Songs, Hymns & Music for Lent 1C (March 6 2022)

Some general Lent songs

• VU108 / W&R250 Throughout These Lenten Days and Nights (James Gertmenian) 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) 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) 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) 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.
• 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) 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). 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. 
• STB268 The grain is ripe (Shirley Murray) Good words about harvest and peace sung to a simple hymnlike tune. Lyrics.  
• Online Resource Food is blessing (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) Great words to the familiar tune NETTLETON. On the Singing From the Lectionary Facebook group. New words to old tunes. 
• BUC Song Project In spirit we rise (Sheree Anderson) 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.
• 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." Lyrics & sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
• CH230 / VU517 / StF126 Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field (Brian Wren) A thoroughly modern harvest thanksgiving hymn, which would work for any service, not just a harvest thanksgiving. I would actually sing this to BONNIE GEORGE CAMPBELL (TiS 624), by just adding a single note anacrusis at the start of each line. LyricsNew 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. Sheet music available here. Clunky and, frankly, a fairly useless keyboard sound sample, but a good sheet music sample. 
• 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. 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.
• MV214 May God's sheltering wings (Judith Snowdon) A beautiful, 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.   
• 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. 
• MV062 / SP&P076 / Online Resource 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 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. 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

• 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 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.
• 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.
• ACS922 / MV065 / GtG783 / STF240When 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 & 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) These words emphasize that we are loved by God even when called into the wilderness. Free sheet music here.
• 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.  
  
• Online resourceJesus 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.
• Online resource Out in the Wilderness (Jay Beech) A groovy song, lots of angels, that I think kids will like. Good for kids. Sound sample. Sheet music for purchase.
• Cha455 You Have Called Me (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!