1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43
Solomon
has built a house for God. Prays that all who pray “toward the house”
be forgiven, fed, welcomed, healed including foreigners.
- CH198
/ MV001 / HPP550 / A&M365 / GtG301 / GC753 / GC(II)741 /
G(3)850 / SP176 / URW058/ Lau458 / StF409 Let Us Build a House / All are welcome (Marty Haugen) This song has wonderful lyrics of hope for what a
Christian community can be like, and a chorus that joyfully says “All
are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place”. Sheet music sample. Sound sample.
- Online Resource / BUC Song Project Take this space
(Dave Brown / Matthew Lees / Julie McKinnon) This song was written for the opening of our
updated church space and it would be good to sing it again this week, particularly as we are considering how we use the space for our Olive Way outreach program. Recording and lyrics.
- Taizé / GtG814 / CP563 / PfAS062D 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 partsGood for kids.
- Iona (SBL) / CH140 / MV181 / WoV727 / ELW554 / G(II)341 / GC495 / StB178 Lord Your Hands Have Formed This World / The Earth is the Lord's
(Ramon and Sario Oliano) Good words of creation to a lovely, and not
too difficult, Philippino melody; it will need to be taught. Lyrics (first verse only)
- Iona (LFB) / Lau930 Listen Lord
(John Bell / Graham Maule) Beautiful chant-like chorus, can be used on its own or as
a response, or used with the verses. Good to use for the intercessions. “Listen Lord, Listen Lord, not to our words but to our prayer. You alone, you alone, understand and care.”. Sound sample (including verses).
- Taizé / TiS
741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 /
GtG471 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / G(3)666 / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 / Lau929 / PfAS013A / PfAS102A / MP908
O Lord hear my prayer
(Jacques Berthier) A simple and very well known Taizé chant. Works well during
intercessions. You could read the Psalm between repeats of this chant,
or just use as a chant as is. Sheet music samples. Good for kids.
- ACS947 / CH133 / UMH113 / GtG011 / GC(II)563 / G(3)667 / Cha012 Source and sovereign rock and cloud
(Thomas Troeger) Excellent words of many names for God / I AM.
Can be sung to BIRINUS, but I would sing it to the more familiar ABERYSTWYTH. Sheet music and lyrics. New words to old tunes.
Psalm 84
How lovely is your dwelling place; longing for God; Happy is everyone who trusts in God- Online Resource / Tune In Longing for you (Elaine Loukes). A simple chant of longing for God. Free downloadable song book, sound sample and lyrics
- MV119 God our protector
(Steve Bell) Simple chant "God our
protector, keep us in mind, always give strength to your people. For if
we could be with you one day in time it is better than a thousand
without you" Could be used between a reading of the Psalm, or on its own
with or without an instrumental bridge, and I think it would be good for kids. Sound sample (Youtube).
- NCH600 / VU800 / G(II)620 / 82Hml-517 How lovely is your dwelling
(Jean Janzen) Beautiful words; sources vary in the tune for
this. A well known hymn tune that is a possibility is ES IST EIN' ROS
(Lo how a rose here blooming). A more contemporary tune by John Foley can
be heard here. New words to old tunes.
- G(II)72 / GC77 Happy Are They (Thomas Porter) A simple refrain with cantored (or read) verses. The refrain
also works as a round. "Happy are they who dwell in your house, O Lord". Sound sample. Sheet music. The refrain on its own would be good for kids.
- MV092 Like a Rock (Linnea Good) A lovely simple song (with actions!) from Linnea Good. Great for kids. Video with multiple languages.
- Beneath the Noise How lovely is your dwelling place (Nicholas Randall)
A lovely contemplative setting of this Psalm. The congregation could
join on the refrain while a soloist sings the verses. Note to BUC: I
have this book, published by Creative Ministries Network in St Kilda.
- Online Resource / Tune in The God that I Know (Sheree Anderson) A beautiful ballad with female and male images of a loving, embracing God. “He
comes with his arms open wide, a sheltering place I can hide”. If this
is not familiar to your congregation it would be a good song for a
soloist. Free downloadable sheet music, sound sample and lyrics.
- VU267 / W&R20 / A&M711 / SP288 / Lau897 / MP419 Like a mighty river flowing (Michael Perry) Lovely words of the presence of God in nature. Lyrics
- NCH008 / 82Hml-372 Praise to the living God
(Curtis Beach) Excellent, intelligent words for an opening hymn. This
is really quite wonderful, but only the NCH version is inclusive. Sung
to a very familiar
hymn tune too (DIADEMATA). Lyrics New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / Cry Hosanna How lovely is thy dwelling place (Jonathan
Asprey) This is just gorgeous - set to the traditional tune "The homes
of Donegal". Two very different versions available here (choral in the
first link, and folky in the second). Lyrics, sample sheet music, and sound sample. Youtube. Thanks Mike for this suggestion.
- PfAS084D Almighty Lord how lovely is that place
(Stephen Starke) Good newer words, set to the majestic tune SINE
NOMINE.
New words to old tunes.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture:
Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18
Joshua
tells the Israelites their history and asks for their allegiance to God. The Israelites choose God despite Joshua trying to
talk them out of it.
-
TiS 687 God gives us a future
(Elizabeth Smith) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let it get
the tune get too pompous; the words are not! "God gives us a future,
daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face
tomorrow in the Spirit's power, we will let God change us for new life
starts now!". Lyrics (downloads an order of service).
- AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Tony Barr)
Simple three part chant "Remember we are your people, your people O
God". This would work really well as a sung refrain during the prayer of
confession. Good for kids. Slightly clunky sound sample.
- TOSB132
/ NCH531 / CH542 / UMH463 / VU589 / LBW403 / ELW676 /
A&M718 / HPP372 / GtG722 / PH426 / CP(E) 512 /
W&R593 / LUYH754 / MP444 / VF098 Lord speak to me that I may speak / God speak to me that I may speak
(Frances Havergal) Old fashioned hymn, with words of evangelism, and a
reminder of the Israelites escape from Egypt with the mention of "feed
thy hungry ones with manna sweet". Easy to sing and good, only slightly
dated, words, depending on the hymnal. Lutheran sources have "Speak to
us". Lyrics, sheet music and sound sample.
- 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 / Lau960 / LUYH043 / MP201 / StF465 Guide me O thou great Redeemer
(William Williams) A rousing hymn of God’s presence and strength and
making it to the other side. "Bread of heaven, feed me now and
evermore." Sound sample, sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 599 / AHB 520 / NCH448 /
CH502 / UMH399 / VU506 / LBW406 / ELW685 / A&M787 / HPP349 / GtG697 / PH391
/ CP435 / CP(E) 581 / W&R466 / Cha609 / Srce633 / 82Hml-707 / Lau874 / StF566 / LUYH863 / MP624 / VF133 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal) An oldy but a goody. Lyrics and information about the author.
Oldy-but-a-goody.
- NCH408 / WoV782 / Cha088 All my hope on God is founded (Joachim Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not
inclusive, but these three translations are (BUC
people, we have NCH). Lyrics, sheet music & sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- Recorded Music Gotta serve somebody (Bob Dylan) Not a congregational song, but could be a useful illustration! Youtube.
Psalm for the Joshua reading: Psalm 34:15-22
God hears the righteous and prevents fractures. Another part of the Psalm!
- Iona (LFB) / Lau930 Listen Lord
(John Bell / Graham Maule) Beautiful chant-like chorus, can be used on its own or as
a response, or used with the verses. Good to use for the intercessions. “Listen Lord, Listen Lord, not to our words but to our prayers. You alone, you alone, understand and care.” Sound sample (including verses).
- AoVK-24 / Iona (T1AU) / CH756 Bless the Lord
(Kenyan) Simple and fun Kenyan call and response. "Bless the Lord there
is no other God" Kids would really enjoy this, and with some African
drumming, it would really be excellent. The tune is identical to Re a mo Leboga. Sound sample of Re a mo leboga (scroll to the 3rd album).
Good for kids.
- Taizé / TiS
741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 /
GtG471 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / G(3)666 / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 / Lau929 / PfAS013A / PfAS102A / MP908 O Lord hear my prayer
(Jacques Berthier) A simple and very well known Taizé chant. Works well during
intercessions. You could read the Psalm between repeats of this chant,
or just use as a chant as is. Sheet music samples. Good for kids.
- Iona / CH788 / MV104 / GtG659 Know that God is Good / Mungu ni mwema (Traditional Congo) This traditional African refrain is just lots of fun and very simple to sing. Good for kids and adults! Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Sound sample in Kenyan languages.
- ATOK 320 / NCH351 / VU645 / StJ / WoV770 / ELW732 /SFFS 2051 / GtG488 / HPP516 / W&R680 / Cha075 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry (John Ylvisaker)
A song of God’s presence in all stages of life. Very simple tune to
sing. This always makes me think of Center Church on-the-Green in New
Haven, CT. Lyrics, and sheet music.
- TiS
706 / Taizé / AoV2-142 / A&M600 / SFFS 2013 / GtG544 / PH224 / GC(II)576 /
G(3)620 / CP360 / Lau813 / PfAS103C / SP194 / Src79 / URW377 Bless the Lord my soul (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful and very well known Taizé chant. Sound samples, sheet music. Good for kids.
- G(II)44 / GC46 I Will Bless the Lord (Normand Gouin) A nice contemporary cantored Psalm with inclusive lyrics. Sound sample. Sheet music.
- TiS 73 / Taizé / CH77 / GA418 / GtG635 / G(II)364 / GC526 / GC(II)528 / G(3)623 / CP313 / Srce614 / URW384 / Lau698 / LUYH591 / StF778 Laudate Dominum / Sing Praise And Bless The Lord (Jacques
Berthier) One of the more jolly Taizé chants. I prefer it in Latin, but
for kids, this one is quite good fun in English. Good for kids. Sound sample and parts for learning.
- AoV1-083 / GA036 / GtG763 / G(II)46 / GC48 / GC(II)33 / G(3)047 / PfAS082B / URW257 / Lau892 The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor (James Foley) The chorus for this makes a very good refrain for this Psalm, as set in PfAS. Sound sample and lyrics (including verses).
- AoVK-24 / Iona (T1AU) / CH756 Bless the Lord / My sisters
(Kenyan) Simple and fun Kenyan call and response. "Bless the Lord there
is no other God" Kids would really enjoy this, and with some African
drumming, it would really be excellent. Good for kids. Lyrics, sheet music.
- TiS
706 / Taizé / AoV2-142 / A&M600 / SFFS 2013 / GtG544 / PH224 / GC(II)576 /
G(3)620 / CP360 / PfAS103C / SP194 / Src79 / URW377 / Lau813 Bless the Lord my soul (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful and very well known Taizé chant. Sound samples, sheet music. Good for kids.
- Iona / CH788 / MV104 / GtG659 Know that God is Good / Mungu ni mwema (Traditional Congo) This traditional African refrain is just lots of fun and very simple to sing. Good for kids and adults! Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Sound sample in Kenyan languages.
- G(II)44 / GC46 I Will Bless the Lord (Normand Gouin) A nice contemporary cantored Psalm with inclusive lyrics. Sound sample. Sheet music.
- TiS
73 / Taizé / CH77 / GA418 / GtG635 / G(II)364 / GC526 / GC(II)528 /
G(3)623 / CP313 / Srce614 / URW384 / Lau698 / LUYH591 / StF778 Laudate Dominum / Sing Praise And Bless The Lord (Jacques
Berthier) One of the more jolly Taizé chants. I prefer it in Latin, but
for kids, this one is quite good fun in English. Good for kids. Sound sample and parts for learning.
- Taizé / TiS
739 / AoV2-041 / ATOK 404 / VU290 / GA269 / SFFS 2054 / GtG820 / G(II)451 /
GC639 / GC(II)626 / G(3)733 / CP568 / W&R421 / URW388 / Lau947 / LUYH444/ VF088 Nothing Can Trouble / Nada te turbe (Theresa
of Avila / Taizé) Excellent and quite well known Taizé chant. Spanish
lyrics are not too hard for non-Spanish speakers. Sheet music, sound samples, lyrics and translations. Good for kids.
Ephesians 6:10-20
Stand
firm; Put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of
peace (helmet, shield stuff etc); Pray in the Spirit at all times.
- Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 / LUYH445 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song.
Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my
sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries
you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.
- Online Resource / Resounding Voices I have put on Christ (Marilyn Haskel) A short and very lovely setting of the traditional "Asperges", which would fit well with this reading. It's nice to sing. Free book download here.
- CH493 / UMH352 / HPP411 / Cha579 / StF523 It's Me It's Me O Lord / Standing in the Need of Prayer (African-American) A well known spiritual; good for prayers of
confession or a time of reflection. Lyrics.
- TiS
547 / AHB 455 / AoV1-009 / NCH451 / CH465 / A&M595 / UMH451 / VU642 / WoV776 /
ELW793 / HPP353 / GtG450 / PH339 / CP505 / CP(E) 386 / W&R502 / Cha595 /
Srce70 / URW180 / 82Hml-488 / Lau970 / LUYH859 / MP051 Be thou my vision O Lord of my heart (8th
century Irish, translated: Eleanor Hull) Most recent hymnals are fairly inclusive for this. Note that the High King phrase has been changed in some
hymnals because it is masculine, but the hymn is based on an ancient
story of St. Patrick refusing to follow the High King Logaire, and choosing instead the "High King of Heaven". Lyrics, tune and a little of the story. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- ATW 485 Praying in the morning (Treagus) Good song for kids about praying all the time.
- CH639 / VU318 Christ be with me Christ within me
(St. Patrick / Cecil Frances Alexander) A simple refrain setting of St.
Patrick's Breastplate. CH has a couple of possible tunes - I am more familiar with GARTAN. A good song for the end of worship. Lyrics.
- Online Resource When my work takes me places I don't want to go / St Patrick's Breastplate (Porters Gate) Not a congregational song, but a great song to be aware of and to share. Youtube.
- Celtic Daily Prayer (Northumbria Community) / Recorded Music Christ as a light (John Micael Talbot) A gentle song based on St. Patrick's Breastplate. Sound sample.
- ACS942 / NCH282 / UMH404 / HPP235 / PH315 / GtG066 / W&R481 / Cha592 Every time I feel the Spirit (African-American) There are a lot of versions of this song, so the lyrics vary in their inclusiveness. It's pretty good fun, though I'm not sure if many congregations sing it.
- TiS 542 / STB082 Far beyond our mind's grasp
(Francisco Feliciano) These beautiful devotional words are sung to a traditional
Filipino tune. The tune is not easy, but is very haunting once you get
to know it. If it is new to your congregation, it would be good to ask a
soloist to sing it. STB has it in Pilipino as well as English.
- TiS 623 Lord Christ true peace of all above
(Brian Moore) A lovely, simple inclusive, and old fashioned benediction
song.
- TiS 561 / AHB 467 / NCH494 / CH535 / LBW498 / A&M823 / CP(E) 621 / 82Hml-684 / Lau862 / MP224 Who would true valor see / valour see
(John Bunyan) A lovely old hymn, with old-world imagery. I think it still
works OK. TiS and NCH have inclusive language throughout. CH and CP(E)
do not have inclusive language, even for humanity. I really like the
tune MONK'S GATE. Particularly nice with light instrumentation. A violin
/ flute and a bodhran may be all you need for this. More inclusive lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- 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. Seven
verses – you might want to have women sing a verse and men sing another
to keep people going. Lyrics and a sample of one tune that you could use.
- Iona (T1AU) / URW448 God's eye be within me
(John Bell) Based on a traditional Irish blessing, and St. Patrick's
Breastplate, and sung to a familiar Irish tune COLUMCILLE. Slow sound sample.
- TiS 642 / AHB 570 / VU410 / GA536 / G(II)547 / GC757 / GC(II)749 / G(3)856 / CP(E) 205 / URW185 / Lau673 This day God gives me strength of high heaven
(James Quinn) There are a couple of possible tunes to this. I like BUNESSAN (morning
has broken) best. The words are based on St. Patrick's Breastplate. Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / TiS
749 / AoV1-154 / AoVK-131 / ATE 305 / NCH360 / Iona (SBL, Freedom is
coming) / CH800 / UMH497 / VU572 / WoV773 / ELW469 / ELW809 / GA493 / A&M481 / HPP340 / GtG746 / G(II)484
/ GC677 / GC(II)674 / G(3)776 / W&R713 / Cha447 / SP234 / StF782 Send me Jesus / Thuma mina (South African) You all know this one, right? If you don't - it's great - simple, repetitive, and meaningful.Good for kids. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / Tune in A vision strong (Shawn
Whelan) A rock song about being strong in vision and courage, including
an optional verse about women's empowerment. "The victims of oppression
call to us to sing their song". Lyrics, sound sample and free downloadable songbook. Cooler sound sample. Good for teenagers.
John 6:56-69
More bread stuff: Christ in us, and we in Christ; You have the words of eternal life.
You could sing more songs about bread from last week...
- Brunswick UC songs / Online Resource In Spirit we rise
(Sheree Anderson) It would be great to sing this song about God's spirit
working in and through us. "In Spirit we rise, rise, rise, to be bread
for the world". Sheet music, lyrics, sound sample.
- Taizé / TiS
714 / AoV1-125 /ATE 270 / CH661 / UMH628 / VU466 / WoV709 / ELW472 /
GtG527 / GA205 / A&M442 / G(II)588 / GC838 / GC(II)806 / G(3)941 / RS928 / CP063 / W&R697 /
Cha414 / SP229 / URW379 / Lau633 / StF583 Eat this bread drink this cup
(Robert Batastini / Taizé Community) Excellent, particularly if you have a capable
cantor. Some resources say "Come to him and never be hungry", but others have "come to me / trust in me". Sheet music.
- Online Resource / WoV701 / ELW487 / URW119 What Feast of Love
(Delores Dufner) Very poetic devotional language about Christ as the bread,
light and wine. Sung to GREENSLEEVES. Maybe better as a solo initially
so people can just listen to the beauty of the words. Perhaps sung
during distribution of communion, or a song to sing while thinking about the prepared table? Sound sample and sheet music for purchase. Lyrics (and a liturgy!). New words to old tunes.
- ATW 474 You're like the sun that warms me / Bread of angels
(Robin Mann) This is a nice ballad, a favourite of many in our congregation.
It may not be easy for a congregation without some introduction
because the structure is a little tricky. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / VU460 / R181 / ELW461 / SFFS 2126 / GtG509 / G(II)589 / GC820 / GC(II)817 / RS 845 / Cha419 / Lau477 / LUYH534 All who hunger gather gladly (Sylvia Dunstan) The words are great; I would sing it to the tune HOLY MANNA.
There is a contemporary tune (by Bob Moore) is also very nice, but
may need to be introduced to your congregation. “All who hunger gather
gladly, holy manna is our bread. Come from wilderness and wand’ring,
here, in truth, we will be fed. You that yearn for days of fullness,
all around us is our food. Taste and see the grace eternal, Taste and
see that God is good”. Sound sample, sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
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.
- FFS03 As we walk along beside you (Shirley Murray) Excellent words or recognising Christ in the word, the bread, the resurrection. A simple tune. Lyrics.
- MV192 / ACS970 We come now to your table Lord you are the living bread (Traditional
Caribbean) Very simple communion chorus from Jamaica. This would be
best with harmonies and lots of percussion, or I think it would be just a
bit dull. Could be very energetic and celebratory! Sound sample. Good for kids.
- 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) A rousing hymn of God’s presence and strength and making it to the other side. "Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore." Sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / ATW 473 / Lau625 Bread for the world a world of hunger
(Bernadette Farrell) Very nice words. Tune a bit schmaltzy, but the words save it.
A bit gutsy really. Good for a soloist during distribution of
communion, or as a reflective song. Sound sample, Sheet music sample, Purchasing options.
- TiS 239 / AHB 185 / ATE 236 / NCH048 / StF252 / Lau746 / MP384 Jesus the Christ said "I am the bread" / Jesus the Lord said "I am the bread"
(Anonymous - Urdu melody) This song set to a traditional Urdu melody is
quite well known; translations vary a lot. I really like the
translation in NCH. I'd be interested to see this in Urdu; perhaps it's not too hard to sing. Lyrics.
- ATAR658 Jesus, you are the bread we long for
(Bernadette Farrell) Excellent communion song, with 5 verses about God being bread
and wine for those who starve and thirst; themes of healing,
restoration and justice. Very straightforward flowing melody. We sang
this not long ago, and it is really beautiful. It would be good to sing
it again. Lyrics (in an order of service)
- Online Resource / AoVNG15 Bread of Life
(Michael John Poirier) A nice gentle song; probably not so much a congregational song, but one for reflection. Would be good for distribution of
communion. This was sung by the musicians on Maundy Thursday some years ago, and it
would be good to sing it again. Sound sample and purchasing options.
- TiS 538 / AoV2-093 Feed us now Bread of life
(Robin Mann) One of my favourite communion songs. Simple to sing, and
beautiful simple theology. “Piece of bread, cup of wine, Lord this food
is good”. Lyrics. Good for kids<./li>
- MV194 Bread of life feed my soul (Stephen Spencer) A simple communion prayer for healing and guidance. Lyric video.
- MV197 Bread of life broken and shared
(David-Roger Gagnon) Quite nice verses and catchy chorus, which refers
to this, and other famous bread-like readings. For communion. Lyrics (scroll down).
Here's some I didn't suggest last week...
- ATW 472 / NCYC'99 As we take this bread (Jane Dyson) A lovely simple communion chant.
- VU250 / GA415 / G(II)372 / GC546 O God of Matchless Glory (Ruth Duck) Good song, simple tune. HASTINGS. Maybe more than one tune out there. Sound sample.
- TiS 430 / AHB 337 / Cha324 / StF164 Your words to me are life and health
(George Currie Martin) I really like this old hymn. It’s a bit old fashioned, but it
still works, I think. Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Got any ideas of your own for any of these readings? Please add them in the comments below!
Songs to sing before communion
- Online Resource / Resounding Voices When Jesus sets the table (Amanda Udis-Kessler / Sally Ann Morris) Challenging words of radical inclusion at Christ's table. I love the tune by Sally Ann Morris, but it can also be sung to ELLACOMBE if you wish for something more traditional. Sound sample of the new tune, lyrics, sheet music samples, and purchasing options. Free book download here.
- Online Resource All 'round this table here / In Breaking Bread (Shawn Whelan)
A great song, with lots of repetition "In
breaking bread Christ is here; When wine is shared Christ is here".
Particularly appropriate if there is also communion, but will make sense
without it. Free sheet music, lyrics and sound sample. Good for kids.
- AoVNG1 / CH685 / FFS17 / GtG769 / G(3)812 / W&R617 For everyone born / A place at the table
(Shirley Murray) Words of welcome and change to everyone regardless of
sex, age, sexuality. There are three possible tunes. The Lori True tune
is the most common. I like the Colin Gibson tune in FFS. This song is good for a service when
communion is celebrated, but it makes sense without communion, too. DO NOT SING ALL
THE VERSES if you're looking at the Hope Publishing version. Choose the
ones that work for your community. I recommend not using verse 4, which
talks about both the abuser and the abused being welcome at the table,
and places the onus on the abused for forgiveness; it is a verse that
Shirley Murray decided later she would have liked to remove. There is
also an optional verse: "For gay and for straight...." Lyrics & sheet music. There is also a rewrite which has even more inclusion, which you may like to explore here.
- NCH340 / StJ We are people on a journey / Somos pueblo que camina (Misa Popular Nicaraguense) I like this one. It has challenging lyrics, and it can be hard for middle class white folks to sing this one (in a good way). Sheet music and lyrics.
- Online Resource At the table all are equal (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody)
A beautiful song of welcome, with a stirring and heartfelt chorus. This could be sung before communion, and would work during distribution too. Sound sample. Sheet music and lyrics preview and purchasing options.
- VU592 / GtG186 / StF695 Come now you blessed
(Ruth Duck) Good words, based on Matthew 25:34-39, sung to a lovely
6/8 tune, with an emphasis on our call to social justice. It will need to be taught, or at least played through, the
first time. Lyrics.
- CH763 / MV193 God bless to us our bread
(Traditional Argentinian) A lovely simple grace for meals and for
communion. More Voices has Spanish and French lyrics as well as English.
"God bless to us our bread, and give bread to all those who are hungry,
and hunger for justice to those who are fed. God bless to us our
bread". Sound sample (Track 1). Good for kids.
- NCH344 / Iona (Enemy of Apathy) / GA385 / G(II)611 / Lau638 The time was early evening
(John Bell) Great words to a familiar Celtic folk tune. We used to sing this one
often on Maundy Thursday; would be good to revisit it. "Oh the food comes from the baker, the drink
comes from the vine...". Sheet music preview.
- SFFS 2265 Time Now to Gather
(Mary Nelson Keithahn) Lovely words with a focus on
forgiveness, and returning to God, and being welcomed in communion. Sung
to a very simple tune that most congregations would probably be able
to join in on immediately. Lyrics.
- TiS 538 / AoV2-093 Feed us now Bread of life
(Robin Mann) One of my favourite communion songs. Simple to sing, and
beautiful simple theology. “Piece of bread, cup of wine, Lord this food
is good”. Lyrics. I love how the liturgy in the link
intersperses the words of institution with the singing of the song. I
think it's so great that there are so many orders of worship on the
Internet!
- VU456 / AA100 / PH515 Now to your table spread
(Shirley Murray) A communion hymn that recognises global faith and
global responsibility. Sung to the familiar tune LOVE UNKNOWN. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource Come all you vagabonds (Stuart
Townend) This song provides a welcome to all, including some who would
not normally be welcome, or be easy to welcome. I'm not really sure how
it would work as a congregational song, but I really like it. Sound sample (youtube), lyrics, chords.
- URW196 / StF652 Lord we come to ask your healing
(Jean Holloway) Good words to speak peace in times of division, verse 3
also speaks about unity in communion. Sung to the familiar tune AR HYD
Y NOS. Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- UMH621 / VU546/7 / URW301 / LUYH843 Be present at our table Lord (John Cennick) Grace or blessing for communion. Very simple, and probably familiar to older Methodists. Sung to OLD HUNDREDTH. Lyrics and story. Oldy-but-a-goody.
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Online Resource / GtG507 / SP&P112 Come to the table of grace (Barbara Hamm) Good for distribution of communion as it's very simple and repetitive. Particularly good for welcoming children to communion; and maybe even in Advent because it's got that Peace, Love and Joy thing going on.
Good for kids. Lyrics and video sample including a communion liturgy. Sample sheet music and digital book available for purchase.
- ACS966 / GtG498 Loaves were broken words were spoken
(Herman Stuempfle) Communion Excellent words for communion sung to the
familiar tune BEACH SPRING (in GTG) or a new tune by Marty Haugen (in
ACS). Lyrics (downloads a pdf that you will need to scroll through) New words to old tunes (if using BEACH SPRING).
- ELW466 / FFS38 / SFFS 2255 / GtG533 In the singing in the silence (Shirley Murray) Lovely words, simple tune in FFS; there are quite a few tunes to this. Lyrics and single-use only downloadable PDF.
- TiS 536 / AHB 453 / VU130 / GtG202 / PH094 / CP(E) 130 / W&R275 / Cha385 / Lau248 An upper room did our Lord prepare (Fred Pratt Green) I really love this song, but we have not sung it much, even though it's so easy and lovely. Sung to the tune O WALY WALY. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- SP&P059 Yours is the wheat and yours the grape
(Maren Tirabassi) This short song has beautiful words for communion and
would be good sung either as a short refrain before distribution as a
regular part of the liturgy, or sung as a chant during the
distribution. Lyrics.
- ATOK 397 / Iona (LFB) / CH658 / VU462 / A&M426 / GtG428 / CP610 / Cha391 / SP211 Before I take the body of my Lord / These I lay down (John Bell) A pre-communion confession. Lovely tune which is easy to sing. Lyrics. Sheet music.
- VU280 Mother and God
(Miriam Therese Winter) A slightly longer short song, suitable for before the intercessions or
communion. Beautiful words. Simple tune. Lyrics. Sound sample.
- Online Resource / Tune In / NCYC'09 / ATAR598 God has laid a feasting table / Invitation
(Shawn Whelan). Feminine imagery of God gathering her guests to a feasting
table. Fun Cuban rhythm. Samples and free downloadable songbook.
- Online Resource / AoVK-105 We give thanks for the goodness of love that is shared (Trish Watts / Monica O'Brien) I like it! Joyful communion song. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
- Unknown Source Give give us our daily bread
(Per Harling) This is a very joyful song. While it's not specifically about communion, I wanted people to be aware of it, and this seemed a good spot to list it. Youtube.
- Online Resource Bread of Life and cup of healing (Pat Mayberry) A lovely simple song which would be easy to sing before Communion. Free sheet music.
- Online Resource / Full of the Spirit I pray that I will live with grace / Grace
(Heather Price) A joyful song seeking grace, as we "take from cup and plate". Can also be used as a sung grace for more ordinary meals. Sound sample and music for purchase. Good for kids.<
- ACS969 / StJ4 / GtG770 / Cha424 / TFBF263 I'm Gonna Eat at the Welcome Table / You've got a place at the welcome table (African-American) A traditional hopeful spiritual. Good fun to sing in parts. Text and sheet music. Good for kids.
- StF023 Come Holy Spirit. Maranatha!
(John Bell) A simple call and response chant. Excellent. This chant could be good to use as part of the invocation of the Holy Spirit to descend on the bread and wine prior to communion. Lyrics and teaching notes.
- ACS961 Come to the table
(Jennifer Baker-Trinity) A very simple two part song calling all to the table. This could become a nice tradition. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- ACS931 Where charity and love are shown / Donde hay caridad y amor (Joaquin Madurga) A joyful song telling the story of all of us gathering around the table together. Sound sample lyric video (in Spanish) with guitar chords.
- MV192 / ACS970 We come now to your table Lord you are the living bread (Traditional
Caribbean) Very simple communion chorus from Jamaica. This would be
best with harmonies and lots of percussion, or I think it would be just a
bit dull. Could be very energetic and celebratory! Sound sample. Good for kids.
- Online Resource Es mi cuerpo / Take and eat (Charles Tindley / Tony Alonso, transl. Mary Louise Bringle) This simple song has many verses with different imagery and would be suitable for distribution of communion. Sound sample, sheet music and lyrics preview and purchasing options.
- Online Resource Walls mark our boundaries / Build us a table (Ruth Duck)
Challenging words about inclusion that can be sung by a tune by Jim Strathdee or by Lori True. Lyric video (Jim Strathdee version). Sheet music and sound sample, and purchasing options for the Lori True version.
- 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". Lyrics.
- MV199 / HiOS148 / GtG537 When at this table I receive a blessing
(Shirley Murray) Particularly appropriate if you are celebrating
communion this
week. Excellent, strong words of communion and the different prayers
that we may bring to the table. HiOS has a slow 3/4 minor key tune from
Colin Gibson which is quite lovely, and MV and GtG have a different tune
by Jane Marshall which is also really good; it can be found here with the lyrics. David MacGregor also offers this tune. I like them all. For Brunswick, I would choose the Jane Marshall tune.
- Online Resource Taste and See (Rob Leveridge) This would be a good song for the musicians to sing during distribution. The lyrics express such welcome. Sound sample & lyrics. Sheet music.
- Online Resource Christify the gifts we bring to you (Bukas Palad Ministry) This song is beloved of a member of our congregation from the Philippines. It's very beautiful and simple to sing, and would be suitable for when the elements are brought forward before communion and possibly also during distribution.
- MV192 / ACS970 We come now to your table Lord you are the living bread (Traditional
Caribbean) Very simple communion chorus from Jamaica. This would be
best with harmonies and lots of percussion, or I think it would be just a
bit dull. Could be very energetic and celebratory! Sound sample. Good for kids.
- StF150 This is the day of rest to use as God intended
(John Bell) A hymn with excellent words about the Sabbath, as gift from
God, feast of Christ, and time for the Spirit to bring change. The tune
is new and will need to be taught, but should be picked up fairly
quickly.
- Online Resource Bread from the ripe fields of the land / Meal of Creation
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle song calling all of Creation to communion. This will need to be taught - start by just getting the congregation to join in on the lilting chorus. Sound sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
- ACS977 / GtG506 Look who gathers at Christ's table (Thomas Troeger / Michael Corzine) A strong hymn about how we join with generations who have gone before us, when we come together to celebrate communion. Lyrics.
- ACS978 / GtG399 God welcomes all (John Bell / South African Traditional) A simple song of welcome, if your table is fully welcoming. Sound sample.
Songs for the distribution
- Online Resource In the taking, in the sharing (Shawn Whelan)
A quiet meditative chant with cantor part; great for distribution. Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample. Good for kids.
- Online Resource When you're not sure who you really are / All belong here (Lenora Rand / Hannah Rand / The Many) Excellent words of God's radical inclusion at the Table. Lyrics, sound samples and sheet music.
- Online Resource Taste and See the Lord is Good (Rob Leveridge) Pretty good lyrics that lead to communion. Very catchy! Youtube celebrating community. Sound sample, purchasing options.
- Online Resource / URW429 Come you hungry / Drink living water / Tomen Agua Viva
(Colleen Fulmer-Barrientos / Rufino Zaragoza) This simple song could be used with many verses
during a reflection, or during distribution of communion. You could
also choose to use just a single verse for a special focus, or selected
verses in prayers of confession as appropriate. Sound sample (in Spanish) and downloads for purchase. Lyrics (English).
- Online Resource Bread from the ripe fields of the land / Meal of Creation
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) I imagine this is something that would work really well during distribution of communion. Love it. Sound sample, lyrics.
- ATAR658 Jesus, you are the bread we long for
(Bernadette Farrell) Excellent communion song, with 5 verses about God being bread
and wine for those who starve and thirst; themes of healing,
restoration and justice. Very straightforward flowing melody. We sang
this not long ago, and it is really beautiful. It would be good to sing
it again. Lyrics (in an order of service)
- Online Resource / AoVNG15 Bread of Life (Michael John Poirier)
A nice gentle song. Would be good for distribution of communion.
Particularly good for Maundy Thursday. Sound sample and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / WoV701 / ELW487 / URW119 What Feast of Love
(Dolores Dufner) Very poetic devotional language about Christ as the bread,
light and wine. Sung to GREENSLEEVES. Maybe better as a solo initially
so people can just listen to the beauty of the words. Perhaps sung
during distribution of communion, or a song to sing while thinking about the prepared table? Sound sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 707 / Iona (Common Ground, LFB) / A&M429 / SP214 Bread is blessed and broken
(John Bell) Very simple. Good for distribution of communion; not all versions are inclusive. Lyrics.
- ATW 472 / NCYC'99 As we take this bread (Jane Dyson) A lovely simple communion chant. Good for kids.
- Taizé / TiS
714 / AoV1-125 /ATE 270 / CH661 / UMH628 / VU466 / WoV709 / ELW472 /
GA205 / A&M442 / G(II)588 / GC838 / GC(II)806 / G(3)941 / RS928 / CP063 / W&R697 /
Cha414 / SP229 / URW379 / Lau633 Eat this bread drink this cup
(John Batastini / Taize) Excellent, particularly if you have a capable
cantor. Some resources say "Come to him and never be hungry", but others have "come to me / trust in me". Sheet music.
- SP&P059 Yours is the wheat and yours the grape
(Maren Tirabassi) This short song has beautiful words for communion and would
be good sung either as a short refrain before distribution as a regular
part of the liturgy, or sung as a chant during the distribution. Lyrics.
- ATW 478 / Iona (T1AU) / CH799 / A&M469 / G(3)951 / SP230 / URW420 This is the body of Christ
(John Bell) A very simple and gentle chant for distribution of communion
"This is the body of Christ, broken that we may be whole; This cup, as
promised by God, true to God's word, cradles our Lord: food for the good
of the soul." Note, I did a sneaky little lyric change there... see if
you can find it.
- SP&P153 Eat of this bread (Barbara Hamm) A very simple chant appropriate for distribution of communion.
- SP&P020 We are waiting for you
(Christopher Grundy) A gentle song of waiting. Would be good for the musicians to
sing for the congregation during a meditative part of the service, or to
commence the service. This song would also work well during distribution of communion. Sound sample.
- Online Resource / ELW474 / GtG497 / G(II)590 / GC821 / G(3)943 / Lau622 Bread of Life From Heaven / Pan de Vida Eterna
(Suzanne Briehl) Refrain to tune of Santo Santo. The refrain
could be used on its own. Verse lyrics are quite formal, and maybe a bit
clunky? "Bread of life From heaven, your blood and body given, we eat
this bread and drink this cup until you come again". Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchase options.
- CH659 / MV173 / StJ / A&M566 / G(3)824 / W&R389 / SP251 Put peace into each other’s hands (Fred Kaan) Good words for communion; tune is quite simple and flows nicely. Slow sound sample, sheet music with lyrics. Good for kids.
- ACS967 Feed us with hunger for justice
(Anne Krentz Organ) A simple and short song - I'm not quite sure how to
use it during communion; it would work during distribution for a
smaller congregation. 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". Lyrics.
- Online Resource At the table all are equal (David
Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody)
A beautiful song of welcome, with a stirring and heartfelt chorus. This
could be sung before communion, and would work during distribution too.
Sound sample. Sheet music and lyrics preview and purchasing options.
- SP&P106 Bread is broken eyes are opened
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan / Fowler) Very simple communion chant. Could be
sung as a round; would work for distribution in a small group.
- Online Resource Eat this mystery
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A lovely simple song for distribution of communion. Sound sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
- ACS962 In this feast of love / Tässä pöydässä
(Jarkko Maukonen) A gentle tune, very appropriate for distribution. Could be sung in Finnish or English. Sound sample (a little jazzier than I would play it).
Songs for before AND after communion
- URW134 God wills a full life for us all (Paul Gregory) Great words sung to the familiar tune AZMON; The first 3 verses could be sung before communion, and the last two afterwards. New words to old tunes.
"Thanks be to God for faith renewed and unity restored. We go, one
world, one family, to live Gods' loving word".
What are your go-to songs for communion? Please add any advice in a comment below.
