Isaiah 49:1-7
God’s knowledge of Isaiah from before birth. Isaiah’s sense of calling.
- Online Resource Listen to me coastlands
(Jennie Gordon, Australia) Words based on the start of this passage about land, colonisation, memory, and the call to keep following. Set to the familiar hymn tune AU CLAIR DE LA LUNE (in most hymnals). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- Recorded music / Online Resource You are the light of the world
(Cathy Pino, USA) This is a lovely catchy refrain, which we have sung once before; if you have the CD you could
play it. If you have a clever musician, they could work out the
chords (we did!). It's not directly
based on this reading but I think it would be great. Here's one version. Good for kids (if you sing it). Here's a choral arrangement for purchase.
- Online resource Let me be your light to the nations (Christopher Grundy, USA) A simple refrain, that would work well, particularly if you are reflecting on gun-related violence or war. Sound sample and link to free sheet music.
- Taizé / TiS 747 / ATE 214 / Iona (M&G) / GtG842 / PfAS027A / URW393 The Lord is my light, my light and salvation
(Communauté de Taizé, France) 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
417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 /
HPP237 / GtG293 / PH323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 / StB220 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) There are about a zillion tunes set for this. I prefer FELICITY (by
Colin Gibson TiS 417), but also like RESTORATION and OMNI DIE. Lyrics and sheet music sample. New words to old tunes (depending which tune you choose).
- ATOK 320 / NCH351 / VU645 / StJ / WoV770 / ELW732 / SFFS 2051 / GtG488 / HPP516 / W&R680 / Cha075 I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry (John Ylvisaker, USA)
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 Sound sample (youtube).
- Online Resource / AoV2-031 / ATW 424 / CH97 / A&M747 / GtG029 / GC(II)509 / SP301 / StF728 / Lau779 O God, you search me and you know me (Bernadette
Farrell, England) My favourite version of Psalm 139, which fits this reading
too. The tune flows effortlessly and it has a nice little hook at the
end of each verse. Sound sample and music for purchase. Lyrics.
- Worldmaking.net God of My Breathing (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) Excellent words to a well-known hymn tune (BUNESSAN). Sample and lyrics.New words to old tunes.
- URW432 Radiant light divine
(Rufino Zaragoza) This is pretty lovely. A nice chant based on the Phos
Hilaron. Sound sample.
- ATA 128 / NCH584 / VU087 / Cha469 I Am the Light of the World you people come and follow me
(Jim Strathdee) Good song for the Christmas season (not immediately
after Christmas day. Reflects on Jesus as the coming of the light, which we should follow. Thanks to Ken for this suggestion. Lyrics.
Psalm 40:1-11God hears and helps.
- Tune In / Online Resource Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Sheree Anderson) A beautiful ballad about recognising God's mercy in the everyday. Lyrics, sound sample, free downloadable songbook.
- Online Resource You grow like the moss draping soft sodden logs (Hannah
Brown) Gentle words about God as growing moss, moving mountain and
ebbing ocean, and a call to slow down and trust. Sung to an old shape
note tune which will not be familiar but is very simple. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / Emergent Psalter You are my help and my rescuer (Isaac Everett) A simple and lovely Psalm refrain to Psalm 40. Sample sheet music. You can also alternate between these two refrains as described in the book.
- Online Resource/ SP&P155 O God please rescue me (Angela Salvaggione) An upbeat paraphrase of Psalm 40. Sheet music available here.
- Recorded Music 40
(U2) This classic song from U2 is based on Psalm 40 and would be good
to include in a worship service. Thanks to Peter Champion for this
suggestion. Youtube.
- Online Resource / Iona (Common Ground, Ps PPP) / CH31 / GtG651 / PfAS040B / URW266 I waited patiently for God (John Bell) Surprisingly positive for such a gloomy Psalm (Psalm 40). Can be sung to NEW BRITAIN / AMAZING GRACE as well, but can also be sung to the William Billings tune LEWIS-TOWN. Lyrics Sheet music for purchase. New words to old tunes.
- Iona (M&G) / CH267 / StB264 Blest be God blest be God for ever
(Salvator Martinez) Beautiful words to a beautiful, but tricky
Philippino melody (unless you have a Philippino congregation, in which
case it's just a familiar folk tune). This would be great to ask a small
group to sing if you have some good singers in your congregation. Works
especially nicely with a guitar. Sound sample & story.
- GA445 / G(II)421 / GC597 / GC(II)581 / G(3)676 I Say "Yes," Lord / Digo "Sí," Señor (Brenda Pena) A simple song which speaks of sticking with God through good times and bad. Lyrics and sample sheet music. Sound sample.
- Cha740a God your mercy is upon us as we place our trust in you Responsive psalm with joyous sung refrain to a familiar hymn tune.
- 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
(including the more recent adaptation by Fred Pratt Green) are not
inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC
people, we have NCH and WoV). Updated version of the lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Taizé / TiS
741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW751 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 /
GtG471 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / G(3)666 / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 / Lau929 / PfAS013A / PfAS102A / MP908O 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
- CH573 / UMH523 / GtG789 / StB059 Jesus Savior Lord lo to thee I fly / Saranam Saranam
(Sri Lankan) I think this would be an excellent song to sing, not only
because the words are good and because the tune is simple and beautiful,
but because we need to keep praying for the people of Sri Lanka. Sound sample (youtube).
- Chalice Praise 9 New Song (Number 40) (Andra
Moran & Elson) This song is a versatile arrangement of this Psalm.
With call-and-response verses and a simple refrain, I think this would
be a big hit in many congregations. Thanks to Laura Kittrell for this
suggestion. Sound sample
(scroll down) - while this recording has a quite distinct pop-country
music style, this is not the only way the song could be used - arrange
it to suit your congregation (e.g. I think our congregation would cringe
at the "La la la la la yeah" final chorus, but others might just love
it)
- CH541 Lord I pray if today (Jean Keegstra-DeBoer) Very simple words, quite childlike, but memorable.
- TiS 23 O Lord do not withold your mercy (Don Saliers) A really lovely and simple refrain.
- ATW 480 On the day I called you answered me Lord (Bernadette Farrell) A simple song.
- Taizé / CH276 / VU22 / GtG090 / ELW262 / GA283 / A&M053 / G(II)256 / GC332 /
GC(II)340 / G(3)406 / CP094 / W&R166 / PfAS037B / SP28 / URW396 / Lau088 Wait for the Lord (Jacques Berthier)
Wait for the Lord whose day is near, wait for the Lord, keep watch,
take heart. A lovely simple Taize chant; some sources have cantor lines,
and some older sources are not inclusive. Sheet music, translations and sound samples.
- TiS 754 / SFFS 2055 / HPP457 / Cha554 / PfAS032B / Srce2-686 / MP793 You are my hiding-place (Michael Ledner) Very mushy, but somehow very satisfying and soothing. Lyric video. Lyrics, sound sample, and story. Good for kids.
- NCH565 / LBW408 / ELW678 / GtG716 / PH422 / CP601 / W&R572 / Cha606 / URW091 God whose giving knows no ending
(Rusty Edwards) Excellent more formal words of thanks for God's many good
gifts to us. Can be sung to a range of tunes including BEACH SPRING,
HYFRYDOL, AUSTRIAN HYMN, RUSTINGTON. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Words of greeting. Not lacking in spiritual gifts as you wait for Christ.
Any Advent song listed on the general Advent songs page would suit this reading, even thought it's not Advent any more.
- Online Resource / AoVK-28 / ATOK 376 Faith hope and love
(Tricia Watts, Australia) 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 and sheet music samples, purchasing options.
- ATFG514 Emmanuel Carol / God of light we are waiting for you (Gael Berberick, USA) This is a lovely song; you will need to teach it, but once it's known, it's pretty easy. Sheet music sample. If you sang this during Advent, this may be a good opportunity to repeat it.
- Online Resource / AoVK-58 We wait in hope for the Lord
(Nathaniel Ford, Australia) Simple acapella round "We wait in hope for the Lord, God is
our help and our shield. And so our hearts rejoice, for we trust in
God's holy name". Sound and sheet music samples, purchasing options.
- Tune In / Online Resource Come O God and visit us sick we pray / Your abundant life
(Dave Brown, Australia) A joyful song "Lead us into your abundant life". Free downloadable songbook.
John 1:29-42
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. The dove’s descent at Christ’s baptism. Simon, Peter and Andrew follow Jesus.
See also suggestions from Baptism of Christ (last week).
- TiS 545 / Iona (LFB) / CH676 / VU482 / StF598 Shout for joy! The Lord has let us feast (John Bell) Particularly appropriate if you are celebrating communion. Energetic and quite simple to sing. Lyrics.
- TiS
242 / AHB 183 / AoV1-018 / ATN 27 / CH404 / UMH261 / VU352 / A&M667 / HPP163 /
GtG157 / PH302 / G(II)481 / GC708 / GC(II)689 / G(3)796 / CP(E) 468 / W&R118 / Lau765 / StF247 I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Sydney Carter) “I danced to the fishermen, to James and John….”.You all know this one, right? Lyrics and backing track. Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS
419 / NCH270 / CH592 / A&M252 / UMH544 / VU205 / WoV685 / ELW403 /
HPP222 / GtG285 / PH314 / CP635 / CP(E) 185 / W&R327 / SP92 / 82Hml-513 / StF389 Like the murmur of the dove's song (Carl Daw) Excellent words and a simple tune about Christian unity. Each verse ends with "Come holy spirit, come". Lyrics.
- ACS976 What are you looking for / Come and See (Robert Hobby) A simple chorus about seeking clarity. Sound sample.
- TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH042 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW559 / ELW886 /
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. Lyrics and one possible tune (not my preferred tune) Oldy-but-a-goody.
Songs about following (I will suggest these next week too, so this may be a good time to introduce a new song):
- ATOK 348 / Iona (HSNW) / G(II)496 / GC692 / GC(II)697 / StF462 Come with me / Sing hey for the carpenter (Iona) Excellent. I love this one. Very joyous, and a big favourite in our congregation. Lyrics. Good for kids.
- ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / A&M510 / ELW798 / GA502 /
SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / GtG726 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / G(3)790 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 /
W&R350 / URW060 / Lau877 / StF673 Will you come and follow me / The Summons
(Iona) A classic.
Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever! Lyrics.
- ATOK 412 / Iona (SBL, Common Ground) / CH250 / MV212 / A&M482 / GtG747 / SFFS 2184 / Lau855 / StF239 Sent by the Lord am I / Sent out in Jesus name / Enviado soy de Dios
(Traditional Cuban) Great rhythm, good words and not too hard to sing
(provided you sing it a little slowly the first time!) I prefer the MV
translation "Sent out in Jesus' name". Good for kids. Lyrics.
- NCH357 / CH680 / G(II)487 / GC680 / GC(II)675 / G(3)774 / Lau425 You are called to tell the story (Ruth Duck) Excellent words. The simplest tune would be REGENT SQUARE. Different sources use a range of tunes. Lyrics (changed to "We" rather than "You"). New words to old tunes.
- Tune in / Online Resource We are the dream that's longing / Jesus is waiting
(Dave Brown) An honest catchy rock song about our hesitation to follow and Jesus not
only waiting, but continuing to work and change the world. A good
sending-out song. Sound sample, lyrics and free songbook available here.
- TiS
589 / AHB 505 / NCH171 / CH509 / UMH398 / VU562 / LBW494 / ELW696 /
HPP314 / CP432 / CP(E) 233 / W&R345 / Cha337 / 82Hml-550 Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult (Cecil Frances Alexander)
Great words. TiS sets it to ST CATHERINE, but it could be sung to other
tunes (like STUTTGART) if this is not familiar to your congregation (it’s not hard
though). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
Agnus Dei (if you usually sing an Agnus Dei with communion, then sing that, or one of these):
- Worldmaking.net O Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
- Sing Alleluia / Fresh Sounds 041 Jesus Lamb of God (Betty Pulkingham) This is one of my absolute favourite
Agnus Deis (what's the plural of Agnus Dei?). A little bit of the tune. Good for kids.
- ATAR657 / The word became a song Jesus, lamb of God
(Robin Mann) A nice new Agnus Dei. Quite simple to sing. Sound sample.
- ATAR648 Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
(Kevin Keil) A simple and quite lovely extended Agnus Dei, with extra verses
of Morning Star, God with Us, Prince of Peace…
- AoV1-196 / GC171 / GC(II)152 / RS 329 Jesus, Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) (Marty Haugen) from Mass of Creation. One of my favourites, I think. Sound sample and lyrics.
- GC213 / GC(II)319 / RS 469 / URW414 Jesus Lamb of God (Michael Joncas) from Psallite Mass. Sheet music sample.
- GtG603 Lamb of God (Paul Vasile) This is really nice; will need to be taught. A bit jazz-like. Sheet music preview.
- ELW932 / GtG604 Lamb of God (Robert Buckley Farlee) A nice simple Agnus Dei. Sound sample.
- Iona / SP228 / URW413 Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world
(John Bell) A simple overlapping cantor and response. It will need to be
taught, but it will not take long for people to pick it up. ST BRIDE
- TiS 705 / Iona (Common Ground, EoA) / W&R282 / SP320 / StF234 / Lau610 Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin (John Bell) A simple Agnus Dei. Best if you can manage to get all four parts involved.
- GC(II)174 Jesus Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) (Richard Proulx) A simple chant. Cantor and response.
- AHB 448 Holy most holy Lamb of God (Daniel Thambyrajah Niles) Funky Philippino tune. Yeah, something groovy in the AHB!
- Music by Heart 06 Lamb of God
(Robinson McClellan) A simple, and quite lovely call and response. This would
be very easy to sing even if new, provided you have a good song leader. Good for kids.
- CH778 Lamb of God you take away
(Fride Gustafsson) A very simple Agnus dei. Easy to sing.
- Lau1011 Lamb of God (Belmont) (Christopher Walker) A very simple and beautiful meditative Agnus Dei. Sound sample.
- GC(II)318 / G(3)392 O Lamb Of God (Robert Batastini) Quite lovely and soothing call-and-response Agnus Dei.
- STB129 Lamb of God
(Wu) An unusual Agnus Dei set to a Taiwanese tune. Will need to be
taught.
-
WoV621 Lamb of God you take away the sin of the world (Marty Haugen) A canon. In 3/4. Seems quite nice and simple.
- Iona (T1AU) / CH790 O Lamb of God
(John Bell) St Bride setting. Nice; will need to be taught before you use it. It's a little bit tricky.
- Recorded music Agnus Dei
There are very very many classical versions of the Agnus Dei. It might
be nice to play a recording while communion is distributed, or while
people light candles for their prayers. Some favourites: Agnus Dei set
to Samuel Barber's Adagio; I also like Palestrina. And Dunstable.
Do you have ideas that you could add? I would love to hear them! Please add a comment below...
