Some general Lent songs-
VU108 / W&R250 Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights
(James Gertmenian, USA) It's hard to find a song that talks about Lenten practice
that is not too dated. I think this song would work quite well. Can be
sung to WINCHESTER NEW or TALLIS CANON. Lyrics and sheet music that's a newer lilting, and quite nice tune. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 684 Love will be our Lenten calling (Elizabeth Smith, Australia) Excellent words, and the set tune PICARDY is both beautiful and familiar. Lyrics (order of service that you'll need to search through). New words to old tunes.
- ATAR626 / VU113 To the desert Jesus came / Together through the valley
(Linnea Good, Canada) A good contemporary hymn, with a quite classically beautiful
tune, for the start of Lent. A song about going together through the
wilderness of Lent to Easter.Videos and links to lyrics.
- VU109 / 82Hml-145 Now quit your care and anxious fear
(Percy Dearmer, England) A lovely joyful tune for Lent. Good, realistic, although
slightly old-fashioned words. "Arise, arise, arise and make a paradise!"
This could be sung through the whole Lenten season. Lyrics.
- GWA111 / HiOS038 God come now to explore my heart (Marnie
Barrell, New Zealand) An honest and moving call for God to help us see
within ourselves. Sung to a lovely hymnlike tune. Sound sample (tune only).
- ACS918 Now is the time of grace
(Marty Haugen) A lovely chant, that can be sung as a round. You could use it with the cantored vereses, or on its own. Sound sample.
- Online Resource / VU353 / MfL150 / HPP391 / GC(II)657 / G(3)748 / Cha568 82Hml-554 Tis the gift to be simple (Joseph Brackett, USA) Excellent words to a very familiar tune. You might even want to consider some Shaker dance steps to go with the song. Free sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and tune and history.
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Most
songs that fit with this reading are harvest thanksgiving songs. In Australia, it's not a bad time for Harvest Thanksgiving, but in the Northern Hemisphere not so much.
- BUC Song Project Harvest our love
(Dave Brown, Australia) Let's not just talk about harvesting food, but offer God our
lives as well. This song was written after Tune In was published, so
only available at Brunswick Uniting so far. Gosh, it's ages since we've sung this, and it's really good.
- Online Resource / STB268 The grain is ripe (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Good words about harvest and peace sung to a simple hymnlike tune. Lyrics and sheet music.
- Online Resource Food is blessing for our bodies (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) Great words to the familiar tune NETTLETON. Lyrics (scroll down). New words to old tunes.
- BUC Song Project In spirit we rise (Sheree Anderson, Australia / Canada) Following the same idea as above, this talks about our lives being a rich harvest for God. Very catchy chorus. Sound sample.
- VU306 God of the farmlands hear our prayer (Thomas Charles Hunter-Clare) Good words about harvest, waters, mining (!), city and industry, guidance for politicians, nation-hood. It's pretty good. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
- VU242 / LBW557 / ELW881 / GtG037 / PH554 / GC567 / GC(II)551 / G(3)635 / CP403 / W&R22 / Cha717 Let All Things Now Living
(Katherine Kennicott Davis) Lovely lyrics to the well known and quite
jolly Welsh folk tune ASH GROVE. Not all sources are inclusive. Lyrics (older version). New words to old tunes.
- TiS 627 / AHB 569 / ATN 8 / LBW409 / ELW689 / GC764 / GC(II)754 / G(3)861 / CP(E) 272 / W&R722 / URW188 / StF125 Praise and thanksgiving Father we offer / Praise and thanksgiving now we would offer (Albert Bayly) Most versions of this are not inclusive, as it is based on quite old words. However, the imagery of a parent makes sense, so even though it is masculine, it doesn't need to be avoided. URW has an inclusive version. Sung to the familiar tune BUNESSAN. Lyrics (pdf) Old words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / TiS
569
/ AHB 478 / NCH18/19 / CH167 / UMH127 / VU651 / LBW343 / ELW618 /
StF465 / A&M652 / HPP432 / GtG065 / PH281 / CP565 / CP(E) 455 /
W&R501 / Cha622 / 82Hml690 / StF465 / Lau960 / MP201 Guide me O thou great Jehovah / Redeemer (William Williams, Wales) A rousing hymn of God’s presence and strength and making it to the other side. "Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore." Lyrics & sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- CH230 / VU517 / StF126 Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field (Brian Wren, USA) A
thoroughly modern harvest thanksgiving hymn, which would work for any
service, not just a harvest thanksgiving. I would rather sing this to
BONNIE GEORGE CAMPBELL (TiS 624), by just adding a single note anacrusis
at the start of each line. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- NCH424 / SFFS 2061 / PH480 Praise Our God Above source of boundless love (Chao Tzu-chen) Lovely words; traditional Chinese tune will need some practice, but is worth it. Lyrics and sound sample.
- TiS 159 / AHB 94 / CH226 / VU300 /A&M285 / ELW734 / CP261 / CP(E) 271 / Lau733 God whose farm is all creation (John Arlott) Simple words of caring for the crops and harvest as well as the rest of creation. Lyrics. Youtube pianist with lyrics (but no singing).
- TiS
130 / AHB 59 / CH229 / VU520 / LBW362 / ELW681 / HPP284 /
HPSS560 / CP258 / CP(E) 275 / 82Hml-291 / StF130 / MP732 We plow the fields and scatter
(Matthias Claudius / translated Jane Montgomery Campbell) I still like this old hymn, even if it brings to mind people
sowing seed and then running away... Sources vary for how inclusive the
language is. Oldy-but-a-goody.Lyrics and sheet music.
- StJ / R233 / ELW695 / PH414 / CP260 / W&R570 / VU518 / GtG712 / 82Hml-705 As saints of old their first fruits brought / As Those of Old Their Firstfruits Brought (Frank von Christierson) A fairly traditional and standard Harvest thanksgiving hymn to the tune FOREST GREEN. Lyrics and sheet music.New words to old tunes.
- Cha719 Come Sing a Song of Harvest
(Fred Pratt Green) A hymn that tries to bring the idea of harvest
thanksgiving into the modern era. Lyrics and sheet music.
- NCH783 / WoV705 / ELW465 / GA194 / G(II)594 / GC825 / RS921 As the Grains of Wheat
(Marty Haugen) Quite simple flowing tune and nice words about grains becoming
our communion bread. Good communion song for a Harvest Thanksgiving
Service. Lyrics & Sheet music samples.
- TiS 168 / NCH425 / CH231 / UMH97 / A&M284 / ELW679 / GA426
/ HPP287 / GtG036 / PH553 / RS704 / CP259 / CP(E) 254 / W&R723 /
Cha714 / Lau731 / StF124 / URW193 / VU227 / WoV760 For the Fruit of All Creation / For the fruits of this creation
(Fred Pratt Green) Some sources are quite masculine (TiS), but some OK (NCH, GtG). Very easy
and well known tune (AR HYD Y NOS) and pretty standard words of harvest thanksgiving.
The phrase "in the just reward of labour" would be an interesting
discussion point for this passage. Lyrics and tune sample. New words to old tunes.
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
God our shelter and refuge
- Online Resource / GWA011 Be with me Lord when I am in trouble (Val
Parker) This has a beautiful refrain which is very straightforward to
sing, and requires a cantor for the verses (although they could be
read). It is really beautiful. The piano accompaniment is very
challenging. Sound sample, sheet music sample, and purchasing options.
- TiS
48 / AoV1-153 / ATOK 411 / VU808 / WoV779 / ELW787 / GA452 / HPP385 /
GtG043 / G(II)433 / GC611 / GC(II)593 / G(3)691 / CP531 / W&R438 / PfAS091E / Cha077 / Lau952 You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord / On Eagle's Wings
(Michael Joncas)
This is a big favourite all over the place. It has masculine imagery
for God. This doesn't have to be sung slowly and meditatively - it also
works very well as a more upbeat song. If it is not familiar to you, a
cantor can be used for the verses. It is not inclusive. Lyrics.
- VF092 / Online Resource Be still and know that I am God
(Ana Hernández)
A beautiful arrangement of these lovely words. I
would gradually teach the congregation the main part (even just the
soprano line) and, once they have learned it, get them to sing it as a
chant, while the musicians sing the other parts. Even better, learn all
the parts of the main chant as a congregation and add the cantor parts. Sound sample. Sheet music for purchase.
- CH487 Come let us seek our God’s protection
(Tom Colvin & the people of Ghana) A lovely call and response;
would work well after a prayer of confession. Lyrics & sheet music.
- MV096 And when you call for me
(Linnea Good) This simple chant "And when you call for me I have
already answered... I am already there" might work nicely during the
prayers of intercession. Tune is not immediately easy, so teach your
congregation first. Lyric video. Good for kids.
- AoV2-054
/ Iona (T1AU, LFB) / MV077 / GtG414 / SFFS 2057 / G(II)438 / GC618 /
RS 736 / SP&P111 / PfAS046D / URW409 / Lau909 / StF019 Be still and know that I am God (John Bell
/ Graham Maule) For kids, I think it may be better to focus on the positive
for this reading, and this simple chant is beautiful. Works as a round or in unison. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- GWA078 / MV214 May God's sheltering wings (Judith Snowdon) A nice simple blessing and benediction, which may be sung about a feminine or a masculine God. Lyrics. Video with actions from BUC.
- ATN 9 / NCH743 / CH755 / W&R450 / Srce68 / StF018 / MP048 Be Still and Know (Anon) This is the old classic. Sources vary in the verses they have
and the level of inclusiveness in the lyrics. Lyrics & chords.
- ATOK 311 / CH754 / GA401 Be still and know that I am God and there is none beside me
(John Bell) A good alternative to the above song. I like the 2nd verse especially "I am the
one who calls you my friends, and there is none beside me". CH doesn't
have the 2nd verse. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- PfAS091C Those who dwell in the shelter of God / El que habita al abrigo de Dios
(Robert Savage) A nice South American sounding tune, and good lyrics with a
soothing chorus.
- Online Resource When our faith has lost its feeling
(David Bjorlin) Deep words about how hard it is to hear the still small voice. Sung to the familiar tune COLUMCILLE. Lyrics and sheet music sample and purchasing options. Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- W&R633 Healer of My Soul keep me at even' (John Michael Talbot) A quiet meditative song. It might be best sung as a reflection if unfamiliar to your congregation. Video and lyrics.
- Online Resource / MV062 / SP&P076 There is room for all / Chacun a sa place
(Bruce Harding) A simple one-verse song; will need to be taught, but it won't
take long to teach it. More communal than many other versions of this
Psalm. Sound sample and free sheet music.
- PfAS091D Be with me Lord when I am in trouble
(Val Parker) A nice refrain, which would resonate well with kids, for a
cantored, or spoken, reading of the Psalm. Jazzy sound sample. Good for kids.
- PfAS091D How safe it is this hiding place (Martin Leckebusch) A simple refrain for a cantored, or read, version of the Psalm. Very very easy.
Romans 10:8b-13
Everyone who confesses faith in Christ is saved
- AoV2-003
/ ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / GA404 / A&M042 / ELW715 / GtG314 /
GC(II)512 / G(3)590 / SP13 / URW114 / Lau883 / StF706 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light
(Bernadette Farrell) One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or
play the descant line in the later verses. Sound sample and lyrics.
Good for kids.
- TiS
210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 /
A&M742 / HPP74 / GtG610 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 /
Cha005 / Srce506 / 82Hml-493 / StF364 / MP496 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Charles Wesley)
A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words, and it's such a
fun tune. Be careful with the words "ye
dumb". Voices United has "Hear him you deaf, you voiceless ones, your
tongues again employ" which is more respectful. The original 18 verses of lyrics and history (just in case you want to sing about murderers and harlots). Oldy-but-a-goody. Oh, here's the current lyrics and sheet music then.
- TiS 420 Holy Spirit go before us (Elizabeth
Smith) Great words of evangelism and justice to a simple lilting
melody. If you think your congregation can't cope with a new tune this
week, it can be sung to AUSTRIA (TiS 93). Lyrics (in comments) and instrumental sound sample (Youtube).New words to old tunes.
- NCH072 / UMH552 / VU362 / ELW530 / GtG311 / PH465 / CP534 / W&R597 / Cha278 Here O Lord Your Servants Gather / Sekai no Tomo (Tokuo Yamaguchi) Beautiful song about being a community of faith seeking strength and courage. Lovely simple Japanese tune. The story of this hymn. Lyrics.
- TiS 248 / 82Hml-603 When Christ was lifted from the earth (Brian Wren)
Powerful words of Christ's sacrifice and acceptance of all people,
without the cultural imperialism of some similar hymns. New hymn tune is
not too hard, but could be replaced with many others if required. I
think WILTSHIRE would work (TiS 112), but LAND OF REST is perhaps too
jolly. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
Luke 4:1-13
Jesus led into the wilderness
- Online Resource / GWA109 For days within the wilderness (Jacque Jones, USA) Excellent words about temptations that challenged Jesus and still challenge us today. Sung to the familiar tune LLANGLOFFAN. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / GWA110 You lead us through the wilderness
(Sam Hargreaves, England) A folksy worship song with an uplifting
chorus that leads to the resurrection; this could be used for all of
Lent if you like it, eventually singing it at a Dawn service on Easter
Sunday. Sound sample, lyrics, and purchasing options.
- Online Resource My wandering heart knows barren land (Hannah
Brown) A song of comfort in times of difficulty, reflecting on the
understanding that God has. I think this would be quite straightforward
to sing. Sheet music sample, lyrics, and purchasing options.
- Tune In / Online Resource Save us in the time of trial (Shawn Whelan) A song with a reflective almost-Taize-like chorus. We have sung this a couple of different ways, it's quite flexible. Lyrics, sound sample and songbook available. Good for kids.
- Online Resource When the carpenter's son / Drive us out (Shawn Whelan) A powerful song asking God to "Drive us out of our safe little spaces, lead us to wisdom in wilderness places". Lyrics and sheet music.
- MV140 As long as we follow / Na nzela na lola
(Kabemba) A simple song from the Congo. "As long as we hope there is a
future for creation. We know this, we know this, God's reign will surely
come". Youtube video of a pretty cool church choir. Good for kids.
- MV118 Me alone
(Jamaican traditional) A very simple repetitive call-and-response song.
Could work well as a reflective song. Since this is from the Caribbean
Conference of Churches. Could work as a prayer response too.Lyrics.
- Online Resource / ACS922 / MV065 / GtG783 / STF240 When we are tested and wrestle alone (Ruth Duck) Excellent words paralleling our struggles with those of Christ
in the wilderness. The set tune WHEN WE ARE TESTED is not difficult, but
it can also be sung to SLANE (TiS 547) if you need a familiar tune. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 / SP&P182 / URW438 We will take what you offer (John Bell) An
excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus
or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by
your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Good for kids. Sound sample.
- Here in this place We know ourselves beloved (Helen Wiltshire, Australia) These words emphasize that we are loved by God even when called into the wilderness. Lyrics (scroll to the end of the document).
- SP&P097 The spirit led Jesus to the wilderness
(Scheffler) A good catchy verse and chorus song for kids. The story of
Jesus going into the wilderness. You might need to have a conversation
about what it means to be tempted by the devil with the kids before
singing this. We don't often talk about "The Devil". Good for kids.
- ATAR626 / VU113 To the desert Jesus came / Together through the valley (Linnea Good) A good contemporary hymn, with a quite classically beautiful
tune, for the start of Lent. A song about going together through the
wilderness of Lent to Easter. Videos and links to lyrics.
- Taize In God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon ame se repose (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful healing chant from Taize. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts.
- ACS923 As your spirit in the desert
(Susan Palo Cherwien) A really good new hymn with the invitation to "cross into the wilderness" and "cross out of the wilderness" as the final line for each verse. Sound sample.
- Tune In / Online Resource You in all our worries / All will finish well
(Dave Brown) “In this world where injustice reigns, you are in the midst of pain”.
Excellent words of reassurance in a difficult world. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook available here.
- Online Resource / Protest of Praise When our lives are ruled by fear (David
Bjorlin) Strong words challenging us to move forward in faith; some of
the words face quite specific challenges for congregations; sung to the
familiar tune ABERYSTWYTH. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- CH338 / VU115 / StS036 / SFFS 2105 / STF237 / LUYH115 Jesus tempted in the desert (Herman Stuempfle) Excellent story-telling hymn, sung to the familiar tune EBENEZER. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- Online resource Jesus in the Desert (Daniel Damon) A simple hymn-like song. I like the simplicity of these words "Dreaming, waking, rising, you walked the barren land". Sheet music.
- W&P115 Out in the Wilderness (Jay Beech) A groovy song, lots of angels, that I think kids will like. Good for kids. Sound sample (instrumental).
- Cha455 You Have Called Me from my hiding place (David Edwards) A simple song, about being called from silence or the wilderness to serve. "Here I am, send me, here I am"
- Worldmaking.net Open unto me light for my darkness (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan)Good for a more contemplative service. Sample
- Worldmaking.net O Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
- SP&P065 As the grain was scattered on the hills
(Arthur Clyde) A beautiful and simple melody with words from the Didache.
This would be very beautiful before or during the distribution of
communion, particularly when the congregation has been on a difficult
journey. "On hillsides you feed us, through deserts you lead us, now at
this table all are one in Christ. We have new life. Sheet music.
What will you be singing? Add a comment, especially if it's something I haven't thought of!
Exodus 34:29-35
Moses comes down from the mountain. His face shines whenever he meets with God; need for a veil.
Most of the suggestions I would make for this passage are listed for the Gospel reading below.
- TiS
143 / AHB 80 / NCH1 / CH132 / UMH103 / VU264 / A&M676 / LBW526 / ELW834 / HPP37 /
GtG012 / PH263 / GC507 / CP(E) 474 / W&R48 / Cha066 / ZSS4 /
Srce296 / 82Hml-423 / Lau725 / StF055 / MP327 Immortal invisible God only wise (Walter Chalmers Smith, Scotland) "In light inaccessible hid from our eyes". Lyrics & sheet music. Words are mostly inclusive for God's gender, but for the
last verse which our congregation usually sings as "Great Father of
glory, pure Mother of light", except for the last time we sang it. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Psalm 99
God of justice, God is holy, worship
at the mountain.
This Psalm has lots of concepts in it, so I've only
chosen a couple of particularly pertinent songs; you may wish to include a Sanctus (that's fancy-talk for "Holy Holy").
- TiS 753 / StS034 / ATFG558 / ELW525 / SP&P082 You are holy you are whole (Per Harling, Sweden) A fun and joyous latin-rhythmed song; can also be sung with two parts at the same time. Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids. As an alternative, you could sing: GtG596 You are holy you are whole (Per Harling, Sweden)
An adaptation of the above song - the last few lines have been
changed to say "Sing Hosanna in the highest, sing Hosanna, sing Hosanna
to our God"; makes it much more like a Sanctus. Sound sample (chilled out Hosanna version). Good for kids.
- TiS 58 Be exalted O God, above the heavens! Let your glory over all the earth be found (Jane Marshall) An excellent refrain to the Psalm for this week. The cantor line is not
totally inclusive so will need some attention.
- TiS
723 / AoV2-092 / ATOK 381 / Iona (M&G, Common Ground) / CH769 /
UMH65 / VU944, VU951 / StJ / GtG594 / ELW473 / SFFS 2007 / G(II)395 /
GC563 / W&R737 / Cha111 / ZSS48 / Lau723 / StF779 Holy holy holy / Santo santo santo (Unknown, Argentina) Better in Spanish. A nice quiet devotional song. If you are
singing in Spanish, and would prefer not to sing the masculine "Santo eres Senor" some
versions have "Santo eres Dios" or "Santo eres tu", which makes it more
of a personal approach to God. Good for kids. Sheet music samples.
-
Emergent Psalter O mighty God lover of justice (Isaac Everett) A catchy refrain, that got stuck in my head for days after I ran
through it. Can be sung with the Psalm read over instrumentation. Sample sheet music (click on "downloads"). Good for kids.
- Online Resource This is the moment here is the place (Hannah
Brown / Benjamin Brody) A good song of welcome which talks about the
mystery of worship; sung to a lovely new tune in 6/8. There are enough
verses for the congregation to pick it up the first time. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
- Cha751 To God all people give thanks
(Jack Fox) Joyful Latin-rhythmed sung response and responsively read Psalm. I
think it would be fun to do a responsive Psalm with a sung response.
- Iona (Love From Below) / CP424 Sing praise to God on mountain tops
(John Bell / Graham Maule) A song of praise to God for the beauty of
creation to a traditional English tune (THE VICAR OF BRAY). Sheet music sample. New words to old tunes.
- MV 60 / Cha026 / STB112 God, we give you heartfelt praise / Chú goán kámsia oló Lí
(Timothy Tan) A lively round from Taiwan. “God we give you heartfelt praise, mercy
and love you show us daily, blessed always be your name”. While based on
Taiwanese harmonic modes, it is not too hard for Western singers to
pick up. Would work well to receive the offering. Sheet music sample. Good for kids.
- TiS
132 / AHB 65 / NCH277 / CH651 / UMH64 / VU315 / LBW165 / ELW413 /
A&M276 / HPP243 / GtG001 / PH138 / G(II)332 / GC475 / GC(II)483 / CP001 / CP(E) 202 /
W&R136 / Cha004 / Srce243 / 82Hml-362 / Lau468 / StF011 / MP237 Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty (Walter Chalmers Smith) Old other-worldly language, but a surprisingly inclusive (in most
hymnals) classic, and a great rousing hymn tune. Different resources
have slightly altered lyrics. A surprisingly non-inclusive sample can be
found here. Oldy-but-a-goody.
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Boldness, no veil anymore; Where the Spirit is, there’s freedom; Unveiling – seeing Christ in each other
- AoV2-057 / ATOoV2-057 / ATOK 383 May we see Christ's loving face / Icon of Grace (Monica O'Brien / Trisha Watts) This simple chant would be excellent this week, and could be used for a
slower passing of the peace; it also works extremely well wiregation bowing to each other in a circle dance but that may
only work with smaller congregations. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids (but you may need to explain an Icon to them).
- ATOK
414 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH501 / GA485 /
A&M788 / G(II)480 / GC673 / GC(II)655 / SP311 / StF513 / Lau850 Take this moment, sign and space (John Bell) A fairly well known favourite. Simple melody and beautiful words. Lyrics (includes a very skinny picture of Jesus).
- HPP28 / GtG023 / PH285 / W&R24 / URW083 God You Spin the Whirling Planets
(Jane Parker Huber) Excellent words to a very familiar
tune (TiS 772). Really good for the final hymn or response to the
sermon. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- Online Resource / SP&P108 Send your Spirit to set us free
(Barbara Hamm) A groovy little song. It could also work as a round, sung unaccompanied. Good for kids. Sheet music and lyrics.
- TiS 326 / Iona (HSNW) Pull back the veil on the dawn of creation / Love's the secret
(John Bell / Graham Maule) The tune is really pretty tricky, but if it is familiar to your
congregation, it's a good song to sing. Can skip a few verses if it
seems too long and it will still make sense. Lyrics (Powerpoint)
- TiS 506 / AHB 430 / A&M424 / CP064 / CP(E) 281 / StF572 Author of life divine
(Charles Wesley) Good inclusive words and a simple traditional tune; mystery of
communion and seeing God's face. There is also a more modern tune from
Carlton Young available from GIA music. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Per Harling) Fun and good. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / CH484 / UMH579 / WoV666 / ELW358 / A&M169 / PH353 /
CP442 / CP(E) 133 / W&R55 / SP57 / URW087 / StF499 Great God Your Love Has Called Us Here
(Brian Wren) Good words to a standard hymn tune (MELITA). Gathering,
confession, response, communion, and sending out all in one hymn. This
is a good all-rounder. Lyrics & sheet music.
- TiS 516 /
AHB 438 / NCH336 / CH664 / UMH623 / VU459 / LBW211 / A&M447 / HPP521 / GtG517 / PH520 / GtG029 / CP(E) 304 / Cha416 /
82Hml-318 / MP230 Here O my Lord I see thee face to face / Here gracious Lord, we see you face to face
(Horatio Bonar) I prefer the more chant-like setting of this (Adoro to Devote),
but I know the hymn-like tune (ST AGNES) is probably more familiar.
Some translations are more inclusive than others. Best if you are
serving communion during your service. Oldy-but-a-goody.Lyrics & sheet music.
- Srce2-660 Where the Spirit is there is liberty
(Kirk Franklin) Gospel song of healing, wholeness and liberty for the
captive. Lyrics.
- TiS
217 / AHB 148 / NCH43 / CH519 / UMH384 / VU333 / A&M721 / LBW315 / ELW631 /
A&M721 / GA463 / HPP48 / GtG366 / PH376 / GC622 / GC(II)613 / G(3)641 / CP485/6 / CP(E) 516 /
W&R358 / Cha517 / Srce457 / URW100 / 82Hml-657 / Lau801 / StF503 / MP449 Love divine all loves excelling
(Charles Wesley) I cannot possibly sing this song too often. A beautiful classic
song and most hymnals use a very inclusive version of this hymn, even
the AHB! "Pure unbounded love thou art" *sigh*. Lyrics and sheet music.You may also like to give Rend Collective Experiment's version a listen (hard to sing, but nice for listening). Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / TiS 414 / CH616 / UMH192 / VU582 / HPP134 / PH433 / GC550 / CP(E) 198 / Cha257 / StF398 There's a Spirit in the Air
(Brian Wren) A good song of getting the business of following Christ done.
Speaking out, caring for others, being changed. Good, joyful tune too. Lyrics and sheet music.
- SiS327 / SFFS 2119 / HPP236 / W&R396 / Cha264 Where the Spirit of the Lord Is (Stephen Adams) A sentimental favourite chorus for some, I suspect; a nice simple chorus. Lyrics and chords.
Luke 9:28-36, (37-43)
Transfiguration story
- ATFG555 / NCYC03 Open your eyes / See Yourself (Robin Mann)
“see yourself in the one who’s shining on the hill”. Puts the
transfiguration in the context of a whole lot of other New Testament
stories. Excellent newer song; verses are a little tricky. Lyrics. Good for kids.
-
STB298 You are full of Light Lord Jesus / Velivu niranjor Iisho
(Syriac Liturgy, Southern India) A simple and
very beautiful song - the tune will need to be taught. Probably simplest to
sing it in English.
- SFFS 2153 / GC(II)770 / G(3)878 / Cha182 Transform Us as you, transfigured
(Sylvia Dunstan) Good words to the familiar and quite meditative
hymn tune PICARDY (TiS 497). New words to old tunes Lyrics and sheet music preview .
- TiS474 / AoV1-012
/ ATE 295 / CH623 / SFFS 2236 / HPP553 / A&M363 / GtG401 / G(II)539 / GC839 / GC(II)743 / G(3)848 /
CP465 / W&R649 / Cha284 / SP175 / URW054 / Lau475 Here in this place new light is streaming / Gather us in (Marty Haugen).
Excellent words, very well known. “Nourish us well and teach us to
fashion lives that are holy and hearts that are true”. Lyrics and sheet music samples.
- ACS954 / CH355 / VU210 / HPP81 / GtG274 / GC(II)525 / G(3)628 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd
(Sylvia Dunstan) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to
PICARDY or WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Lyrics and sound samples. New words to old tunes.
- NCH182 / VU104 / SFFS 2103 / HPP147 / GtG191 / CP166 / W&R245 We have come at Christ's own bidding
(Carl P Daw Jr) Excellent lyrics that bring the images of the transfiguration
to the faith of today. Sung to the familiar and very lovely tune HYFRYDOL (TiS 517). Lyrics. Tune sample.New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / AoV2-103 / AoVK-115 / G(II)514 / GC712 / GC(II)715 Holy Ground (Donna Peña) I
love the energy and passion in this song and the vision of the heavens
embracing the earth. I especially like the “Do you believe in freedom?
Yes we do Lord! Do you believe in justice? Justice for all!” call in the
middle. Bilingual English/Spanish song. Good for kids. Sound sample, sheet music sample, and purchasing options (choral version).
- Online Resource / ATFG 541 What is this scene?
(David Froemming, USA / Leigh Newton, Australia) A good story telling song. Not too difficult for the congregation to sing
on a first attempt, but it will need a brief “teaching time” for the
melody. You could also ask the musicians to present as part of the
offering. The words are great. Free sheet music.
- Online Resource / TiS 255 / CH135 / VU434 / CP018 O laughing Light O first-born of creation
(Sylvia Dunstan) A slightly more modern version of the Phos Hilaron.
Words are
good but the tune in TiS (ADRIAN) is a little tricky. You can also use
CHRISTE SANCTORUM. I also very much like the new tune written by David
Sims (no relation) in the link that follows. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / URW432 Radiant light divine
(Rufino Zaragoza) This is pretty lovely. A nice chant based on the Phos
Hilaron. Sound and sheet music samples and purchasing options.
- Online Resource Seeing Jesus (Bruce Harding) A simple chant, needs at least 2 of the parts. Free sheet music.
- NCH183 / GtG193 Jesus take us to the mountain
(Jaroslav Vajda) A very positive transfiguration hymn that asks good questions
and provides some good challenges and clearly looks onward to Good
Friday. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / TiS 268 /
AHB 224 / AoV1-170 / NCH132 / CH320 / UMH246 / VU59 / LBW039 /
ELW267 / GA295 / HPP107 / PH040 / GtG134 / GC343 / GC(II)353 / G(3)437 / CP154 / CP(E)
57 / W&R179 / Cha143 / Srce399 / 82Hml-100 / Lau156 / StF330 / MP393 Joy to the world The Lord is come
(Isaac Watts) So, this was not actually written as a Christmas carol (read
the lyrics: no baby Jesus), and I think it would work well for Christ
the King Sunday and Transfiguration, so maybe it's worth a go! Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online
Resource / TiS 234 / AHB 390 / A&M281 / GC778 / GC(II)771 / G(3)877
/ CP167 / CP(E)248 / VU103 / LBW89 / ELW315 / Lau209 How good Lord to be here / Tis Good Lord to Be Here
(Joseph Robinson) Good solid words and a good solid tune (I like
CARSLISLE best). I like the ending “But since you bid us leave the
mount, come with us to the plain”. Sound and sheet music sample (to the tune SWABIA, which is also nice), and purchasing options. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- NCYC07 You shine (Kent Crawford)
A good song, with an excellent chorus "You shine over us, you shine
through us, so let your light shine on around the world". Definitely for
the more youthful congregation. It would also work to play the CD from
NCYC07 if you don't have a band of musicians. Good for teenagers..
- ATW 447 Thank you Jesus for ordinary miracles (Robin Mann) Fun and joyful. "Up in a cloud in the air"! Lyrics. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- Recorded Song Little Lights (Punch
Brothers) This track from a recent Punch Brothers album sings of the
desire of remaining in a transcendent place, but needing to return to
reality - it made me think of the transfiguration, even though it's not written about it... I particularly like
the line "guide us back to where we are from where we wanna be"... Lyrics. Sound.
- Recorded Song Transfiguration (Sufjan Stevens) I love this song. Lyrics. Here’s a video of him performing it live here on
youtube, which is a bit more eclectic than the studio recording. Note: if playing
recorded songs in worship, it's a really good idea to provide lyrics to
the congregation either in a handout or using projection. Or you can get your musicians to play it for the congregation too.
- Lau215 / Online Resource Transfigure us O Lord (Bob Hurd) Really excellent words. Maybe better for a soloist. Thanks to the anonymous reader who suggested this. Sound sample & purchase options. Lyrics.
- Online Resource Transfigure me (Christopher Grundy) I particularly like the chorus of this, that could be used as a sung response. The verses are also good. Youtube recording (rough, but gives you an idea). Sheet music. Free Bulletin Insert.
- Online Resource Transfiguration (At Average) This song picks up on the disciples' desire for Christ to stay. Lyrics and sound sample. Instructional video for guitarists. Thanks to Tim Larson for this suggestion.
- Online Resource Transfiguration (Black Hatted) This song picks up on the disciples' desire for Christ to stay. Lyrics and sound sample. Instructional video for guitarists. Thanks to Tim Larson for this suggestion.
- ELW561 / G(II)552 / GC762 / PfAS1040 / Lau12a Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory (Marty Haugen) Excellent words of light and darkness, sung to a simple hymn tune. Thanks to Jean Webb for this suggestion. Sheet music samples.
- Recorded Song Transfiguration (Hillsong) A challenging song for a congregation, unless they already know it. A good song that expresses holy wonder. It's got a bit of Kingly language in it. Here's a video. Lyrics. Thanks to LACO96 for this suggestion.
- Online resource We went up the mountain with Jesus / Transfigured (Jay C. Treat) A storytelling song, set to an original easy-to-sing tune. It speaks from the experience of Jesus' disciples, and ends with their/our own transformation. Lyrics and sheet music. Thank you Jay for sending this to me.
What will you be singing? Add a comment, especially if it's something I haven't thought of!
