Picture of Jesus
Portraits of Faith: Embracing Humanity's Trials
Lyrics
It hangs above my altar
It is displayed above the speaker's place of worship or reverence.
Like they hung him from a cross
Comparing the image to the crucifixion of Jesus.
I keep one in my wallet
The speaker carries a picture of Jesus with them.
For the times I feel lost
During moments of confusion or uncertainty, the picture serves as a guide.
I feel lost
Reiteration of feeling lost or directionless.
In a wooden frame with splinters
The picture is encased in a frame made of wood with sharp fragments.
Where my family kneels to pray
Where the family gathers to engage in religious or spiritual practices.
And if you listen close
Implies that the teachings of Jesus are subtly present in the atmosphere.
You'll hear the words he used to say
Hints at the echo of Jesus' teachings in the surroundings.
I've got a picture of Jesus
The speaker explicitly mentions having a picture of Jesus.
In his arms so many prayers rest
Depicts Jesus carrying many prayers in his arms, symbolizing care and compassion.
We've got a picture of Jesus
Pluralizes the possession of the picture, suggesting communal reverence.
And with him we shall be forever blessed
By being with Jesus, the speaker anticipates eternal blessings.
Forever blessed
Emphasizes the everlasting nature of the blessings.
Forever blessed
-Now it has been spoken
Referring to a prophecy or expectation of Jesus' return.
He would come again
An expectation of Jesus' second coming.
But would we recognize
Raises the question of whether people would recognize Jesus if he returned.
This king among men
Poses Jesus as an exceptional figure among humanity.
There was a man in our time
A reference to a contemporary figure embodying Jesus-like qualities.
His words shine bright like the sun
Highlighting the impactful words of this contemporary figure.
He tried to lift the masses
Describing the figure's attempt to uplift people but facing violence.
And was crucified by gun
Metaphorically equates the figure's fate to crucifixion, linking to Jesus' suffering.
He was a picture of Jesus
Portrays the contemporary figure as embodying Jesus' essence.
With him so many prayers rest
Similar to line 12, illustrating the contemporary figure carrying prayers.
He is a picture of Jesus
Reiterating the contemporary figure's likeness to Jesus.
In his arms so many prayers
Emphasizes the prayers resting with the contemporary figure.
So many prayers
-So many prayers rest
-With him we shall be forever blessed
Anticipating eternal blessings through association with the contemporary figure.
Forever blessed
-Forever blessed
-Some days have no beginning
Metaphorical reflection on the variability and challenges of life's journeys.
And some days have no end
-Some roads are straight and narrow
-And some roads only bend
-So let us say a prayer
An urging for prayers for all living beings, emphasizing compassion.
For every living thing
Describes the direction of movement towards divine illumination from Jesus' suffering.
Walking towards a light
Expresses the aspiration to emulate Jesus' compassionate nature.
From the cross of a king
-We long to be a picture of Jesus
The desire to embody Jesus' qualities and nature.
Of Jesus
-In his arms - In his arms so many prayers rest
Reiteration of Jesus carrying prayers, emphasizing their importance.
I long to be a picture of Jesus
The speaker's yearning to embody Jesus' image for eternal blessings.
With him we shall be forever blessed
Anticipating eternal blessings through association with Jesus' image.
With him we shall
-With him we shall be forever blessed
-Oh I long
Expresses a deep longing to emulate Jesus' qualities.
I've got a picture of Jesus
Mmhh
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