"As they prayed, I began to wonder how I could stop this wonderful prayer
meeting. I said, 'I sent word to the pastor letting him know what was
happening. He was waiting in the auditorium, wanting to start the service.
Finally, I was compelled to say to the choir, ‘We have to go. I hate to leave
this room, and I know you hate to leave, but you know we do have to go to the
service. But there is such a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place.'"
Doris Akers was born in Brookfield, Missouri on May 21,
1923. She was one of ten children born to Floyd and Pearl Akers, an interracial
marriage. They divorced and Pearl married John Lawson. Akers developed an
interest in music at an early age. By the age of six, she had taught herself to
play piano by ear. She wrote her first song, “Keep the Fire Burning in Me,” at
the age of ten and two years later organized a five-piece jazz band.
At the age of twenty-two she moved to Los Angeles and
encouraged a “thriving gospel music community.” In 1945 Akers moved to Los
Angeles where she met some of the important names in gospel music of that era,
including Sallie Martin, J. Earl Hines, and Eugene Douglas Smallwood. Soon
after arriving, she joined the Sallie Martin Singers as a pianist and singer,
formed the Akers Singers, and established her own publishing company, Akers
Music House.
In 1958, she started the Sky Pilot Choir, an integrated
choir, which was also featured on recordings, television shows, and radio
broadcasts across the country. Her fresh, modern arrangements of traditional
Negro spirituals drew large crowds from far and near and increased attendance
at the church dramatically.
The phrase, sweet, sweet spirit stayed with Akers after the
group ended and went to the service, and she wrote the song the next day. She
said: “Songwriters always have their ears open to a song. The song started
‘singing’ to me. I wanted to write it down but couldn’t. I thought the song
would be gone after the service. Following the dismissal, I went home. The next
morning, to my surprise, I heard the song again, so I went to the piano and
began to put it all down.”
In her song, she recognized the "spirit" in the
room as the "Spirit of the Lord." She could see in the "sweet
expressions" of the choir members that they also recognized the "presence
of the Lord." In the chorus of the song, she calls us back to the New
Testament where the Spirit of God descended like a dove, lighting upon Jesus at
His baptism (Matthew 3:16). She referred to him as "sweet Heavenly
Dove," asking Him to "stay right here with us, filling us with Your
love."
She was affectionately known as "Miss Gospel Music" because she was admired and respected by everyone in the music industry over the years. She had mastered every aspect of gospel music including vocals, keyboards, choir directing, arranging, composing and publishing. She had worked with many of the pioneers of the Golden Age of Gospel Music, had authored many standard gospel compositions, and she moved freely and successfully in all spheres of gospel music. Many of her compositions such as "Lead Me, Guide Me," "I Cannot Fail The Lord," "You Can't Beat God Giving," and "Sweet, Sweet Spirit," sold millions for other gospel artists and evangelists.
Akers wrote more than 300 hymns. During her lifetime she was
a recording artist, a music arranger and a director. Baptist hymnologist
William J. Reynolds noted that Akers' ability to capture the attention of a
congregation came through "just letting go and releasing the Spirit of
God." The Smithsonian Institute called this song by Doris Akers a "national
treasure."
Godsbless.ing: When we walk in unity with Christ, our lives become a living testimony of His transformative power and love. People are drawn to the authenticity and joy that radiate from a heart surrendered to Jesus, and the fragrance of Christ becomes evident through our interactions and relationships. We become vessels through which God’s love and truth are made known, leaving a lasting impression and bringing glory to His name as we share the good news of salvation and extend grace and mercy to others.
Christianitypath.com: The verse begins with “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,” indicating that the person speaking has been chosen and empowered by God. This is a profound declaration about divine appointment. The anointing mentioned is the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, which equips an individual to fulfill a specific purpose. In the context of this verse, it illustrates how God empowers us to serve others, share good news, and bring healing where it is needed.
Studylight.org, Coffman’s Commentaries on the Bible: Here indeed is the answer as to why the mountains skipped, the little hills frolicked like lambs, the Red Sea fled before Israel, and why the Jordan river at flood stage suddenly presented Israel with a dry-land crossing. It was all due to the presence of God. All nature obeys His voice. He spoke, and great wonders ensued.
Studylight.org, Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible: Walking in the light may include the three following things: Leading lives of holiness and purity; that is, the Christian must be characteristically a holy man, a light in the world, by his example; Walking in the truth; that is, embracing the truth in opposition to all error of paganism and infidelity, and having clear, spiritual views of truth, such as the unrenewed never have; Enjoying the comforts of religion; that is, having the joy which religion is fitted to impart, and which it does impart to its true friends . . . As He is in the light - In the same kind of light that He has. The measure of light which we may have is not the same in degree, but it is of the same kind. The true Christian in his character and feelings resembles God.
Godsbless.ing: One of the most compelling phrases in this verse is “You make known to me the path of life.” This speaks to God’s guidance and His active role in directing our lives. Another phrase, “in your presence there is fullness of joy,” highlights the ultimate satisfaction that can only be found in a relationship with God. The final phrase, “at your right hand are pleasures forevermore,” underscores the eternal blessings and joy that await those who seek and follow Him . . . This verse beautifully captures the idea that true joy and contentment come from being in the presence of God.
Sharing-bread.com: Fullness is such a great word. It brings to mind thoughts of satisfaction, completion, entirety and contentment. When we read the words “fullness of His grace” it speaks to all that is found within our Jesus that “causes joy and pleasure, that which creates delight in the recipient or observer” . . . All that is within Jesus – all the blessings of joy, delight and satisfaction, all the gifts and endowments of the Holy Spirit, all the favor of God toward us as sinners because of Christ – all this we receive one right after another.
Reference.com: Being rooted indicates stability and nourishment. Just like a tree needs strong roots to thrive, Christians need their foundation in God’s love. When we are rooted in love, we can withstand life’s challenges and grow spiritually. This rooting process allows us to experience peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from knowing Christ intimately . . . Being rooted indicates stability and nourishment. Just like a tree needs strong roots to thrive, Christians need their foundation in God’s love. When we are rooted in love, we can withstand life’s challenges and grow spiritually. This rooting process allows us to experience peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes from knowing Christ intimately.
Godsbless.ing: The author emphasizes the transformative power of God’s discipline in our lives. Like a loving parent correcting their child for their own good, God’s discipline is intended to mold and shape us into better and more righteous individuals. This verse speaks to the idea that challenges and trials, when seen through the lens of faith, can ultimately lead to growth and the cultivation of virtues such as patience, perseverance, and humility.
Godsbless.ing: What a poignant plea from the psalmist in
this verse! The desire for renewal and restoration emanates from the depths of
the writer’s heart. It reflects a yearning for a fresh outpouring of God’s
presence and blessings upon the people. The psalmist longs for a revival that
will not only bring joy and rejoicing to the community but also reignite their
faith and devotion to God . . . It stands as a poignant reminder of the
universal need for spiritual revival and the profound joy that emanates from a
renewed connection with God.
