks to Chris David for passing this hymn on to me! Marvelous, glorifying God alone, touching, just magnificent! Thank you Augustus Toplady and James Ward! We're going to sing this in services I'm going to lead, Lord willing!
I used the video with the lyrics, as a "watch and listen" moment, during the morning service at the Reformed Church (Liberated) in Bodegraven, The Netherlands, yesterday (Feb. 13, 2022). I love this version of Rock of Ages! It never fails to reach my deepest being. Thank You, Lord!
My customer at the barber shop in Atlanta ga ! Guy ! Said he knew u when u had hair ! He played me your video while I was cutting his hair ! He cried ❤it’s beautiful
OK! Thought I recognized the music. And yes, u did stay in the Lindberg room:) And u did suuuuuch an awesome job w/the youth of Paris for a Halloween event:) We(COL Painter and I, his wife, Nancy) are back now in France definitively. Let us know when u want to come back and perform somewhere:) We are located in Sanary sur Mer. Dan has now started a network of English speaking churches throughout Europe. There r now 14 in all kinds of places...mostly in France, but also Germany, Italy, UK, Romania, Czech and Istanbul.
Nancy, I would be thrilled to come back to France and other parts of the continent. My wife and I were on that trip when we played at the residence as well as my manager and his wife. I subsequently came back to Germany, Holland, and even played in Katawice, Poland in 1990. I'll pray for an opportunity to return.
[Verse 1] Rock of Ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself in Thee Let the Water and the Blood From Thy wounded side which flowed Be of sin the double cure Cleanse me from its guilt and pow'r [Verse 2] Not the labors of my hands Can fulfill Thy laws' demands Could my zeal no respite know Could my tears forever flow All for sin could not atone Thou must save and Thou alone [Verse 3] Nothing in my hand I bring Simply to Thy Cross I cling Naked come to Thee for dress Helpless I look to Thee for grace Foul I to the fountain fly Wash me Savior or I die [Verse 4] While I draw this fleeting breath When my eyelids close in death When I soar to worlds unknown And see Thee on Thy judgement throne [Outro] Rock of Ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself In Thee
Thank you for sharing this. I graduated from Covenant College in '93, and this was our class song. The truth of this song has lifted me to the throne of grace many times. I love this version of this wonderful hymn and heard James perform it live at New City Fellowship. It looks like that is where this video was filmed. Yes?
Thank you thank you thank you for posting this Greg! This melody of Rock of Ages really needs to get known a whole lot better than it is. There really aren't good recordings online of James Ward's music. Can you do "O For a Thousand" next? :)
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and power, Save me from its guilt and power. 2 Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All could never sin erase, Thou must save, and save by grace, Thou must save, and save by grace. 3 Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace: Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Savior, or I die, Wash me, Savior, or I die. 4 While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee, Let me hide myself in Thee.
Rock of ages cleft for me Let me hide myself in Thee Rock of ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself in Thee Let the water and the blood From thy riven side which flowed Oh, be of sin the double cure Cleanse me from its guilt and power Nothing in my hand I bring Simply to Thy cross I cling Nothin' in my hand I bring Simply to Thy cross I cling Naked, come to Thee for dress (come to Thee for dress) Helpless, look to Thee for grace (Oh, look to Thee for grace) Vile, I to the fountain fly Wash me, Savior, or I die Rock of ages (ooh, rock of ages) Cleft for me (cleft for me) Let me hide myself in Thee Rock of ages, cleft for me Let me hide myself in Thee (in Thee)
We had this version of Rock of Ages sung at our wedding almost 29 years ago. Now my husband and I have evacuated from War-torn Kyiv Ukraine and are in the midst of making some important decisions about our future. This song came to my mind and I was thrilled to find it on RUclips . Thank you! James sounds amazing and it was just what I needed to set my mind on Christ.
This version was my Grandpa's favorite. I remember so clearly singing it during his memorial service at The Covenant Presbyterian Church in St. Louis as I watcbed tears stream down the faces of my brothers. Not tears of stricken grief but in knowing the words of this beautiful hymn are true, both for us in this life and for my Grandpa in eternal life.
James Ward has been a part of our lives since my parents were at Covenant College back when he had a rock band. I grew up on "Shout From The Highest Mountain", "Faitb Takes A Vision", "So His Honor". Our entire family, including my 2 day old brother, attended hia concert at Westminster Christian School the summer of 1982.
This rendition causes one to flee from works and plea for God's grace mercy. It draws one to the Rock to be hidden. It is petitionary throughout. Lyrics and melody are married perfectly and brings this wretched sinner to the knees every time. May the Lord be exalted in every way.
I miss my Grammy & Grampy - they always show us total unconditional love - God is like this - thankyou dear Abba Father!!
Bless the Lord ! For songs that grip us !❤
James Ward, you brought me to tears with this video - Thank You for using your gifts for God's Kingdom
I love this melody to my favorite hymn! Thank you James Ward! Dec 11, 2023
I can't get through it without weeping. Thank you James Ward.
I understand and feel the same.. God's continuous blessings of favor and triumph to you.
I started to write the exact same words and looked down and saw you comment. So true.
Me too
And me!
Absolutely gorgeous!! I can't express it enough... I am a Covenant grad and am forever adoring of your faith, ministry and beautiful music by any standard. Thank you James..
Incredible ministry of music from a long time follower of Jesus.
James Ward led worship at the Montreat youth conference I attended almost 50 years ago. I was a teenager and through all these years still remember sitting in the auditorium being ministered to by his music. His singing of the Lords Prayer is one I turn to frequently. It is powerful, as is this hymn.
Thank you James.
Been listening to you since the 70's. In my humble opinion, this is your best version. Much love, a sister.
THE BEAUTY OF THIS ARRANGEMENT IS WONDERFUL! I CAN FEEL THE YEARNING TO BE FAITHFUL TO OUR LORD IN THE WORDS. As a Covenant grad I feel blessed to have had James Ward's music so much a part of my life back in the day.
What a wonderful version sung by such a beautiful voice. Never heard this version or voice before.
brings tears to my eyes every time!
Agreed!
So beautiful and true, brought tears to my eyes. Thank you, James Ward!
This will be the song, the only song, for my funeral. Thank you for this gift......
Sorry for the overdubbed performance, but with our limited technology, we needed a studio quality mix.
I have loved this harmonization for years! The lyrics become much more introspective and meaningful with this flowing melody. I saw on your website that there are several sheetmusic options available for purchase. One of them is "Rock of Ages solo performance." Is that this particular performance? Or is it an arrangement for solo piano?
James Ward, I will never forget you. You performed at Miami Bible College in Miami, FL when I was there from 1971 to 1975. I can still here your music. I bought the book. Isaiah 53, and other fantastic songs. Is it possible to get a recording of some of those. The cover was black with a white drawing of you and your name. Wish I could remember more of the names of the songs. Love that album!! Love your ministry. It really touched me and that was almost 40 years ago. Thank you! In Jesus' Wonderful Name, Beth
Beth Barnat Thanks, Beth! "James Ward Himself" is available in CD form at www.jameswardmusic.com. Order it there.
Sharla Mercado It is an arrangement for solo voice with piano.
You can tell that it is overdubbed if you watch closely, but it is really good. Most people won't notice. I noticed more due to the sound not fitting with environment.
I will never forget a young James Ward at our house in Hillside, NJ singing a song I boldly requested. His talent has gone from glory to glory! Thank you, James, for your ministry!
James, some artists, like fine wine, improve with age.. This rendition of your version of Rock of Ages confirms you are one of them. While you were great back in the day (with Linda and Dan etc.) you're even better now! THanks fo this dear brother!
"Snuck" away one weekend from Bob Jones University
(way back in 1977-ish) to hear James Ward perform at Covenant College ~ his music has been a blessing ever since! Now married to a PCA pastor, I enjoy his music "openly"! LOL!
Leslie Roush Haha, Leslie. What a weird world we live in.
Demerits! Demerits! Demerits! (from a fellow rebel, '84 grad)
Hahaha, Bill Price! Somehow, I "pulled it off" with impunity. Further, I received an INCREDIBLE education at BJU whilst maintaining my (clandestine) "rebel" status! There were a few of us....
So fun! My parents left Covenant in the spring of 1976 or I bet they would have been at the same concert! Even still, I wonder if our paths crossed as I'm guessing your PCA husband likely attended Covenant Seminary....my Grandma worked there and we attended St Louis county PCA churches.
From the 70s to now, the Lord has used the gifts He has given James Ward to edify me and, as my son came home from a missions trip in Chattanooga several years ago I heard, "Hey mom, there was this guy who led worship! It was incredible and powerful!" God continues to use you! Thank you!
My FAVORITE hymn and my FAVORITE version.
You are still blessing people with your music James Ward. I still have a copy of your vinyl album Mourning to Dancing from 1979. God Bless you. All the way from Australia.
Were you in Australia when I played there in 1979-80?
@@jamesward95 I am an Aussie, so yes, I was in Australia in 1979-1980 but I don't recall you playing anywhere in our region at that time. I just found myself playing this song again today and noticed your comment. Sorry for a delayed response.
@@jamesward95 You showcased immediately after Faith and I at FCCM Covenant College in '78. We bought the first pressing of Mourning to Dancing on AD Records from you. It is still in rotation on our turntable and one of our favorites. Don Peters
Thanks James for this music I remember listening to your music in the 70s during the Jesus movement Ive been following Jesus ever since now with a family. NO Regrets!
Wonderfully sophisticated and beautiful arrangement of a classic hymn that most everyone knows.
I was a student at Chattanooga Christian School from 2000-2004 and was blessed to learn choral and jazz music under "Mr. Ward." I still have and listen to a recording of the CCS choral ensemble singing James Ward's choral arrangement of this. Having this on youtube is wonderful since I can better share it with others!
+Brett Ables How are you Brett?! You played flute, didn't you?
I love to know the history behind this song, and this one is awesome. Augustine was literally on the cleft of the rock They’re in a storm and wrote the song. ❤
A terrific rendition of a wonderful reworking of a beloved hymn. This is a gift to the church. Thank you, James!!
Brings tears to my eyes every time I hear this song....beautiful!! I think his voice has gotten better with age.
Thank you so much! Jim Ward has never sounded better. This hymn is precious.
James, I first heard this melody in maybe between '83-'85 at a family conference and loved the tune and how it adorned the text. But hearing this today, with you playing and singing makes me appreciate it even more. Love the quasi-jazz influence and your vocalization is wonderful. Simply wonderful and God honoring.
I don’t know if you’ll get this notification, but hello Mr. Malone! You brought this rendition to HBC and it became my favorite song as a young girl (Brittney Wilhite). I searched for it on the internet on and off for several years as a young adult to finally, and joyfully, find it about 6 years ago. I play it often and I’m thankful for your part in brining this song into my life. It was fun for me to see your name when I scrolled to the comments. Happy Easter weekend, Mr. Malone, and I hope you and the family are well :)
@@brittneybalbas4416 of course I certainly remember you and the great times we had together at HBC. I am well and blessed. May our God receive much praise this weekend. Happy Resurrection Day to you and your family.
Wow. I saw James Ward do this 25 plus years ago at Perimeter Church. How wonderfully he sings still.
This may be my favorite hymn. Truly anointed! Got to hear James Ward live in the 90's at his church when I was on a summer mission trip with our young people. He sounds as good as ever.
Beautiful.
Amen.. Amen... My church sang this song this Sunday morning. I almost cry...
Thank for you James Ward aka James Ward Band. Resurrection totally changed my life. I truly thank you and love you guys. God bless you.
Absolutely love this version, my very favorite rendition of Rock of Ages. Thanks, James.
Miss you, Grandpa. ❤
He sings and plays so beautiful...it's great to have him as a friend...
Keep singing an playing James you are a blessing.
.
Mr. Ward,
I have to say for one thing, hymn 500 red trinity hymnal is one of my favorite hymns. I also have to say that your singing of it, has been a personal blessing in my own life. I have not stopped playing it over and over, especially when struggle with my own sin and fickle nature. What a glorious Lord we serve. He is our "Rock" amidst the struggles of this life. Praise you Jesus for all you do and are doing in our lives.
First heard James at Asbury College, now University. I bought a cassette tape back and wore it out. Great to hear him again. The songs from that tape often play through my mind from time to time. Mr. Ward, keep bringin' it. Let it out there... It is great to hear this music, with such great content, again...
Thanks. My favorite hymn from the Trinity Hymnal number 500.
Loved listening to James Ward as a high school student and still enjoy his wonderful music today. God speed...
Haven't heard this for a ton of years, Mr. Ward, but what a joy to hear it again!
This video has been a source of continuing blessing, inspiration, meditation and worship for me for over a year, since it was first introduced to me by our Pastor.
James Ward,
This song is so beautiful and it is such a blessing. I thank God for your music ministry and in every memory of you.
Praise the Lord Jesus!
I came through this song in the church hymn book one day, tried it on the piano and loved it. This song gave me comfort in the midst of family moves and heartbreak, reminding me that God is with me as I weep. Thank you so much.
James. I remember that we were doing Camp Agape in Tennessee back in, oh, 1985, when you had just written this! I worked out guitar chords for it while there... still play it today. THE BEST arrangement of Rock of Ages I've ever heard. Thanks for blessing His Church, Brother! - Johnny
Would you share the guitar chords? We'd love to do this version at church for worship but don't have a pianist.
+Kelly Lilienthal - Hi, Kelly. Yes, will try to get them diagrammed in the next day or so... are just "in my punkin' head" now! : ) - Johnny
+Kelly Lilienthal Hi, Kelly. Becky and I are missionaries with Serge (formerly World Harvest Mission). Need your email to send the chord chart. Email me at: jlong@serge.org.
Grace!
Johnny
Who?
www.grace4life.org
www.serge.org/staff/id-50116/
I come back again and again for this song. I love it, and thank you so much for making such great music! My old church sang this song a lot.
I have not recently been blessed with music as I was with this. The simple beauty and humility of this presentation has deeply moved my soul! Thank you James.
It's so great to see the older Jesus Music artists still plugging away after all these years.... still serving both Christ and the body.
James' voice hasn't diminished one iota with his age.
I am blessed to be able to call. Jim friend. Our elan years, facing you facing me facing HIM.
We're doing a Bible study.
On first chorinthians." what does it mean to me"
Is ringing in my heart.thank you jim; eddie?
I was driving to a distant commitment and my mind was sharpened to the road and the highway signs. Suddenly and abruptly my attention was lifted and shifted as this song filled my car interior. The hymn line 'be of sin the double cure - cleanse me from its guilt and power' - had a literal physiological affect on me. Pulling over, weeping from something deep within, I grew that day--deeply and closely to Christ. This has been my comfort and go-to-song now. Thanks for such a profound & beautiful message
Our church in Maryland still sings this version to this day.
this a soul man
Wow! This was a first for me! Never heard James Ward sing before. This is, without a doubt, the way this song should be sung and heard! I remember when we joined the PCA over twenty years ago and we sang this for the first time. I learned this song as a child from my mother and had sung it my whole life. But there is just something about this melody that opens up the words for me in a fresh way. I weep every time I sing or hear it. Dare I say that I think it is inspired by God? May God richly bless you, James, for your ministry to the body of Christ.
Augustus Toplady was a Reformed guy; they write the best hymns. God centered and grace filled.
Yes one of my fav musicians. Saw him start on college
Some people just sing. James sings and ministers to your heart. Have heard him many, many times over the years starting at Covenant College, and his music never failed to stir my soul. Surely, we will hear him in Heaven as well!
Bless the LORD all my soul! I thank GOD for you James. Simply beautiful..... THANK YOU...
The Christian James Taylor. Heard him first at Sterling College in the early eighties (Mourning to Dancing). Still have the vinyl. Beautiful music. Inspirational.
Thanks to Chris David for passing this hymn on to me! Marvelous, glorifying God alone, touching, just magnificent! Thank you Augustus Toplady and James Ward! We're going to sing this in services I'm going to lead, Lord willing!
I used the video with the lyrics, as a "watch and listen" moment, during the morning service at the Reformed Church (Liberated) in Bodegraven, The Netherlands, yesterday (Feb. 13, 2022). I love this version of Rock of Ages! It never fails to reach my deepest being. Thank You, Lord!
I have loved this rendition since hearing it first decades ago at Resurrection ministries in Gatlinburg with Holston Conference UMC Youth.
I'm so glad we included this in the (red) Trinity Hymnal. (Larry Roff, editor)
Lawrence Roff Yes, Larry, it proves that in this world, it's who you know!
This hymn and tune are slated for my funeral service, which of course I hope is a little ways off. I have no hope but the work of Christ on my behalf.
What a blessing!
Beautifully done, James.
James Ward is such a gifted artist and an old friend.
Love this so much. Still playing it :) Thank you for your gift!
My customer at the barber shop in Atlanta ga ! Guy ! Said he knew u when u had hair ! He played me your video while I was cutting his hair ! He cried ❤it’s beautiful
Wow, this is great! Good job Mr. Ward. Regards
Done so wonderfully!
Beautiful.
Classic! The 'anthem' of Christianity...that says it ALL! This rendition fills my eyes every time I hear it.
I love this arrangement and performance of Rock of Ages. It really encourages you to slow down and reflect on the gospel.
Wow! Amazing to a new tune.
Fabulous!!
So beautiful!
Beautiful song, beautifully sung. Well done.
OK! Thought I recognized the music. And yes, u did stay in the Lindberg room:) And u did suuuuuch an awesome job w/the youth of Paris for a Halloween event:) We(COL Painter and I, his wife, Nancy) are back now in France definitively. Let us know when u want to come back and perform somewhere:) We are located in Sanary sur Mer. Dan has now started a network of English speaking churches throughout Europe. There r now 14 in all kinds of places...mostly in France, but also Germany, Italy, UK, Romania, Czech and Istanbul.
Nancy, I would be thrilled to come back to France and other parts of the continent. My wife and I were on that trip when we played at the residence as well as my manager and his wife. I subsequently came back to Germany, Holland, and even played in Katawice, Poland in 1990. I'll pray for an opportunity to return.
Good to hear and see James...great voice as always
Beautiful!
Loveeeee
[Verse 1]
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Let the Water and the Blood
From Thy wounded side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Cleanse me from its guilt and pow'r
[Verse 2]
Not the labors of my hands
Can fulfill Thy laws' demands
Could my zeal no respite know
Could my tears forever flow
All for sin could not atone
Thou must save and Thou alone
[Verse 3]
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy Cross I cling
Naked come to Thee for dress
Helpless I look to Thee for grace
Foul I to the fountain fly
Wash me Savior or I die
[Verse 4]
While I draw this fleeting breath
When my eyelids close in death
When I soar to worlds unknown
And see Thee on Thy judgement throne
[Outro]
Rock of Ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself
In Thee
absolutely beautiful
I love this man
Absolutely beautiful!! I love this version, thank you.
Can I pray for you to come to Michigan, please???
Diane Vruwink-Carlson
Too good. Need to go on to glory!!!
This song says "Claudia Allender" to me. Will see her in Glory! I believe it should be the theme song of RiverOaks, Germantown, TN
Yes, Amy! Dear, precious Claudia Allender! Didn't know you were at RiverOaks. I miss many friends there! ECS '77
We have been away 20 years. Traveled & lived all over the country. Back in town to take care of parents. Love to you!
Beautiful as always
I had forgotten jus how good you were Jim.
This incredible and glorious
Thank you for sharing this. I graduated from Covenant College in '93, and this was our class song. The truth of this song has lifted me to the throne of grace many times. I love this version of this wonderful hymn and heard James perform it live at New City Fellowship. It looks like that is where this video was filmed. Yes?
Thank you. Love this
This "Rock of Ages" rendition retains the strength of the original version, but has such a warm and personal feel! Where can I find the music?
you still great 😀☺️☺️
Thank you thank you thank you for posting this Greg! This melody of Rock of Ages really needs to get known a whole lot better than it is. There really aren't good recordings online of James Ward's music. Can you do "O For a Thousand" next? :)
Amen:)!
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee;
Let the water and the blood,
From Thy riven side which flowed,
Be of sin the double cure,
Save me from its guilt and power,
Save me from its guilt and power.
2
Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All could never sin erase,
Thou must save, and save by grace,
Thou must save, and save by grace.
3
Nothing in my hands I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress,
Helpless, look to Thee for grace:
Foul, I to the fountain fly,
Wash me, Savior, or I die,
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
4
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyes shall close in death,
When I soar to worlds unknown,
See Thee on Thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee,
Let me hide myself in Thee.
James Ward are you from Alexandria Virginia by any chance where did you go to George Washington High School back in the early 60s
Not from Alexandria Virginia. I grew up in southern Illinois, and graduated from Norwin High School in Irwin, PA.
Rock of ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Let the water and the blood
From thy riven side which flowed
Oh, be of sin the double cure
Cleanse me from its guilt and power
Nothing in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Nothin' in my hand I bring
Simply to Thy cross I cling
Naked, come to Thee for dress (come to Thee for dress)
Helpless, look to Thee for grace
(Oh, look to Thee for grace)
Vile, I to the fountain fly
Wash me, Savior, or I die
Rock of ages (ooh, rock of ages)
Cleft for me (cleft for me)
Let me hide myself in Thee
Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee (in Thee)
Awesome job, sir. Why is there no funding for music in colleges and high schools?