Outstretched Arms

Outstretched arms over outstretched lands Seas repelled by thorny hands Rocks that curve, emerge from soil Or bring forth water with little toil Outstretched arms over outstretched lands Barren with dry desert sands Where the plants all crooked grow With the drought their deadly foe Outstretched arms over outstretched lands By the grace of God they stand Through trials and temptations thrive And persevere, remain alive Outstretched arms over outstretched lands Praises come from thorny hands In eccentric, stark terrain Telling of the Lord God's reign This is the jazz of open roads Of tourist traps and rock formations Present, past, and new creation And surprising invitations To sing hosannas, joyful odes To the Lord who in us abides Who renews our hearts and minds Frees from bondage, glorifies Making all things harmonize In the song of our salvation Who redeems the whole creation And receives its adoration Unforeseen songs from unforeseen places