I Knew a Preacher Once

I knew a Preacher once
Who was called of the Lord
To stand in a pulpit
And open up the Word

I knew a Preacher once
Who said, “Thus says the Lord.”
His passion was singular
And his allegiance to only One

I knew a Preacher once
Who studied relentlessly the Book
Holy Spirit fire in his eyes
When to the Sacred Task he took

I knew a Preacher once
Who taught his children at home
To cast all hope upon Christ
And from His pierced side never to roam

I knew a Preacher once
Who never coddled sin
But preached Christ crucified
The only hope of men

I knew a Preacher once
Betrayed by so-called friends
Because to Scripture alone
His heart and life would bend

I knew a Preacher once
Whose anointing grew with age
No jokes or worldly eloquence
Just simple speech of God’s sage

I knew a Preacher once
Who sought no fortune or fame
If only I could hear him again
Herald Jesus’ holy name

I knew a Preacher once
But O, I dare not be sad
For the blessing was all mine
To call the Preacher, Dad.

When my day finally comes
To fly to my heavenly home
The Preacher and I will sing praise
To our God, the Three-in-One!

And may those I leave behind say
I knew a Preacher
Once . . .

*Dedicated to my hero and still my favorite Preacher:
Don Wilson McWhorter

June 16, 1946 – September 13, 2017

by Keith McWhorter