So there's a story behind this song.
It was my second year running the First Communion rehearsal, and it was still a disaster. I mean, the kids were darling and sweet, but as I was trying to teach them the proper way to receive our Lord, I sounded like a very confused square dance caller.
"First you step in to the aisle and walk forward. Wait! Hold your hands prayerfully! We're not in line for McDonald's! Okay, now we prepare our hands (or our tongue).. Now you receive and you make a Sign of the Cross. What? Oh! Don't forget to BOW!"
It didn't get much better from there. As I was driving home, I thought of how much more I wanted these children to remember WHO they are receiving versus thinking only about HOW to receive. I pulled in the driveway in the dark and had my head down, but I could see the Mary statue in the front of our garage.
Mary, is there some way I can simply teach these gestures so that the focus is your Son? Help me to get out of the way!
The next thing I knew I started singing this song... "I walk in a line with my hands in prayer..." It must have been her special desire to answer this prayer for how quickly the song came to mind. I was able to teach the song to the children the next night!
Since a friend recorded me singing it and put it on YouTube, I've had requests from places as close as Missouri and as far away as Japan and South Africa find me and ask for the song. A friend has helped me with the music. I am providing it here. My only request is that if you use it, you leave a comment as to where you are from! It's fun to see how far good news travels!
God Bless,
Mandie DeVries, Level III Catechist and All Saints Parish DRE
p.s. By the way--if your parish or children in your parish receive on the tongue, you can change the words to: "I walk in a line with my hands in prayer, bow to my Lord who is present there."
p.p.s. If you would like a .pdf, please let me know and I'll send it to you! Thanks!
Here is a video of the children singing it!
