Encouraging saints around the world since 1991 !!

Our background MIDI is "How Awesome Is This Place",
written by Ralph Merrifield,
arranged by Richard Garber (from North Carolina),
modified by Elton Smith (from Texas)

Of the 1300 songs the Lord has entrusted to me over 30 years,
I consider this one of the best...

This song is now included in the Cyber Hymnal !
Songs Of Praise also has a new page highlighting this chorus.

"While browsing looking for midi files... I found the
song you wrote "HOW AWESOME IS THIS PLACE".
What a BLESSING.   I sat and worshipped the Lord for some time
just listening to your midi.  It is a truly anointed song."
(Claudette, from Alabama)

In December 2000, Gerrit Gustafson was kind enough to review
"How Precious Is Your Love"  and suggested several useful modifications
to the melody and chords.  He also gave me encouraging feedback on
this song, "How Awesome Is This Place", and "Now Our God".

Several web sites now use this song as a background MIDI.  Thank you!

The Easter service was really great; 
we sang "Hallelujah, Jesus is Lord", "Center Of My Soul" 
and  "How Awesome Is This Place"...

I have been telling everybody about how I happened to find your site 
and the lovely music one can find there for all situations in life.  

Your songs have helped us to be united with the Lord in a very special way.
(Pamela, from India)

Translated into Afrikaans by
Liz Van Heerden, from South Africa
Afrikaans translation

Also translated into Shona by
Jones  from Zimbabwe  
Shona translation

NEW!!!   Translated into Português (Brasil) by 
Daniel Borges, from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Português (Brasil) translation

HOW AWESOME IS THIS PLACE
Being overwhelmed in God's presence
(based on Genesis 28:12-17)

D
I see angels ascending, descending
          Em7
on a stairway from heaven to earth.
             A7
At the top stands the Lord, God of Abr’ham.
            D
He is mighty.

           D                                                 Em7
How awesome is this place, dear Father.
          A7                                      D
How beautiful the house of God.
             Bm7                                    Em7
You're present at the gate of heaven,
                                                 A7
it is good to be near. It is good to be here.
                                                           D
How awesome is this place, oh Lord

           D
I feel blessings ascending, descending
              Em7
on the hearts and the prayers of the saints.
                         A7
Through this fellowship, sweet, comes His pleasure.
           D
He is lovely !  (chorus)

               D
To the Ancient of Days be the honor.
            Em7
He is worthy alone to be praised.
                A7
We will sing through the ages in Glory
                    D
" You are holy !! "  (chorus 2x)

Copyright 2001, Ralph Merrifield  (written 10/3/00)
New Hope Music, PO Box 1612, Westboro MA 01581

"Nice tune...  I noticed in the words a lot of ascending and descending of angels and wrote that effect into the string line.  The song sweetly sings of praise and how lovely is His dwelling place so I tried to create a heavenly feel.   The strings also were used to create a Debussy 'without time' subtlety, while the percussion instruments contradict this by keeping the flow of time orderly.   I used an instrument for the melody, which to me, evokes a melancholy mood.   Heaven to me, speaks of wonderful things to come, yet here we are, waiting for His return.

What I like most about my arrangement is the feeling of serenity.   Just like in the movie, 'Somewhere In Time', the celestial sounding strings give that feeling of tranquility and peace.   I believe that not only for Biblical reasons we'll find ourselves on our knees sobbing profusely, but for also the nightmare of this life tainted by sin, will be a fading memory.   Imagine being before Our Lord, knowing there is no more sickness, no more pain, no more dying. Surely, this will be an awesome place!"

visits since 7/20/04