Simply singing a song doesn’t do anything if we do not know what we are singing. This is the truth expressed by Paul in I Cor. 14:15: “What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” Christians sing but with a deep understanding and appreciation for the words being expressed. I must encourage you to think about what we are singing. Not just about these newer songs we are doing, but about all the songs we sing. Do you understand what an Ebenezer is and why we are raising it (cf. O Thou Fount of Every Blessing)? 

Verse 1: Teach me, Lord, to wait right down on my knees; Till in Your own good time You answer my pleas. Teach me not to rely on what others do; But to wait in pray’r for an answer from You.

Verse 2: Teach me, Lord, to wait while hearts are aflame. Let me humble my pride and call on Your name. Keep my faith renewed, my eyes on You. Let me be on this earth what You want me to be. 

Chorus: Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint. Teach me, Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.

— Stuart Hamblen, 1953, renewed in 1981 by Hamblen Music Co.

The concept comes from Isaiah 40:31: “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” 

Think about this in the context of exile and hope of God’s faithfulness and future restoration. Israel needed to wait on Him and stay the course. They must remember to find their strength in Him and His word/promises. If they would they would take flight, they would run without getting tired, they would walk and not fall short. The promises to Israel all typify and foreshadow the promises to the Christian. 

Thus, we speak to God in a prayer set to music. Every line is cut with precision by blending music and lyric with rich theological truths. We are asking Him, “Teach me, Lord, to wait right down on my knees” (this prayer is addressed to Him in humility; i.e., on bended knees). “Til in your own good time You answer my pleas” (trusting Him to answer our prayers). “Teach me not to rely on what others do; but to wait in prayer for an answer from you” (asking Him to help us remember to rely on Him and Him alone). 

“Teach me, Lord, to wait while hearts are aflame” (asking Him to help us be patient even when passions are stirring us). “Let me humble my pride and call on Your name” (asking Him to help us be humble and seek Him and His ways [maybe the fiery hearts is a nod to arrogance as well]). “Keep my faith renewed, my eyes on You. Let me be on this earth what You want me to be” (faith being emboldened and becoming what He wants). 

The chorus shifts the petition to the anticipation of response and expresses confidence in Him (Isaiah’s point). Remember one of the purposes of singing, we are admonishing one another in song (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Listen to what your brethren are telling you in this chorus: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength” (brethren are saying, if you’ll wait on Him you will not lack strength). “They shall mount up with wings like eagles” (brethren are saying, if you’ll wait on Him you will fly). “They shall They shall run and not be weary; They shall walk and not faint” (brethren are saying, if you’ll wait on Him you will not grow tired nor will will you fall). With every line your brethren are encouraging you to stay the course. 

Yes, my dear brethren, may we humbly cry out to the gracious God for help.  

“Teach me, Lord, teach me Lord, to wait.”