Communion / Eucharist hymns

See also settings of communion responses here.

Songs to sing before communion

• Online Resource / GWA068 We are coming Lord to the table (Sierra Leone) This is a lovely song to sing during preparation of communion as the table is set. Sound sample and free sheet music.
• 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 (for a tune by Lim Swee Hong). 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 / Welcome pilgrims on the journey / Somos pueblo que camina (Manuel Dávila, Nicaragua / Misa Popular Nicaragüense) 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). Sound sample 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 sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
• Online Resource / VU592 / GtG186 / StF695 / ACS1059 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, sheet music sample, and sheet music for a different tune available for purchase. Sound sample of the 6/8 tune, perhaps sounding a little too jolly for these 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, Australia) 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. Lyric video. 
• Online Resource / VU456 / AA100 / PH515 Now to your table spread (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) 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.
• 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. 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.
• 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. 
• Online Resource / 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 and sheet music for purchase. 
• 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. Lyrics and chords. Sheet music.
• 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 / GWA042 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 sample, lyrics 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.

Songs, Hymns & Music for Proper 21C / Ordinary 26C / Pentecost +18 (September 28th 2025)

Looking for Season of Creation Resources? There are a few suggestions on this page if you are following the 2025 theme of "Peace for Creation" I have highlighted songs that are particularly appropriate within the Lectionary-based suggestions with a globe of the earth 🌏 (not many this week). If you are using the earlier version of Season of Creation, or if you're looking for additional Creation-themed songs click here for Season of Creation 3C- Cosmos Sunday! 

  

Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15

Jeremiah buys a field. Faith in the future.

• TiS 687 God gives us a future (Elizabeth Smith) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let the tune get too pompous or plodding! "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!". Lyric video. In this version the hymn has been split into to two parts to include the blessing and words of mission.
• Taizé / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / GtG842 / PfAS027A / URW393 The Lord is my light, my light and salvation (Jacques Berthier) A simple and very popular Taize chant. Note that this is really easy on recorder if you have a kid in your congregation who is learning it. Good for kids. Youtube.
• Online Resource / TiS 613 / AHB 546 / ATOK 405 / CH166 / LBW469 / ELW765 / A&M713 / SFFS2197 / HPP265 / GtG683 / GC578 / GC(II)560 / G(3)663 / CP506 / CP(E) 507 / W&R469 / URW179 / 82Hml-482 / Lau969 / StF526 / MP882 Lord of all hopefulness Lord of all joy (Jan Struther) Excellent straightforward Irish tune (SLANE), and beautiful words. Would be a good choice for the final song. Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
• NCH461 Let us hope when hope seems hopeless (David Beebe) A lilting tune and good words of hope in the face of difficulty. A song of a maturing faith. Sound sample (long introduction).
• 🌏 Online Resource / NCH433 / CH727 / UMH707 / VU703 / HPP474 / GtG250 / W&R515 / Cha638 In the bulb there is a flower (Natalie Sleeth) A simple song of hope symbolised in nature. Good for those churches in the Southern Hemisphere who are celebrating the start of Spring, and for those in the North who are planting bulbs! Lyrics and sheet music.
• Online Resource / TiS 679 God of Jeremiah grieving (Brian Wren) If you are going to focus on Jeremiah for the next few weeks, this would be a good hymn to learn. The traditional Scottish tune KELVIN GROVE is well known as the tune for "The Summons", but for these words, the tune works better without the swung rhythm that is often used for those words. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
• Online Resource / TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / A&M584 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 / 82Hml-665 / Lau959 / StF455 / MP016 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Joachim Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the translation by Fred Pratt Green in UMH, NCH and WoV are; these are also available online, so use them! Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
• UMH129 / VU636 / PH286 / PfAS109A Give to the winds thy fears (Paul Gerhardt) I quite like some of the modern translations of this old song (from 1656); the UMH version is my favourite. The tune (HANTS) is not familiar to me, but should be learned fairly quickly with some instruction. Older style lyrics.

Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16
God our shelter and refuge

• Online Resource In this desert (Kathy Douglass, USA) A simple, reflective song about being supported by God while tired and lonely. Also picks up nicely on Psalm 91, so particularly appropriate for this week. It has a nice little interlude from Dvořák's New World symphony! Thanks to Kathy for sharing this with us. Free sheet music.
• Online Resource / GWA011 / PfAS091D 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 in GWA is very challenging, PfAS is simpler. Sound sample, sheet music sample, and purchasing options. Jazzy sound sample. Good for kids. 
• Online Resource / 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, sound samples, sheet music samples and purchasing options.
• 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    How safe it is this hiding place  (Martin Leckebusch) A simple refrain for a cantored, or read, version of the Psalm. Very very easy. 

Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 

The rich couch potatoes will go into exile first

• GWA029 In ages past the mighty Lord by prophets spoke the word (Michael Morgan, USA) This is a song with very many verses; choose at least verses 1 and 8 this week, and add whatever other verses make sense in your context. Set to the common tune KINGSFOLD. Some lyrics (not the Amos verse!). New words to old tunes.
• MV127 I saw the rich ones (Pat Mayberry, Canada) This is simple to sing and a great song for kids “But with God the world is turned upside down. The poor are embraced and the lost they are found. Let’s work for a world where all people are free. Where it’s good to feel good about God loving you and me”. Lyric video. Good for kids.
• TiS 689 / ATE 286 / GtB Lord hear my praying / Sorrowing song (Robin Mann, Australia) Powerful words of prayer to a simple tune. Words are straightforward about asking difficult questions of God. Lyrics. This song will work for next week as well, so now is a good time to introduce it. 
• ATW 475 / NCYC'01 / SP&P008 Come to the banquet there’s a place for you (Fay White, Australia) An excellent song. "Though you maybe have no money, though you maybe feel unworthy, in your strength and in your weakness you are welcome, come." Lyrics.
• TiS 416 Great God your Spirit like the wind (Alan Gaunt, England) Excellent words asking for God to shake us out of our complacency and give us compassion. I really wish it was set to a different tune - it is set to JERUSALEM and this seems to suck all the power out of the lyrics for me. It works with MAGNIFICAT (TiS173) which is fairly straightforward so I would try that if it's not too confusing for the congregation. Lyrics (downloads a PDF).New words to old tunes.

Psalm for Amos reading:  Psalm 146  
God is great and cares for the widow, and brings justice etc.

• Cha766 Blessed are the poor and needy for God's justice surely is theirs Simple, very familiar sung response, and responsive reading.
• TiS 90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / GtG806 / PH253 / A&M673 / CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 / 82Hml-429 / StF079 / MP320 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Isaac Watts, England) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United is! Lyrics and sheet music.  Oldy-but-a-goody.
• URW357 Praise to the One who sets prisoners free (Elise Eslinger, USA) A great tune, and the response can be sung in three parts, or as a round. Can be sung with one or two cantors / readers or without the cantors. The refrain alone as a round could be good for kids.
• Online Resource Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos (Eleazar Torregosa, Colombia) This jubilant song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Good for kids. Free sheet music. Sound sample.
• Psalm Project (2010) Hallelujah Hallelujah The god of Jacob (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A nice way to present this Psalm to the congregation; this would work during the offering for our congregation, or have the congregation (including the kids) sing the Hallelujah bits as a Psalm refrain. Note to BUC: I have this! Sound sample and lyrics.
• G(3)093 I will praise the Lord all my days (Michael Joncas, USA) A lovely Psalm refrain, very straightforward. The verses could be sung or read. Sound sample.
• TiS 702 / NCH768 / SFFS 2014 / GC257 / GC(II)263 / G(3)331 / PfAS146B / Lau539 Alleluia 7 (Jacques Berthier, France) A very straightforward Alleluia that builds with energy. PfAS uses this as a refrain to a cantored (or read) version of Psalm 146. Sheet music and sound samples (refrain only). 
• WoV609 / GtG034 / SP&P055 / W&R735 / PfAS146B Hallelujah / Heleluyan (Muscogee / Charles Webb) Native American Hallelujah. It's simple and straightforward. PfAS146 uses it as a refrain to Psalm 146.It can also be used as a round (come in on each bar), and with a strong drum beat on 1 and 3. Sound recording. 
• PfAS146B Hallelujah / Puji Tuhan (Christian Tamaela, Indonesia) A simple Bahasa Indonesian Alleluia set as a Psalm refrain for Psalm 146. It will need to be taught.

1 Timothy 6:6-19  

Contentment; be rich in good works

• TiS 370 / AHB 290 / NCH367 / CH411 / UMH302 / VU157 / LBW128 / ELW369 / GtG245 / G(II)315 / GC437 / GC(II)439 / G(3)523 / CP206 / W&R288 / Lau273 / StF298 / MP076 Christ the Lord is risen today (Charles Wesley) It's not quite Easter for me without this hymn, but be aware that the lyrics vary widely between hymnals. TiS is good, although some may not like the Kingly language. If you want fully inclusive language, the NCH has good lyrics. An example of lyrics and tune. Oldy-but-a-goody.
• NCH437 We shall not give up the fight (South African) A great song for congregations standing with those in a struggle for freedom. That should be all of our congregations really. Good for kids. I like the version by this choir in France!
• 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 / StF545 / 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 and tune.
• UMH438 / VU416 / A&M476 / CP467 / CP(E) 430 / W&R718 / StF550 / Lau861 / MP159 Forth in thy name O Lord I go (Charles Wesley) Timeless words about committing all our works to God. I like this hymn best played lightly and joyfully with a simple drum beat as a kind of minstrel tune, rather than a hymn. The old fashioned words seem to make a lot more sense to me that way. Some hymnals (including TiS) have sensitively modernised the words. Older lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
• 🌏 TiS 690 / CH259 / A&M557 / StS115 / SP237 / Srce54 / StF693 / MP806 Beauty for brokenness hope for despair (Graham Kendrick) Themes of healing from personal and universal suffering and an emotive chorus. “Refuge from cruel wars, havens from fear, cities for sanctuary, freedoms to share, peace to the killing-fields, scorched earth to green; Christ for the bitterness, his cross for the pain”. It's a bit schmaltzy. Lyrics. Sound sample (YouTube).
• 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). An oldy-but-a-goody. "In light inaccessible hid from our eyes". Lyrics, tune sample. 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.

Luke 16:19-31 
The rich man and Lazarus

• TiS 728 Jesuchristo Reina reina ya! A fun Latin American song. It's particularly fun if someone is brave enough to yell out a "call" at the start of each verse. Sound sample. Good for kids.
• TiS 611 / AHB 543 / NCH436 / UMH577 / VU686 / LBW415 / ELW705 / A&M648 / HPP456 / PH420 / GtG307 / CP577 / CP(E) 448 / W&R569 / Cha464 / 82Hml-594 / StF682 / MP192 God of Grace and God of Glory (Harry Fosdick) A song about being courageous and wise. There are many possible tunes and many sets of words to this hymn. NCH has the most inclusive words, but TiS and AHB are okay too. They don’t hold back in verse 3. Chorus: “Grant us wisdom, Grant us courage, for the facing of this hour”. I know best the tune AHB 543 (ii) RHUDDLAN. One version of the lyrics.
• MV127 I saw the rich ones (Pat Mayberry) This is simple to sing and a great song for kids “But with God the world is turned upside down. The poor are embraced and the lost they are found. Let’s work for a world where all people are free. Where it’s good to feel good about God loving you and me”. Lyric video. Good for kids.
• TiS 629 / AHB 558 / AoV2-136 / ATA 197 / CH544 / VU600 / Lau888 / StF256 When I needed a neighbor were you there (Sydney Carter) A classic folk church song. Well known and fits well with this theme. "And the creed and the colour and the name won't matter"... Lyrics. Good for kids.
• Online Resource / VU456 / AA100 / PH515 Now to your table spread (Shirley Murray) A communion hymn that recognises global faith and global responsibility. Particularly suitable if you are celebrating communion this week. Sung to the familiar tune LOVE UNKNOWN. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
• Traditional Carol As it fell out apon one day / Dives and Lazarus (Traditional English) This is very long, and not really a congregational song, but it may suit your congregation to use a part of it. Video of a live performance.
• TiS 640 / AHB 561 / ATE 310 / NCH498 / UMH432 / VU593 / WoV765 / ELW708 / HPP446 / GtG203 / PH367 / G(II)296 / GC409 / GC(II)429 / G(3)505 / CP504 / W&R273 / Cha600 / URW116 / 82Hml-602 / Lau241 / StF249 Jesu Jesu fill us with your love / Kneels at the feet of his friends (Tom Colvin & people of Ghana). Classic! Lyrics. Good for kids.
• 🌏 ATFG561 / Online Resource / Tune In Part of a fam'ly interconnected / Community(Dave Brown) A song about being welcomed and how to work together as part of a community. "Part of a family interconnected, this is community; Welcoming strangers, visiting neighbours, this gives us dignity". Very singable song about building community. Good for kids. Free downloadable song book, lyrics and sound samples.
• TiS 650 / ATA 191 / CH694 / A&M604 / NCH539 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / GtG727 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / G(3)751 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 / StF611 / Lau924 Brother, sister, let me serve you / Won't you let me be your servant? (Richard Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics. NCH has a nice turn on the lyrics with "Won't you let me be your servant?" as the first line.  Oldy-but-a-goody.

Written first in Atlanta, Georgia; updated twice in Fitzroy, Melbourne, and then in LAX.

Songs, Hymns & Music for Season of Creation 4C - Cosmos Sunday (September 28, 2025)

Proverbs 8:22-31
Wisdom, there from Creation

• Online Resource / Tune In / ATAR598 / NCYC 2009 God has laid a feasting table / Invitation (Shawn Whelan, Australia) Feminine imagery of God gathering her guests to a feasting table. Fun Cuban rhythm. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
• NCH057 / VU379 / WoV688 / LBW459 / ELW399 / SFFS 2121 / CP(E) 188 / Cha251 / URW079 / VF055 O Holy Spirit root of life (Jean Janzen, Canada, based on Hildegard, Germany) Good words of "Holy Spirit","Eternal Vigour" and "Holy Wisdom". I like the phrase "encompass us with wings unfurled". Simple known tune (PUER NOBIS). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Online Resource / GWA028 Wisdom cries out in the streets (Chris Shelton, USA / Randall Sensmeier, USA). Excellent words upholding many images of Wisdom, sung to a lowly flowing tune. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing options. 
• TiS 418 / AoV2-075 / Iona (EoA, Common Ground) / CH593 / GA372 / A&M259 / Cha255 / SP94 / URW165 / StF393 / Lau305 She sits like a bird brooding on the waters / Enemy of Apathy (John Bell, Scotland) A favourite Holy Spirit song. Beautiful words and very easy to sing, provided it is not played too quickly The Iona recordings are generally very quick, but there are a lot of words to fit in, so keep it elegantly moderate in speed! Sound sample. Lyrics.  
• ACS971 / MV010 / GtG174 / URW099 / VF060 Come and seek the ways of wisdom (Ruth Duck, USA) This song is more about the personification of Wisdom, but would work very well as a gathering song in the context of this reading. The tune in ACS, MV and GtG is a joyful 6/8 tune, but not familiar, so if it seems difficult, you could sing the same words to PICARDY (TiS 497). VF has a more challenging tune, which may be a bit tricky for a congregation. Lyrics.
• MV 145 / CP418 / SP&P123 Draw the circle wide (Gordon Light, Canada) A great song about welcoming all people. Chorus is “Draw the circle wide, draw it wider still. Let this be our song, no-one stands alone, standing side by side, draw the circle wide”. Lyric video.
• CH604 Holy wisdom lamp of learning (Ruth Duck, USA) Great words seeking wisdom, judgement, and celebrating a searching faith. Sung to a good joyful and easy hymn tune (IN BABILONE). Could also be sung to BEACH SPRING. Sheet music and lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Online Resource / GA183 Come Holy Spirit, the spirit of Wisdom / Gifts of the Spirit (Christopher Willcock, Australia) Good song. It's in 7/8 so you can't go wrong. The words are also excellent about God-with-us and the coming of the Spirit. This is also in New Song in an Ancient Land Vol 1 (in the Liturgy Library at BUC). Sound sample and purchasing options.
• Online Resource / HiOS156 Wisdom be our guide (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Inspiring lyrics of peace and being grounded and inspired by Wisdom. The tune is quite simple, and the chorus will be easy to follow. Lyrics and sheet music.
• Online Resource / VU892 / CP392 / Cha258 Who comes from God as word and breath, Holy Wisdom (Patrick Michaels, USA) Solid words about the place of wisdom in the Godhead. "Who lifts her voice for all to hear? Joyful Wisdom.Who shapes a thought and makes it clear? Truthful Wisdom: Teacher, drawing out our best, magnifies what we invest, names our truth, directs our quest. Wisest one, radiant one, welcome, holy Wisdom!". Lyrics and sheet music.
• URW206 In her house there is a table / Wisdom's Table (Douglas Gay, Scotland) Sung to BEACH SPRING (or to BLAENWERN), this song has great words of being welcomed by Wisdom at her table through times of trouble. Lyrics. There is also a choral version set by John Bell.  New words to old tunes. 
• MV063 / StJ / GC(II)500 / G(3)583 Long before my journey’s start / Wisdom my road (Steven Warner, USA) Song for Wisdom. Pretty straightforward. Sheet music and sound sample preview.

Psalm 148
All creation sings God's praise

You might want to consider finding an inclusive language version of this Psalm for the reading! NCH has good inclusive texts for all Psalms in their Psalter. 

• GWA023 Silver skeins of angel hair / Raise an Alleluia (Margaret McClarty, Scotland) Beautiful words to be sung by a leader with the congregation joining on Alleluias and the chorus. Some Scottish words too! I am quite in love with the lightness and joy of it. Sound sample and lyrics (track 2).
• NCH766 / CH767 / CP324 / PfAS148G Hallelujah hallelujah (Dumisani Maraire, Zimbabwe) A simple and joyful Alleluia in 3/4 in 3 parts. This one is particularly good if you can get all three parts going. It's pretty straight forward, and catchy. PfAS uses it as a Psalm refrain for Psalm 148, or you can just continue the joy of the Easter season and sing some Alleluias somewhere else in the service. Or, you could choose an Alleluia that your congregation knows as a refrain for this Psalm. So many options... Good for kids Sound sample.
• PH274 O God of Earth and Space (Jane Parker Huber, USA) Terrific words to a well known Jewish hymn tune. "Wherever freedom reigns, where sin is overthrown, Where justice fused with mercy rules, there you are known. Give us the courage clear, to make the earth a home, For all to live in harmony, in Christ’s shalom." Highly recommended. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• ATW 422 / NCYC'99 And you sun and moon and stars (Canticle of Daniel) (Don Stewart, Australia) This is a big favourite in our congregation. It has wonderful energy and excellent lyrics. Lyric video.
• CH169 / VU245 / SFFS 2020 / HPP26 / CP309 Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet (Natalie Sleeth, USA) Fun. Good if you have extra instruments at your worship service. Careful not to let it get clunky. Lyric video. Good for kids.
• GtG017 Sing praise to God you heavens (Hermann Stuempfle, USA) A fairly standard paraphrase of the Psalm. I just love the singing planets, and the mountains thrusting skywards. Ah, it's a good'un. Oh, and the sheep. I like those singing sheep. Sheet music sample and lyrics.
• NCH033 / UMH151 / VU251 / ELW738 / PH290 God created heaven and earth (Taiwanese hymn translated by Boris and Clare Anderson)  Excellent words of creation, sung to a Pi-po (Taiwanese) melody. It will need to be taught, but it is not too hard. Inspiring story of this hymn. Lyrics.
• CH174 / GtG019 God of great and God of small (Natalie Sleeth, USA) Nice simple, children's song. Might work well with a cantor and response on the chorus. Kids could then sing it without having to read lots of words. Sound sample. Good for kids.
• TiS 715 / Srce2-112 Everything that has breath (Traditional Czech) A lovely simple round, set to the tune of "Ah poor bird". "Everything that has breath, praise the Lord of Hosts forever, praise the Lord". Would be a really nice relaxing start to worship. Good for kids. New words to old tunes.
• AoV2-120 / AoVK-9 God Is Good let the sun and moon and stars say "God is Good" (Kathy Chan, Australia) Fun. Not easy, but probably worth the effort if you feel like learning something new, or giving your musicians a challenge. Lyrics and sound sample.  Good for kids.
• Online Resource / TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren, USA) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics and sheet music.
• TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / G(3)577 / CP589 Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies (Marty Haugen, USA) A very joyful song for cantor and congregation, or small group and congregation; this is a big favourite in our church. Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample.
• Online Resource Creation opens up her heart / Creation's Hallelujah (Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, USA) Not so much a congregational song, but one where the congregation can respond with the chorus. Sound sample and reflection (Youtube). Lyrics and music for download.  Thanks to Bob Paterson-Watt for this suggestion.
• Online Resource / AoV1-019 / CH151 / GA397 / G(II)340 / GC493 / GC(II)498 / G(3)575 / W&R039 All You Works of God (Marty Haugen, USA) Joyful cantor and response with a rousing chorus. Also good for kids. Lead sheet and lyrics. Lyric video. Sheet music available.
• TiS 72 / AHB 42 / NCH27 / CH146 / UMH101 / LBW550 / A&M637 / HPP36 / GtG327 / PH229 / CP344 / CP(E) 431 / Cha49 / PfAS117C / 82Hml-380 / StF075 From all that dwell below the skies (Isaac Watts, England) A very old hymn, known by many, which is entirely inclusive in its language for God, save for one Lord which you can replace with God if you like 'cos it's Public Domain! Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and tune samples.
• VU888 / LBW558 / ELW731 / PH458 / RS681 / CP358 / W&R642 / 82Hml-412 Earth and All Stars (Herbert Brokering, USA) Fun words of cosmic praise - great for the start of a school year or term. I thought this tune was pretty straightforward, but my congregation struggled a bit with it. I really like the "boiling test tubes" bit, although this verse is not in all hymnals; the lyrics vary between sources, and not all are inclusive. One example of the lyrics. Good for kids, especially if sung with some humour.
• ACS 1091 / GtG018 / PfAS148E Hallelujah sing praise to your creator (Tilly Lubis-Nainggolan, Indonesia)  Joyful words set to a traditional Indonesian melody (NYANYIKANLAH NYANYIAN BARU). GtG is more inclusive than PfAS. Sound sample.
• TiS 152 / NCH4 / UMH89 / VU232 / LBW551 / ELW836 / HPP22 / GtG611 / PH464 / GC529 / GC(II)520 / G(3)614 / CP425 / W&R59 / Cha002 / URW065 / 82Hml-376 Joyful joyful we adore thee (Henry van Dyke, USA) Note that this hymn is not always very inclusive. I prefer more modern translations (e.g. TiS, VU, NCH, GC(II) ). Older version lyrics and tune sample.Oldy-but-a-goody.
• Online Resource Creation sing out! (David MacGregor, Australia) A new song about all of creation joining in praise of God. Lyric video. Lead sheet.
• TiS 755 / ATA 196 / CH804 / VU884 / SFFS 2278 / A&M484 / HPP219 / GTG080 / CP662 / W&R710 / SP82 / Srcs830 / URW449 / Lau878 / STF487 / MP796  You shall go out with joy / The trees of the field (Stuart Dauerman, USA) This is a good hand clappy foot stomping song. Fun to get faster. Lyrics and sound sample. Dance moves! Good for kids. 
• ATE 216 / Iona (SBL) / CH126 / StJ / ELW822 / PH472 / G(II)365 / GC527 / RS 671 / CP417 / W&R15 / StF042 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad al Señor (Unknown, Brazil) A good, fun and simple song that is easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish too; note that not all versions are inclusive. Sheet music samples. Sound sample. Good for kids.

Colossians 1:15-20 
Some nice Christology “image of the invisible God, first-born of creation…. all things created through him and in him”.
You may wish to sing an Alleluia. Some are listed here.

• Online Resource / ELW431 O Christ What Can It Mean for us (Delores Dufner) Excellent words sung to a range of familiar tunes (I like KINGSFOLD). Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
• NCH118 / VU061 / Cha104 Of God's very heart begotten / Of eternal love begotten / Of the Parent's heart begotten (Aurelius Prudentius Clemens) These are inclusive translations of the 3rd century Latin hymn Corde natus ex parentis (older versions are "Of the Father's love begotten"). New English translation to old tunes. Lyrics (older version).
• CH389 Behold the holy Lamb of God! / Mwana Mwerere (Malawi hymn) This will take some practice, I think. A song with a Cantor and response; you will need a small group to lead the congregation in the response. Sound sample.
• Brunswick Song Project Love is the Power (Sheree Anderson) Suggestion for the congregation at Brunswick as this is not published yet, but it is in our church folders. It’s a while since we've sung it, but it went down well last time. It's a little bit tricky.
• NCH104 We hail you God's anointed (James Montgomery) Joyous song of Christ enthroned and bringing justice and love. Lyric video. Oldy but a goody. 
• TiS 345 / AHB 261 / AoV1-103 / NCH229 / UMH288 / VU144 / LBW81 / ELW353 / GA336 / A&M144 / HPP185 / GtG228 / PH102 / G(II)302 / GC416 / GC(II)438 / G(3)511 / CP192 / CP(E) 126 / W&R283 / Cha198 / 82Hml-172 / Lau225 / StF285 / MP745 Were you there when they crucified my Lord? (African-American) A classic - well known, beautiful to sing and listen to. Lyrics and sheet music. And a youtube of Paul Robeson. 
• Online Resource / AA036 Every day I will offer you (Shirley Murray) “Everyday, in your Spirit, I’ll find the love and energy”… Good song of commitment. Might be good as closing song. This is also in other books of songs by Shirley Murray. Lyrics & Sheet Music.
• BUC Song Project Well I'm going to see my King (Matthew Lees) This song is a fun gospel song in two parts. It may need to be taught so the congregation knows whether they are singing the lead or the response. I think it would sound great if the congregation learns the response part. Could work well with kids, especially if you focus just on one verse.
• Online Resource / AoVK-28 / ATOK 376 Faith hope and love (Tricia Watts) "Freedom for all, this is what we long for!" This is so easy, and so cool. If you have some groovy musicians, this can even be a very funky rock song. Very easy, and great for kids and non-readers. Sound sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
• Online Resource / W&R104 / URW102 Hidden Christ Alive for Ever (Brian Wren) Wonderful and inspiring words of Christ in all things. Can be sung to HYFRYDOL or HOLY MANNA, so would be easily sung by most congregations. A good song for just after the sermon. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
• TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone (Elizabeth Smith) Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• TiS 157 / AHB 103 / CH246 / A&M547 / PH297 / CP411 / CP(E) 263 O Lord of every shining constellation / Great God of every shining constellation (Albert Bayly) Great words; the tune in the Australian hymnals (NORTHBROOK) is a little tricky. Note that AHB is masculine for all people, so look up other sources for inclusive language. Sound sample.
• Online Resource / FFS08 Broken the body (Shirley Murray) Good words of a broken body of Christ and a broken Church seeking healing, unity and courage. Lyrics and sheet music.
• TiS 688 Come to be our hope O Jesus / Tú Jesús, nuestra esperanza (Jaci Marachin) This is a really fun Latin American song from the World Council of Churches Assembly in Canberra. It's not easy the first time, but once you've heard it, it's very catchy. The words are really excellent, despite a slightly clunky translation. It would be worth teaching to your congregation! We sang this a couple of times during Advent. Sound sample.
• TiS 617 / NCH413 / UMH517 / WoV736 / ELW626 / A&M605 / GtG818 / PH342 / W&R75 / 82Hml-695 / Lau428 By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) Wonderful words. Lousy tune (in TiS). Words fit well to O Perfect Love if you find the tune too tricky. Can also be sung to BERLIN or INTERCESSOR. The 5th verse is omitted in some hymnals. Lyrics.New words to old tunes. There is also a very nice contemporary tune for the same words by Douglas Simper in his book Singing the Journey.  It makes the words feel much more relevant sung to this tune, but it will need to be taught, or sung by a soloist.
• TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone (Elizabeth Smith) Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics (scroll down).
• TiS 720 / AHB 295 / AoVK-85 / AoV2-046 / ATOK 319 / NCH236 / Iona (Many & Great, There is one among us) / CH345 / VU958 / StJ / A&M836 / SFFS 2026 / HPP571 / GtG591 / GC(II)261 / G(3)329 / W&R005 / Cha041 / ZSS76 / SP324 / PfAS150G / URW370 / Lau178 Halle halle hallelujah (Traditional Caribbean) A good Alleluia would work well for this passage, and I think this one is particularly excellent – simple, great for kids, good rhythm. PfAS uses it as a Psalm refrain which would work well for any translation of the Psalm. Good for kids. Jazzy version with old school verses that are kind of odd, but the piano player is awesome. A more regular version.
• Iona (WWHW) / StF049 God beyond all names never fully known (John Bell) A beautiful peaceful chant. It works best if you can do it as a round (or with just the soprano and tenor parts) or with all four parts. Mysterious. "Mystery of mysteries, calling us your own". 

John 6:41-51
Jesus as the bread of life.

• 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". Free sheet music, lyrics and recording.
• 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 (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 sheet music for purchase.  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 if new for a congregation without some introduction because the structure is a little tricky. Lyrics and sound sample.
• 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)
• 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 / LUYH529 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 lead sheet.   
• TiS 535 / SiS544 / AoV1-049 / ATA 167 / SLW63 / WoV702 / ELW485 / GA204 / GtG522 / G(II)597 / GC828 / GC(II)822 / G(3)945 / W&R703 / 82Hml-335 / Lau629 / LUYH842 / MP261 I Am The Bread Of Life, you who come to me shall not hunger (Suzanne Toolan) More recent versions are more inclusive, but be aware that God is mentioned (only once) as Father. "And I will raise you up..." Check the version you have. Sample. Thank you Shaun for suggesting this.
• 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 & lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.   
• ATW 473 / Lau625 / Online Resource 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 and purchasing options.
• FFS03 As we walk along beside you (Michael Perry) Excellent words or recognising Christ in the word, the bread, the resurrection. A simple tune.  Lyrics. 
• AoVNG15 / Online Resource Bread of Life (Michael John Poirier) A nice gentle song. Would be good for distribution of communion. 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 and sound sample. Good for kids.
• MV194 Bread of life feed my soul (Stephen Spencer) A simple communion prayer for healing and guidance. Lyric video.
• 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 nkown; translations vary a lot. I really like the translation in NCH. Lyrics.
• 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). 
• Online resource Amazing is the Christ who died (Norm Habel) Excellent words to the tune of Amazing Grace. Lyrics (PDF). 
• 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.

Cosmos songs:

• Online Resource / GWA160 Praise for the depth of space (Ally Barrett, England) There are not many hymns that talk about the cosmos, and the desire for knowing and understanding it. This is a wonderful hymn, and can be sung to many known hymn tunes, like LOVE DIVINE or DARWALL's 148th. I think I like the majesty of the latter better. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Online Resource As the moon pulls the ocean (Christopher Grundy, USA) A breathtaking song that draws a parallel between the way the moon and the sea interact with the way we interact with God. Video with lyrics (and Uillean pipes!). Sheet music. 
• Online Resource You made a universe so full of wonder / Until your earth is whole (Ally Barrett, England) Great words sung to the familiar tune FINLANDIA. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.  

Do you have some ideas too? Please share them in a comment below.
Written at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, updated 3 years later in Fitzroy, and then updated another 3 years later in Seattle.