Songs, hymns and music for Proper 5A / Ordinary 10A / Pentecost +2 (June 7th 2026)

Genesis 12:1-9

Abram and Sarah’s travels and the promise of the future.

  • Online Resource Awake with timbrel and with dance (Mary Louise Bringle) A joyful celebration of many women of the Scriptures (including Sarah), sung to AZMON. Sheet music sample, lyrics.
  • ATA 200 / CH530 / VU639 / A&M757 / CP(E) 548 / URW109 / StF476 One more step along the world I go (Sydney Carter) A good fun kid's song which many of their (grand)parents will remember. "And it's from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you". Sheet music and lyrics. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • AoV1-137 / ATOK 403 / GA306 / G(II)286 God Of Abraham lead us (Bernadette Farrell) This one is great. Just don't try to sing all 17 verses! Choose what you like… I love this energetic call and response with the response "Lead us to your kingdom". You can sing with a cantor and response, or you could split your congregation in the middle doing half and half, or you could just have people singing all the way through. Lyrics (and a slow sound sample). Sound sample (listen to the whole thing and see how they build it up).  Good for kids.
  • NCYC’93 / ATFG586 We will love / We will walk with you at the edges (Graeme Gardiner, Australia) This is a good little rock number “We will walk with you at the edges, we will die with you at the cross roads, we will risk with you taking chances, we will love”. Or something like that. Jesus broke rules, and that's OK sometimes. Graeme is a UCA minister, and if you don't have these resources, you could contact him for the music. Sound sampleLyricsGood for kids.
  • Online Resource / FFS14 / HPP57 Faith has set us on a journey (Shirley Murray) Good lyrics of trusting God and taking risks in our faith. Lyrics & sheet music
  • NCYC07 Labyrinth (Paul Chalson / Andrew Winton) A beautiful song about walking with God through all times. "To the heart of all that's sacred and to the margins we will walk the path with you". Excellent words. Not easy for a congregation, but if you have good musicians, they can sing it as a prayer for the congregation.
  • NCH501 We are dancing Sarah's circle (Carole Etzler, USA) Set to the familiar tune of "We are climbing Jacob's ladder", with positive imagery of increasing the size of the circle of inclusion. Good for kids. New words to old tunes. Sheet music sample.
  • NCH020 God of Abraham and Sarah, God of Moses, Miriam's Guide (James Gertmenian) Salvation history in one song with a focus on justice, healing, courage. I suggested this for Transfiguration as well, so it might be good to sing it again. Fits well with all themes for this week. Could also be sung to NETTLETON if you want something familiar. Lyric video (kind of quick for a congregation (not to NETTLETON!). New words to old tunes.
  • GWA210 / MV148 Hope of Abraham and Sarah (Ruth Duck, USA; Judith Snowdon, England) This is hymn celebrating the unity, but also distinction between the Abrahamic faiths (Islam, Judaism and Christianity). Lyrics. “So may Torah, cross and crescent, each a sign of life made new, point us t’ward your love and justice, earth at peace and one in you”. The tune is a straightforward (and new!) hymn tune, but more familiar alternative tunes (e.g. ABBOTS LEIGH) could also be used. Lyrics
  • Iona (LFB) / G(II)503 / GC701 / RS818 / StF464 God It Was who said to Abraham (John Bell, Scotland) Easy tune. Good story words, which includes God's call to Joseph, along with a canon of others who were called by God. Note that God is masculine; I think this has been changed in more recent editions of Love From Below. Sound clip. Lyrics (in an order of service).
  • VU634 / GtG051 / CP468 To Abraham and Sarah (Judith Fetter) A good interfaith hymn, and excellent words of being a pilgrim people. Sung to the familiar tune THORNBURY. Lyrics (about half way through the article) New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 125 / AHB 53 / NCH24 / HPP24 / GC544 / CH162 / UMH116 / LBW544 / ELW831 / A&M791 / HPP24 / GtG049 / PH488 / CP347 / W&R016 / Cha024 / 82Hml-401 / Lau712 / StF091 / MP645 The God of Abr’am praise / The God of Abraham Praise (Daniel ben Judah / paraphrased Thomas Olivers) A very well known hymn based on the Yigdal. NOTE: The lyrics are quite masculine in most hymnals, which vary widely in which verses they include. The words are inclusive, yet still old-fashioned and poetic in the NCH; or even better, sing the new version listed below. Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • VU255 / CP348 The living God be praised (Daniel ben Judah) A new translation of "The God of Abraham praise". Excellent words, and of course, a familiar tune (LEONI).New words to old tunes. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • Tune In / Online Resource Cover us with love (Elaine Loukes) Challenging lyrics to listen, and see where God is leading us. Sound sample, sheet music sample and free downloadable songbook.
  • 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 it simply means Chieftan (which these days is male or female). Maybe you could change the words to "Chieftan of Heaven"? Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • FFS32 God who sets us on a journey (Joy Dine) Good words about discernment. I think it would be easy to sing this to HYFRYDOL or BLAENWERN. Thanks to Magnus for this suggestion. Lyrics (in comments of a Youtube video). New words to old tunes.
  • Tune in / Online Resource May you go well into paths still unknown (Dave Brown) Mostly easy tune, and strong words. Would work well as a benediction. Lyrics, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
  • Taizé / AoVNG125 / GWA223 MV146 / GC(II)637 / G(3)740 / PfAS024D The Kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the holy spirit (Taizé Community, France) "Come, Lord and open in us the gates of your kingdom". A nice joyful chant. Sheet music and sound samples of parts for practice. Good for kids.
  • TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Alister Lewis / Patricia Spence) Excellent Australian imagery. This is one of my very favourite songs. It is not difficult if you have a good musician at the helm. If it is new to your congregation, they will be able to join in on the verses by the time you get to the 3rd one. The change in tone with the verse really lifts this song. Lyrics & a sound sample. I had an interesting discussion with a friend at church who doesn't like the line "Called to create a new world for the Lord", and I realised that I was interpreting the line quite differently to her. I think of it as a world being created that is for God, like when you vote for someone.
  • TiS 569 / AHB 478 / NCH18/19 / CH167 / UMH127 / VU651 / LBW343 / ELW618 /StF465 / A&M652 / HPP432 / GtG065 / PH281 / CP565 / CP(E) 455 / W&R501 / Cha622 / 82Hml690 / StF465 / Lau960 / MP201 Guide me O thou great Jehovah / Redeemer (William Williams) A rousing hymn of God’s presence and strength and making it to the other side. "Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore." Sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / W&R584 / Cha454 Come Celebrate the Call of God (Brian Wren) Good words to a lilting intuitive tune. This song is written to recognise a commissioning or the gift of a particular person's call, but it can also be sung with "our" instead of "her" to make it a song for a whole congregation. New words to old tunes. Lyrics & sheet music.
Psalm 33:1-12  

Praise God. God is just. God created the earth, sea and heavens. Happy are those who trust in God. 

  • CH141 / A&M548 / SP250 / URW077 Oh the life of the world is a joy and a treasure (Kathy Galloway, Scotland) Good inclusive words about God's presence in "the life of the world" (nature, seasons, childbirth, justice). The tune is a simple Celtic-style melody. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / TLUS090 For the trouble sand the sufferings / Pelas dores deste mundo (Rodolfo Gaede Neto, Brazil) This is a beautiful song, whether sung in English or Portuguese that expresses hope in the midst of sorry, and ends with a Kyrie elesion. Sound sample. Story. Sheet music.  
  • Online Resource / AoVNG1 / CH685 / FFS17 / GtG769 / G(3)812 / W&R617 For everyone born / A place at the table (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) 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 (and on the Hope Publishing website that follows). 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.
  • Iona / CH788 / MV104 / GtG659 Know that God is Good / Mungu ni mwema (Traditional Congo) This traditional African refrain is just lots of fun and very simple to sing. Good for kids and adults! Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Sound sample in Kenyan languages.
  • GA031 / G(II)43 / GC45 / GC(II)32 / G(3)044 Let Your Mercy Be on Us (Marty Haugen) Three possible responses to this cantor-lead reading of the Psalm. Quite simple. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / AoVK-58 We wait in hope for the Lord (Nathaniel Ford) Simple a cappella round; also good for kids "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". I think this could work as a refrain for this Psalm. Less inclusive sound sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • Public Domain / Online Resource / TiS 47 / AHB 46 / AoV1-175 / NCH25 / CH161 / UMH117 / VU806 / LBW504 / ELW806 / GA459 / A&M746 / HPP1 / GtG687 / PH210 / GC614 / GC(II)588 / G(3)688 / CP528 / CP(E) 537 / W&R84 / Cha067 /  Srce2-441 / URW200 / 82Hml-680 / PfAS090B / Lau955 / StF132 / MP498 / VT203 O God our help in ages past (Isaac Watts) A good solid very well known hymn! The surprising thing about this one is that the language is inclusive for God in most sources. Not all sources are inclusive for humanity, so check. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody
  • GtG040 God's word is upright / La palabra del Senor (Juan Luis Garcia) This song with a Spanish chorus (or English) is quite fun once you get to know the tune. Would be best with guitar if you have one. Chords and Spanish lyrics.
  • Online Resource / ATE 216 / CH126 / CP417 / ELW555 / G(II)365 / GC527 / Iona (SBL) / PH472 / RS 671 / W&R15 / StF042 / StJ / VT113 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad al Señor (Unknown, Brazil) A good, fun and simple song that is also easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish; note that not all versions are inclusive. Public domain sheet musicSound sample. Note how it is a call and response song in that sound sample! Good for kids!

Alternate reading: Hosea 5:15-6:6 

  • 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 6 this week, and you can sing other verses when you want to sing about other prophets. Set to the common tune KINGSFOLD. Some lyrics (not the Hosea verse!). New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / FFS20 / VT149 Forgive forgive us Holy God (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) These powerful words of confession focus on our desensitisation to violence and our greed, so it is a good fit for this week's reading. The final verse has a focus on communion, but still makes sense if you are not celebrating the eucharist this week. Both tunes (in FFS and VT) are very good. With both, I would insert a pause on the last note of the second and fourth lines of the text. Lyrics and sheet music (Colin Gibson tune from FFS).
  • Online Resource / Tune In / NCYC'07 Forgive us now (Dave Brown, Australia) An excellent ballad.  "Forgive us now, O mother love for all the idols we have built, For all the time we’ve worshiped there in company of dark despair. Forgive us mother of all hope”. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples & lyrics.
  • FFS19 For the hurt that I create (John Murray, New Zealand) Beautiful tunes (there are two) and words. Tune (ii) is most simple, so use that if you will sing it as a congregation, but tune (i) is also worth using if you have some good musicians who can sing it for your congregation. If using tune (ii) you may like to suggest to your congregation that they simply join in on the "forgive me, Lord, forgive" line, but make sure you teach it to them first, because the third one is different to the other three. "For the hurt that I create.... for the evil I condone... for works of peace I do not do... for hope and help that I refuse... forgive me Lord, forgive"
  • Online Resource / Brunswick Uniting Music Why do we listen and fail to hear / Lament - for a people with a people with a dulled heart (Shawn Whelan, Australia) This lament, and its wailing ooooh would fit quite well with this passage. Free sheet music and sound samplesGood for kids 
  • AoVNG55 / Taizé / G(3)959 / SP323 / Lau221 God is forgiveness / Bóg jest miłością (Jacques Berthier, France) "God is forgiveness, love and do not fear". A simple Taize chant which seems to suit this reading quite well. Sheet music, lyrics in many languages, sound samples.


Alternate Psalm for the Hosea reading: Psalm 50:7-15 

God the creator; Those who practice thanksgiving and righteousness will be saved.

  • TiS 30 / UMH819 Be exalted O God above the heavens (Jane Marshall, USA) A simple and beautiful refrain, with an inclusive cantor line. If you have no cantor, it will work well with the Psalm read as verses between the refrains.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-003 / HPP258 / GA394 / G(II)342 / GC497 / GC(II)495 / G(3)576 / Lau693 / StF803 / MP648 The heavens are telling the glory of God / Canticle of the Sun (Marty Haugen, USA) Energetic waltz of cosmic praise with great lyrics "Come dance in the forest, come play in the field, and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord". Sound samplesheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • VU775 The mighty one God the Sovereign (Eleanor Daley, Canada) Good refrain and responsive reading
  • Emergent Psalter To the wicked God says (Isaac Everett, USA) Powerful words in this refrain. Nice 3/4 rhythm. Sheet music.
  • TiS 743 / AoVK-31 / CH170 / GGives1 Praise and thanksgiving let everyone bring (Edith Lovell Thomas, USA) A simple round. Note that most versions have a masculine God; AoVK has inclusive language. Sample sheet music. Good for kids.
  • Iona (T1AU) Give thanks worship and praise (John Bell, Scotland) A four part short song of thanks. Can be used as a processional. Sound sample.
  • Music by Heart 79 Out of Zion (Judith Dodge, USA) A simple chant for congregational singing and improvisation. Sheet music sample.
  • Online Resource / Taizé / AoV2-109 / A&M334 / CH772 / GA429 / GtG654 /  G(II)396 / GC566 / GC(II)546 / G(3)639 / Lau944 / LUYH357 / MP865 / SFFS 2195 / SP128 / StF776 / URW381 / VT118 / W&R448 In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful / El Senyor (Jacques Berthier, France) A joyful and bouncy short song. Works well in English, German and Spanish (and probably other languages too). Good for kids. Sheet music, translations into many other languages, sound samples.
  • NCH565 / LBW408 / ELW678 / GtG716 / PH422 / CP601 / W&R572 / Cha606 / URW091 God whose giving knows no ending (Rusty Edwards, USA) 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.
  • TiS 458 / AHB 388 / NCH095 / CH220 / UMH690 / VU437 / Songs for Liturgy / LBW274 / ELW569 / GA539 / A&M24 / GtG677 / PH546 / CP029 / CP(E) 22 / 82Hml-024 / Lau679 / StF147 / MP641 The day you gave us God is ended (John Ellerton, England) A lovely older hymn. Suitable only for evening services. Old school lyrics & sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.

Romans 4:13-25 

The promise to Abraham came through his faith. Belief even in the face of impossibility.

  • Online Resource / AoVK-28 / ATOK 376 Faith hope and love (Trish Watts) 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.
  • 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). 
  • TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone (Elizabeth Smith) This is an excellent hymn about doubting and struggling in faith. The tune is familiar and I find the words very helpful for thinking and doubting Christians. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-137 / ATOK 403 / GA306 / G(II)286 God of Abraham lead us (Bernadette Farrell) I love this energetic call and response with the response "Lead us to your kingdom". Don't try to sing all 17 verses! Choose what you like... You can sing with a cantor and response, or you could split your congregation in the middle doing half and half, or you could just have people singing all the way through. Lyrics. Sound and sheet music samples, and purchasing options. Sound sample (listen to the whole thing and see how they build it up). Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / GC(II)651 / G(3)755 / TLUS103 You must never give up / Sizo Bambelela (JL Zwane Memorial Church, South Africa) An excellent song from an amazing church in Capetown, South Africa. The phrase Bambelela means "Hold on". It would be fun to get a few singers together to sing the parts to this. If you purchase the music on this link, all royalties go to support the JL Zwane Church and their programs. Sheet music and sound sample, and purchasing optionsGood for kids.  
  • NCH501 We are dancing Sarah's circle (Carole Etzler, USA) Set to the familiar tune of "We are climbing Jacob's ladder", with positive imagery of increasing the size of the circle of inclusion. Good for kids. New words to old tunes. Sheet music sample.
  • NCH020 God of Abraham and Sarah, God of Moses, Miriam's Guide (James Gertmenian) Salvation history in one song with a focus on justice, healing, courage. I suggested this for Transfiguration as well, so it might be good to sing it again. Fits well with all themes for this week. Could also be sung to NETTLETON if you want something familiar. Lyric video (kind of quick for a congregation (not to NETTLETON!). New words to old tunes.
  • MV148 Hope of Abraham and Sarah (Ruth Duck) This song is simple to sing and speaks of unity for the Abrahamic faiths (Islam, Judaism and Christianity). Lyrics.
  • Iona (LFB) / G(II)503 / GC701 / RS818 / StF464 God It Was who said to Abraham (John Bell, Scotland) Easy tune. Good story words, which includes God's call to Joseph, along with a canon of others who were called by God. Note that God is masculine; I think this has been changed in more recent editions of Love From Below. Sound clip. Lyrics (in an order of service).
  • VU634 / GtG051 / CP468 To Abraham and Sarah (Judith Fetter) A good interfaith hymn, and excellent words of being a pilgrim people. Sung to the familiar tune THORNBURY. Lyrics (about half way through the article) New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 125 / AHB 53 / NCH24 / HPP24 / GC544 / CH162 / UMH116 / LBW544 / ELW831 / A&M791 / HPP24 / GtG049 / PH488 / CP347 / W&R016 / Cha024 / 82Hml-401 / Lau712 / StF091 / MP645 The God of Abr’am praise / The God of Abraham Praise (Daniel ben Judah / paraphrased Thomas Olivers) A very well known hymn based on the Yigdal. NOTE: The lyrics are quite masculine in most hymnals, which vary widely in which verses they include. The words are inclusive, yet still old-fashioned and poetic in the NCH; or even better, sing the new version listed below. Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • VU255 / CP348 The living God be praised (Daniel ben Judah) A new translation of "The God of Abraham praise". Excellent words, and of course, a familiar tune (LEONI). New words to old tunes. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • Online resource Broken children everywhere (Jeanne Beale) These powerful lyrics encourage us to think of the impossibility that God loves us even as we are. Sung to tune of "Jesus loves me this I know". This could be a very powerful song, particularly if you have people in your congregation who struggle with feelings of unworthiness since childhood. Lyrics are below, in the comments.  New words to old tunes.

Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Jesus calls Matthew and dines with tax collectors and sinners. Healing of the centurion’s daughter and the bleeding woman. 

  • TiS 693 / AoV1-031 / GA212 Come as you are that's how I want you (Deidre Browne) This song is beautiful, gentle, simple, and very well known. Lyrics. Slow and mushy youtube. A good song to start the service. 
  • TLUS038 Enter into Jerusalem let us go to God's house (Richard Ho Lung, Jamaica) This joyful song is really catchy and a great way to start worship; I will suggest this again next week, so it's a good time to introduce it. Sound sampleLyrics.  
  • Online Resource / TiS 665 / AoV2-008 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH360 / A&M563 / VU117 / StJ / SP246 / Lau889 / StF251 Jesus Christ is waiting (John Bell) A good and well known hymn. Sound sample, sheet music sample, purchasing optionsLyric video (piano only)New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource Awake with timbrel and with dance (Mary Louise Bringle) A joyful celebration of many women of the Scriptures (including Jairus' daughter), sung to AZMON. Sheet music sample, lyrics, and purchasing options. New words to old tunes
  • TiS 737 / Iona (Common Ground, HSNW, T1AU) / A&M516 / SP142 / URW427 / Lau437  Lord Jesus Christ lover of all (John Bell) A beautiful and simple chant. Note that some versions (T1AU at least) has a beautiful 4 part harmony arrangement with excellent moving parts in the lower registers. Would work well during intercessions. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / TiS 749 / AoV1-154 / AoVK-131 / ATE 305 / NCH360 / Iona (SBL, Freedom is coming) / CH800 / UMH497 / VU572 / WoV773 / ELW809 / GA493 / A&M481 / HPP340 / GtG746 / G(II)484 / GC677 / GC(II)674 / G(3)776 / W&R713 / Cha447 / SP234 / StF782 Send me Jesus / Thuma mina (South African) You all know this one, right? If you don't - it's great - simple, repetitive, and meaningful.Good for kids. Sheet music sample and lyrics and purchasing options. Youtube.
  • ATOK 413 / Iona (HSNW) / CH533 / VU567 / StS039 / R276 / ELW798 / GA502 / SFFS 2130 / HPP317 / G(II)510 / GC700 / GC(II)687 / CP430 / CP(E) 622 / W&R350 / URW060 Will you come and follow me / The Summons (Iona / KELVINGROVE) A classic. Don't sing it too slowly or it really drags and takes forever! Lyrics.
  • Online Resource TiS 477 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / A&M450 / CH510 / CP059 / GA529 / SP218 / StJ / URW056 / VT031 Jesus calls us here to meet him (John Bell & Graham Maule, Scotland) Good words and a rollicking or gentle Celtic tune (depending on how you play it). Don't get too gentle though, or it is very hard to sing. Notice that there should not need to be a breath after EVERY line! 4th verse (not in TiS, but in Iona sources) leads to communion; note that older versions use exclusively male pronouns for God. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing optionVideo with lyrics and a pretty flute solo
  • ATA 200 / CH530 / VU639 / A&M757 / CP(E) 548 / URW109 / StF476 One more step along the world I go (Sydney Carter) A good fun kid's song from Sydney Carter which many of their parents will remember. "And it's from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you". Sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / ATAR598 / Tune In / NCYC 2009: God has laid a feasting table / Invitation (Shawn Whelan) Feminine imagery of God gathering her guests to a feasting table. Fun Cuban rhythm. Particularly good if you are celebrating communion, but you don't need to be for it to make sense. Sound sample, sheet music and free downloadable songbook.
  • Recorded music Hem of his garment (Sam Cooke) This song is a fun way of hearing this story. Lyrics. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource Christ is for losers (Adam Tice / John Bell) A thoughtful song, although kind of strange, it might be appropriate depending on your sermon. Sung to the familiar tune DREAM ANGUS. Sheet music sample, lyrics, and purchasing options. New words to old tunes

Songs, Hymns & Music for Trinity Sunday A (31 May 2026)

General Trinitarian hymns (reading-based selections follow)

Hymn tunes:

  • Online Resource / TLUS003 A whisper from the universe (Carl P Daw, USA) Lovely words about creation and about God coming to earth in human form, and the Holy Spirit guiding our lives. Sung to the well known hymn tune REPTON. Lyrics. New words to old tunes. 
  • Songs for a Hopeful Church Sing the praise of God our maker (Elizabeth Smith, Australia) Excellent words with rich images of the Trinity, beyond all human speech. Sung to the familiar tune MICHAEL (All my hope on God is founded). I really like these words, but they are not so easy to access, unless you have this older book, sadly. New words to old tunes.  
  • ATAR605 God of creation gentle life-giver (Craig Mitchell, Australia) Simple and lovely Trinitarian words to the tune BUNESSAN. I particularly like the phrase "stand with your people, whisper among us" when talking about Christ. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • VU322 O God whose first creative word (Judith Fetter, Canada) Good Trinitarian words with lovely imagery. Sung to a simple old hymn tune MELITA. Lyrics. New words to old tunes. 
  • Online Resource God of creation Lord of all beauty (Thom Shuman, USA) A different set of words also set to BUNESSAN. I like this one too. LyricsNew words to old tunes.
  • NCH278 / Cha062 / URW198 Creator God creating still (Jane Parker Huber), USA Excellent hymn of hope for the future sung to a well known tune (ST ANNE). Lyrics and a critique. New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 179 / NCH273 / VU312 / GA379 / StJ / URW073 Praise with Joy the World's Creator (John Bell & Graham Maule, Scotland) One of my favourite hymns - strongly Trinitarian lyrics and excellent imagery. I particularly love the “One God in community” phrase. Some versions change "Son" to "Christ" to make it more inclusive. Lyrics. New words to old tunes. 
  • NCH467 / CH117 / VU320 / WoV769 / ELW735 / SFFS 2050 / HPP242 / GtG007 / Cha083 / VF072 Mothering God you gave me birth (Jean Janzen, USA) Lovely words to the well known tune MARYTON. Feminine trinitarian imagery. I like the tune MOTHER JULIAN (CH4 117(I)) best. Lyrics.
  • NCH355 / UMH648 / VU514 / GtG303 / PH523 / W&R149 / Cha450 God the Spirit guide and guardian (Carl Daw, USA) Excellent, inclusive Trinitarian lyrics of God's guidance and blessing on leaders in the church community. Set to a variety of well known hymn tunes including HYFRYDOL (my favourite!), JEFFERSON, BLAENWERN and BETHANY. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
  • ACS948 Cha014 CH118 / CP390 / GtG003 / NCH274 / SFFS 2046 / VT112 Womb of Life and source of being (Ruth Duck, USA) Feminine trinitarian imagery. An easier tune, listed in some hymnals is IN BABILONE. Others have LADUE CHAPEL which is a little less intuitive. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / G(II)331 / GC472 / GC(II)488 / G(3)563 How Wonderful the Three-in-One (Brian Wren, USA) Stunning words sung to an old American Shape Note melody. New words to old tunes. Lyrics and sheet music, and purchasing options.
  • HiOS033 Glorious are you (Joy Cowley, New Zealand) Beautiful words about the Trinity; wonderful images. The tune is new, and will need to be taught, but is light and joyful. "You are the symphony of the stars and planets, you are the music of the atoms within us". Also works as a prayer. Lyrics.
  • StF008 God with us: Creator Father (Alan Gaunt, England) More good words for Trinity Sunday, to the familiar tune ODE TO JOY. LyricsNew words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource Holy Mother Queen Creator (Adam Michael Wood, USA) A completely feminine song about the Trinity. Unfortunately, I am no longer able to access this, but if anyone has some leads, please let me know. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource God eternal timeless moment (David Lee, England) Excellent words sung to BLAENWERN, with many beautiful images of God. Lyrics.
Contemporary tunes:  
  • ACS1015 / GWA132 As a mother comforts her child (Brian Wentzel, USA) This is a lovely short song with multiple feminine images of God, ending with the phrase "The Trinity of love will be with you". Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / BUC Song Project When the carpenter's on / Drive us out (Shawn Whelan) A spirited and lively song about being driven to new places by the Spirit. Free sheet music and sound sample.
  • Online Resource / TiS 182 / AoV2-010 / CH134 / CP395 / GtG760 / HPP13 / NCH011  / SFFS 2047 / VF106 / VT134 / VU268 Bring many names beautiful and good (Brian Wren, USA) This is a beautiful song with a wide variety of images for God that provoke reflection. Because it has so many images, it's also very long (especially if sung too slowly). Try singing one verse unison, then one women, one men (or different sides of the church, or different ages), then all together again, to give people a chance to list and reflect on what they are singing. Lyrics and sheet music
  •  AoV2-084 Father and Mother Creator And Poet (Sandra Sears) Trinitarian song with a Creation focus. Sound sample and lyrics.
  • VU324 / AA078 / URW426 Jesus come to our hearts like falling rain (William Worley) A simple devotional song, with images of God in nature. Lyrics.
  • FFS47 Maker of mystery dreamer of what will be (Marnie Barrell) Feminine trinitarian imagery. Tune is not hard, but can also be sung to the more familiar DOWN AMPNEY. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / PH135 / G(II)333 / GC476 / W&R139 God Is One Unique and Holy (Brian Wren) Good words focussed on God's unity although many-faceted. Inclusive and great imagery. The tune is quite simple. Lyrics, sheet music sample and tune sample.
  • Online Resource / ACS946 / MV043 / GtG009 / GC(II)484 / G(3)564 The play of the godhead (Mary Louise Bringle) Lovely words and a very simple, intuitive tune. "The play of the Godhead, the Trinity's dance, embraces the earth in a sacred romance". Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing options
  • StF007 God who made the stars of heaven (Ruth Duck) Good words, the tune is a little tricky, but quite lovely. Sound sample.  
  • ATW 459 I don't believe in a God up in the sky / God Version 1.0 (Robin Mann) An excellent rock song about how we think about God, or not! Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / URW126 Give thanks to the Source (Ruth Duck, USA) Excellent words, particularly appropriate before communion, to a lovely lilting tune from Jane Marshall. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options
  • CH114 / AA110 O threefold God of tender unity (William Wallace) Excellent inclusive Trinitarian words to a simple Celtic air. Lyrics .
  • CP(E) 463 Holy Trinity of Love (Alan Gaunt) Good solid words.
  • Recorded Music Sweetest Mystery (Malcolm Gordon) A lovely song about being part of a Trinity Community.  Listening and purchasing options here
  • SP&P121 We are all one (Tom Rasely) This simple song has a Trinitarian message of unity. One in God. One in Christ. Come Holy Spirit. Quite simple to sing. Sound sample (youtube).
  • Iona (Common Ground) / URW447 / StF648 God to enfold you (John Bell) A simple blessing. Best if you can have all the parts covered. Youtube.
World Music:
  • AoVK-30 / ATW 419 / Iona (Common Ground, CAYP) / CH757 / MV002 / WoV717 / ELW819 / A&M361 / SFFS 2274 / HPP551 / GC(II)744 / G(3)849 / PfAS066B / SP&P022 / SP179 / VT002 Come all you people (Uyai mose) (Unknown, Zimbabwe) Joyful and pretty easy really for the congregation. If you have WoV or SP&P, they each have a nice Trinitarian version of this. Come and praise the "Most high" / "Saviour" / "Spirit". Awesome sound sample (much more energetic than what's in the hymnals!). Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • STB286 O most holy o most holy (Unknown, Sri Lanka, paraphrased by Shirley Murray, New Zealand) This is a traditional Sinhalese (Sri Lankan) worship song. If you want to sing all the verses (one for each member of the Trinity, plus one for all three!), I would suggest singing just in English, unless you have Sri Lankans in your congregation. Alternatively, you could choose a single verse to sing in Sinhala. Sound sample in Sinhala and Tamil.
  • MV056 / STB001 O Come let us praise / Lajahle htaora Hp'ya (Saw Gideon Tun Shwe, Burma / Myanmar) Quite beautiful - will need to be taught to Western ears. Now is a good time to be singing something from Myanmar. Sheet music
  • CH613 / WoV687 / ELW401 / GtG287 Gracious Spirit hear our pleading (Wilson Niwagila, Tanzania) Good simple song about the Spirit. You can also use the chorus on its own as a refrain. Sound sample (with actions!).
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
The first creation story
  • TLUS007 God spoke to the darkness (Chuc Wilson, Canada) A lovely hymn about the steps of creation, set to an easy to sing, new hymn tune by Jane Best. 
  • 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.
  • Resource Our hearts proclaim a living God (Hannah Brown, USA) Wide-ranging feminine imagery of our extraordinary God, who is full of surprises, fierce, protesting, and compassionate. Sung to the familiar tune ELLACOMBE. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / GWA159 Earth is full of wit and wisdom (Adam Tice, USA) Set to a familiar tune (HOLY MANNA) these words express the delightful diversity of all creation. In the original, the first verse mentions "the tiny roly-poly" which has been changed to "the tiny Highland midges" in the Scottish GWA hymnal. In Australia, we could sing about "the tiny slater beetle" or "the tiny lady beetle" or even "the tiny Queensland fruit fly", though I am not so thankful for that one. You can make up something. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / Resounding Voices / TLUS056 / VT044 We long to know her the maker of heaven (Jacque Jones, USA) Rich feminine imagery of God as creator, wisdom and bringer of justice. Sung to a tune that may be familiar (STAR OF THE EAST). Free book download here. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource Are you the friendly God? (Brian Wren, USA) A powerful song with rich metaphors reflecting on the different possible natures of God in creation (but not limited to creation). The tune is not immediately easy, so you could invite the congregation to join in on the chorus the first time you use it. Lyrics and sheet music
  • Online Resource Love these human bodies (Hannah Brown, USA) If you choose to focus on our bodies as gifts from God, these words are very thoughtful, and express love for the diversity and movement of our physical selves. Sung to the tune GRANHAM (In the Bleak Midwinter). Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource In woods and wetlands (Hannah Brown, USA / Sally Ann Morris, USA) A song that mourns the destruction of the earth and expresses hope that we can mend the damage we have done. The tune is new, but is not too difficult. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • SFFS 2059 I Am Your Mother. Do not neglect me! (Shirley Erena Murray, New Zealand) Great words about the earth as our mother and the need to care for her. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • VU297 All praise to you O God of all creation / Stewards of Earth (Omer Westendorf, USA) Good words of God's role in creation and our role to care for it. Sung to the familiar tune FINLANDIA.  Lyrics (scroll down!). New words to old tunes.
  • CH809 / VT071 Praise God the Source of life and birth (Ruth Duck, USA) Excellent inclusive doxology which can be sung instead of "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" to Old Hundredth. Highly recommended! Lyrics New words to old tunes.
  • CH242 Is this the way you made the world (Douglas Gay) Wow! This song has a great tune, and wonderful wondering words. Highly recommended. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / URW155 The Earth and all who breathe (Ruth Duck) Excellent words about care for creation, our role as stewards of the earth, and the struggle against destructive progress. Sung to the familiar tune ICH HALTE TREULICH STILL. Lyrics and sheet music sampleNew words to old tunes  .
  • AHB 329 / GC462 / GC(II)475 / G(3)551 / CP638 / 82Hml-501 / VT053 / VU200 O Holy Spirit by whose breath (Rabanus Maurus, Germany) Quite nice hymn from around 800 CE! It varies in translation and inclusivity in all hymnals. I would sing this to DUKE STREET. Lyrics. Old words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / STB269 God of the galaxies spinning in space (Shirley Murray) Excellent words about our beautiful creation, and our call to care for it. Chorus is "Let us care for your garden and honour the earth". It has 5 verses, so get the congregation to join in as they learn it. Sheet music and lyrics.
  • STB257 Green the wild fields (I-to Loh) This Taiwanese song reflects on the way we devastate creation and seeks repentance and better behaviour. The English translation could be better, but I quite like it. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / AA126 / STB222 / StF396 Spirit who broods spirit who sings (Shirley Murray) Good repetitive words, to a soothing Taiwanese tune (in STB) or a lilting waltz (in StF). Sheet music and lyrics.
  • 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. Lyrics (older version).
  • NCH057 / VU379 / WoV688 / LBW459 / ELW399 / SFFS 2121 / CP(E) 188 / Cha251 / URW079 / VF055 O Holy Spirit root of life (Jean Janzen) 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.
  • Seeds of Faith Breath of Life (a creation story) (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A simple chant, with a narration of the creation story. The chant could be used on its own, but the creation story is also very beautiful. “Breath of life, breathe in me, you have created all I see… you have created even me”. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource People of the earth come tremble (Hannah Brown) Excellent words about the complex glory of creation, the damage we have done, our responsibility to care for it, and the joy we find in its beauty. Can be sung to the known tune PLEADING SAVIOUR or to a new tune by Benjamin Brody. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes..
  • TiS 447 / AHB 61 / CH112 / VU313 / LBW400 / ELW673 / A&M810 / CP560 / CP(E) 267 / 82Hml-371 / Lau887 / StF106 / MP699 God whose almighty word / Lord your almighty word chaos and darkness heard / Thou, whose almighty word (John Marriott) A good hymny hymn, very familiar, with the memorable “Let there be light” line at the end of each verse. TiS lyrics are fairly inclusive, but VU is better. Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics & sheet music. 
  • StF109 In the darkness of the still night (Margaret Rizza) Good words connecting God's creative love with our own lives and concerns. The tune is gentle, but not simple. I suggest encouraging the congregation to join in on the line "Creator God you are there" during the verses for the first time it is used (but let them know that the tune is a little bit different in the middle of the verse, compared to the end of the verse). Lyric video.
  • NCH462 / UMH109 / VU265 / WoV757 / ELW684 / HPSS134 / GC580 / RS711 / CP410 / W&R32 / Cha335 / URW067 / 82Hml-384 Creating God Your Fingers Trace (Jeffery Rowthorn) A good Trinitarian hymn about Creating, Sustaining and Redeeming God. There are many possible tunes. I like the Presence tune better. Lyrics and sheet music. 
  • VU282 Long before the night was born / This Ancient Love (Carolyn McDade) This is a beautiful creation song; wonderful imagery of feminine God loving the world into being. The tune is not familiar, and a little tricky, so best to get your musicians to start the song, and ask the congregation to join in as they become comfortable. Lyric video.
  • 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 (John Bell) My 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! Lyrics and sound sample.   
  • SP&P118 Imago Dei (Jill Kirsten Warner) This energetic song has a simple groovy chorus about being made in God's image, and good verses about what that might mean. Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • CP256 Yours the hand that made creation (Elliot Rose) Lyric video.
  • TiS 156 / AHB 91 / AoV1-135 / ATA 123 / CH212 / UMH145 / VU409 / ELW556 / GA537 / A&M545 / HPP267 / GtG664 / PH469 / G(II)546 / GC756 / GC(II)748 / G(3)855 / CP003 / W&R35 / Cha053 / URW186 / 82Hml-008 / StF136 / Lau671 / MP467 Morning has broken (Ellen Farjeon) This song makes me smile every time. Here's Yusuf Islam (when he was Cat Stevens) in 1976 (love those green boots).Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • SSSL31 (Songs from the Still Strange Land) From the beginning / Let the light shine (Neil Quintrell / Doug Simper) Good song, tricky accompaniment, but once you get it it's okay. Will need to be taught to most congregations, or could be presented by the musicians at some point in the service.
  • Online Resource / TiS135 / AHB 70 / AoVK-110 / A&M533 / Cha061 / CH137  / CP415/6 / CP(E) 251 / GtG020 / HPP35 / Lau685 / MP023 / NCH31 / PH267 / Srce21 / StF100 / UMH147 / VT177 / VU291 / W&R30 / WoV767 All things bright and beautiful (Cecil Frances Alexander, Ireland) The TiS version has beautiful Australian imagery. If you are in Australia and your congregation only has the AHB or other versions of the music, it's worth making copies of the TiS lyrics. Editions vary in the language used for God, some are more inclusive than others. Oldy-but-a-goody. The original English lyrics are a bit different (note verse 3, which thankfully is rarely sung)! VU has nice Canadian lyrics, which would also work for people in the USA near the Rocky Mountains and Great Lakes.
  • ATW 469 Wind is moving on the waters (Gerry Holmes) Nice earthy round. Very simple. Good for kids.
  • CH144 I love the sun it shines on me (Gwen Smith) Very simple kid's song, that somehow avoids being tacky despite being really really simple. Little kids would especially like this. Lyrics. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource Let There Be Light (Bruce Harding) A simple Taize-style chant "God said let there be light, and there was light, and there was light". Sheet music.
  • NCH58 / CH618 / AA125 Spirit of love you move within creation (Shirley Murray) Good words; "come work with us and weave us into one". Lyrics. A range of tunes for this, both familiar and new. I like the Colin Gibson tune in AA (WEAVER), but it can also be sung to PERFECT LOVE. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / CP408 / Cha247 Wind upon the waters (Marty Haugen) I really love the words to this song. “Wind upon the waters, voice upon the deep, rouse your sons and daughters, wake us from our sleep, breathing life into all flesh, breathing love into all hearts, living wind upon the waters of my soul.” Note to our liturgists, I have a copy of this at home if you would like to use it. Sound sample, sheet music preview, and choral version for purchase.
  • Online Resource / Full of the Spirit It's in my nature to nurture (Heather Price) A joyful song celebrating our roles as co-creators of gardens - I think this fits well with our call to care for the earth. Sound sample and music for purchase.
  • TiS 392 At the dawning of salvation (Jock Curle) Good hymn words of Easter theology and Christ’s presence at Creation to a fun standard American folk tune (NETTLETON). LyricsNew words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / TiS 668 / AoVK-34 / AA143 / A&M553 / ATFG587 / Cha693 CH243 / ELW739 / GtG713 / G(3)805 / NCH569 / StF729  / URW189 / VT145 / VU307 / W&R38 Touch the earth lightly (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Sings of the redemption of creation and our complicity in its destruction. Sources vary in their set tunes! My favourite is TENDERNESS (in TiS), which changes to the relative minor for the sombre second verse; I think this is quite powerful. It can also be sung to BUNESSAN, if you need a familiar tune. Lyrics, sheet music. Lyric video. New words to old tunes (if you want).
  • Online Resource / TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • NCH274 / CH118 / SFFS 2046 / GTG003 / CP390 / Cha014 Womb of Life and source of being (Ruth Duck) Feminine trinitarian imagery. An easier tune, listed in some hymnals is IN BABILONE. Others have LADUE CHAPEL which is a little less intuitive. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • Online Resource Made in the image (David MacGregor) A lovely simple song that would be easy for congregations to pick up quickly. Sound sample. Lyrics. Sheet music.
  • Online Resource / Resounding Voices Our hears proclaim a living God (Hannah Brown) Excellent words of our creative, powerful and feminine God. Set to the familiar tune ELLACOMBE.  New words to old tunes. Free book download here.
  • Online Resource As breath swept over formless sea (Adam Tice) Beautiful Trinitarian words of creation to the familiar tune CONDITOR ALME SIDERUM. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / Resounding Voices So great a love (Mary Louise Bringle / Sally Ann Morris) Beautiful words about creation and what we can learn from the rest of our created world. Sound sample, sheet music sample, and purchasing option. Free book download here 
  • Online Resource Creator of this great land we adore you / Doxology (Ross Langmead) A strong favourite in our congregation. Sheet music.
  • Online Resource Imago Dei (Richard Bruxvoort Colligan) A simple chorus with simple verses. Very catchy! Lyrics, sound sample, lyric video, and purchasing options.
  • 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). Lyrics. You all know this one, right? Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody
  • A&M220 / SP81 Word that formed creation (Marty Haugen) Really lovely words of creation to the familiar tune NOEL NOUVELET. New words to old tunes.
Psalm 8
How majestic!
  • Emergent Psalter O God our sovereign (Isaac Everett) A lovely simple Psalm response and read Psalm over an instrumental backing. Book available here
  • AoVK-50 / ATW 430 / NCYC'99 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts, Australia) Excellent and energetic. Lyrics and synthesizer sound sampleGood for kids.
  • Online ResourceHow Great is your name! (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A fun Psalm refrain for kids with a cantor part. Good for kids. Sound sample and sheet music.
  • TiS 163 / AHB 112 / NCH556 / UMH150 / LBW463 / ELW771 / GtG024 / PH268 / W&R644 / Cha651 / URW084 / 82Hml-580 God who stretched the spangled heavens (Catherine Cameron) Good words of creation of nature and cities and creative possibilities for the future. AHB has a Father and old language, but it works okay; TiS and other sources are better. There are many possible tunes. I like it best to HOLY MANNA as in the link. Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
  • PfAS008E O Lord Our Lord how majestic is your name (Alfred Fedak) Psalm response. Sound sample (includes plainchant cantor part).
  • Online Resource As rivers flow from a distant spring (David Bjorlin / William Beckstrand) Beautiful words using imagery of creation to inspire us to lives based in God's love that care for others, including the earth. Not easy to sing, so maybe better to have a soloist sing it. Sound sample. Book available to purchase and download here.
  • CH005 / PfAS008D / URW231 / StF112 O Lord our Lord throughout the earth (John Bell) A lovely hymnlike version of the Psalm, set to a traditional Scottish tune. I like the questioning nature of this hymn. Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource For all things worth praising (David Bjorlin, USA) Lovely poetic words celebrating all the vast and all the small elements of creation. Sung to the familiar tune THE ASH GROVE. Don't take it too fast, or the poetry will be lost! Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • ATW 462 When I consider God's design (Hand in hand) (Norm Habel) Good words of all creation celebrating together. Tune is good, too, but will need to be introduced, perhaps by asking your musicians to sing the first verse and inviting the congregation to join in. The verse about "Black and white" could probably be updated a bit to reflect a greater diversity of cultures. Sound sample and lyrics.
  • VU730 / URW229 God our God your glorious name (William Sherwin) Inclusive paraphrase of the Psalm with a joyous chorus. Lyrics (old version).
  • AoVK-113 Thank you O Lord for this world of ours (Barr) A good kids song in two parts.  Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-003 / HPP258 / GA394 / G(II)342 / GC497 / GC(II)495 / G(3)576 / Lau693 / StF803 / MP648 The heavens are telling the glory of God / Canticle of the Sun (Marty Haugen) Energetic waltz of cosmic praise with great lyrics "Come dance in the forest, come play in the field, and sing, sing to the glory of the Lord". Sound sample, sheet music samples, and purchasing options.
  • VU732 O God our God how glorious is your name (Michel Guimont) Inclusive responsive paraphrase of the Psalm with a simple refrain. 
  • GWA088 Bright morning maker (Marjorie Dobson, England) This song about God's presence in the morning, daytime, evening, and night talk of God's presence among us throughout our days. The tune is not easy. Lyrics.
  • TiS 90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / GtG806 / PH253 / A&M673 / CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 / PfAS146A / 82Hml-429 / StF079 / MP320 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Isaac Watts) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United and Chalice hymnal are! Lyrics and sheet music samples. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • NCH Psalter008 How majestic is your name in all the earth (Lee Dengler) A very simple refrain and chanted Psalm.
  • Online Resource The Heavens Tell of Your Creative Glory / Los Cielos Cuentan la Gloria de Diosome (Horacio Vivares transl. David Bjorlin) An excellent folk song. Best for Spanish-speaking congregations, but works in English too. Sound sample. Songbook for purchase.
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
What a great benediction; I like the "Put things in order" bit....
  • Online Resource / AoV1-043 Breathing now the life of God / Warm Our Hearts (Jane Marshall) Simple round. "Breathing now the life of God the Spirit in us singing, come light up our hearts with joy! Heal and clear our eyes to see! Warm our hearts with peace. Warm our hearts with peace.” Short songs like this are great for kids. When teaching a song that breaks into a round, it’s best to work with as little accompaniment as possible; no accompaniment is best. Sound sample and purchasing options. Good for kids. 
  • Online Resource / NCH249 Peace I leave with you my friends (Ray Repp) Slow, simple and excellent words. A congregation will pick this up the first time through, I think. Sound sample, previews, and purchasing options.
  • GA517 Peace I leave with you my friends (Gregory Norbert) This one is less familiar to me, but I also like it, although the verses use exclusively masculine terms for God. Sound and sheet music samples.
  • GGives2 What does peace look like to you (Jane Dyson) A really nice simple song for kids about peace. Lots of questions about what peace might mean from images of nature, to an end to war. The last verse talks about a "bridge from God to man" which could be changed to "bridge from God to us".
  • TiS 782 / UMH665 / VU964 / Cha437 Go now in peace (Natalie Sleeth, USA) A good simple benediction that can be sung as a round. If you have xylophones or marimbas, kids could be involved in playing the accompaniment in TiS. Careful because it can end up really clunky on piano alone. Lyrics and sound samples. Good for kids.
  • FFS07 Bring peace to us (John Murray) A simple chant with two possible tunes. Both are good. The first is a round. "Bring peace to us, bring peace through us, O God bring peace"
  • Online Resource / Iona (LFB) / G(II)407 / GC583 God give us peace that lasts (John Bell) Lovely words and a simple hymn tune. Prayer for peace, hope and love. This can also be sung to LOVE UNKNOWN. "God give us peace that lasts, not through the fear of might, but through the force of love, and love of life and right. Where costly wars and weapons lure, Show us our Lord among the poor". Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
  • Online Resource / GC(II)722 / G(3)826 Jesus give us your peace (Michael Mahler) Gospel song. It kind of merges personal peace with global peace. "Jesus bring us your peace, bring us together, let all the fighting cease…" Choral sheet music sound sample, sheet music sample, and purchasing options.   
  • CH786 May the God of peace go with us (Ian Jamieson) A lovely benediction to a traditional Scottish tune. "May the God of peace go with us as we travel from this place; may the love of Jesus keep us firm in hope and full of grace". Not super easy to sing; set to a traditional Scottish ballad (AE FOND KISS). Sound sample
  • Seeds of Faith Peace Be With You (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A very simple kids song about peace, and sharing peace. Sound sample and lyrics.
  • Online Resource / Tune In Peace In Our Time (Dave Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Lyrics. Sound sample. Free downloadable songbook..
  • Online Resource / MV211 Go now in peace guided by the light (Pedro Rubalcava) Lovely English / Spanish benediction or commissioning prayer with an excellent rhythm. "Go now in peace guided by the light of Christ, so you may be nourished by the Word of Life". Sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • TiS 623 Lord Christ true peace of all above (Brian Moore) A lovely, simple, inclusive, and slightly old fashioned song for the end of the service; set to a familiar tune. Lyrics, sound sample. New words to old tunes.
  • CH114 / AA110 O threefold God of tender unity (Bill Wallace) Excellent inclusive Trinitarian words to a simple Celtic air (or to a standard hymn tune). Lyric video. New words to old tunes.
Matthew 28:16-20
The great commissioning
  • Tune In / Online Resource We will sing a new song to the world (Dave Brown) An energetic song about the gospel. A good sending-out song. “Now’s the time and now’s the day, we can sing our life again”. Lyrics. Sound sample. Free downloadable songbook.
  • CH683 / VU420 / A&M491 / GC(II)469 / G(3)546 / GtG295 / CP598 / W&R553 / SP156 / URW132 / Lau426 / StF402 Go to the world Go into all the earth (Sylvia Dunstan) Great words of sending out. Can be sung to a couple of different tunes. SINE NOMINE is the easiest and best known. Lyrics (scroll down)New words to old tunes.
  • 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
  • Tune In / Online Resource Hail the fisherfolk (Dave Brown) A bluesy litany of the saints, including the fishermen of yesterday and the fisherfolk of today and encourages us to “hear the call, and live the way, beside God to make a stand for truth and mercy in this land”. Lyrics. Sound sample. Free downloadable songbook.
  • Online Resource / AoVNG53 Go Out! (Trisha Watts) Go out and spread the good news! Great words and a groovy tune. Sound sample and purchasing options.
  • TiS 617 / NCH413 / UMH517 / WoV736 / ELW626 / A&M605 / GtG818 / PH342 / W&R75 / SP164 / 82Hml-695 / Lau428 By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) Wonderful words by Bonhoeffer. Lousy tune. 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. 
  • MV172 God says (Mary Bittner) A nice simple song about God asking us to be still, to look up, to speak out for God, and reach out to those in need".
  • TiS 411 / AHB 328 / NCH266 / UMH537 / VU194 / A&M633 / CP658 / CP(E) 425 / W&R331 Filled with the Spirit's power (John Peacey) Excellent inclusive words to a very well known hymn tune. I prefer it sung to WOODLANDS. Lyrics and sheet music samples.
  • Online Resource At the table all are equal (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) A beautiful song of welcome, with a stirring and heartfelt chorus. This could be sung before communion, and would work during distribution too. Sound sample. Sheet music and lyrics preview and purchasing options.
  • 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. Lyrics. Sound sample. Free downloadable songbook.
  • NCH154 / UMH251 / VU43 / LBW070 / ELW290 / HPP110 / PH029 / GtG136 / GC359 / GC(II)363 / G(3)428 / W&R218 / Cha167 / ZSS59 / 82Hml-099 / Lau164 / MP179 Go tell it on the mountain (African American ) Very simple and lots of fun. There are lots of versions of the lyrics. Good for kids. 
  • Online Resource / TiS 749 / AoV1-154 / AoVK-131 / ATE 305 / NCH360 / Iona (SBL, Freedom is coming) / CH800 / UMH497 / VU572 / WoV773 / ELW809 / GA493 / A&M481 / HPP340 / GtG746 / G(II)484 / GC677 / GC(II)674 / G(3)776 / W&R713 / Cha447 / SP234 / StF782 Send me Jesus / Thuma mina (South African) You all know this one, right? If you don't - it's great - simple, repetitive, and meaningful. Good for kids. Samples and purchasing options.
  • STB289 Now I know by God's own grace (Cambodia) A call and response benediction. Would be simple to sing, in English, and if you have members who speak Khmer, could be good to learn! Sheet music sample
  • Online Resource / TiS 477 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / A&M450 / CH510 / CP059 / GA529 / SP218 / StJ / URW056 / VT031 Jesus calls us here to meet him (John Bell & Graham Maule, Scotland) Good words and a rollicking or gentle Celtic tune (depending how you play it). Don't get too gentle though, or it is very hard to sing; there should not need to be a breath after EVERY line! 4th verse (in some sources) leads to communion; be aware that older versions use exclusively male pronouns for God. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing optionVideo with lyrics and a pretty flute solo
  • UMH584 / VU512 / StJ / WoV756 / ELW579 / GA313 / A&M499 / HPP542 / GtG298 / PH429 / GC456 / GC(II)466 / G(3)544 / CP433 / W&R592 / Cha459 / SP162 / 82Hml-528 / Lau870 Lord You Give the Great Commission (Jeffery Rowthorn) Good traditional hymn of evangelism. Lyrics and sheet music samples.
  • Online Resource / TiS 531 / NCH76 / UMH664 / VU481 / R171 / ELW330 / HPP578 / W&R712 Sent forth by God's blessing (Omer Westendorf) Lovely joyful folk tune (THE ASH GROVE), and the analogy of the vine and fruit is paramount in the first verse. NCH has a descant part written in, so look at that if you have some good high singers. Sound sample, sheet music samples, purchasing optionsNew words to old tunes.
  • WoV755 / ELW576 / SFFS 2243 / GtG733 / PH435 / W&R552 / ZSS99 We All Are One in Mission (Rusty Edwards) Good solid words to a well known hymn tune (KUORTANE). Would be a good ending for the service. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / TLUS102 When you pass through the waters / Nothing to Fear (Isaac Wardell, Audrey Assad, Paul Zach, USA) This soothing and repetitive song is pretty straightforward to sing; when we are talking about going out into the world, sometimes we get a bit fearful, so this might suit. Lyric Video. Sheet music.  
  • Online Resource / VT038 God be the love / O Christ Surround Me (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A good congregational version of St. Patrick's Breastplate. Easy for the congregation to join in on the "O Christ, Surround Me" until they get to know it and join in the later verses. Sound sample, lyrics and purchasing options (the book Worldmaking has the song in it).    
  • Iona (T1AU) / Cha430 Lo I Am With You to the end of the world (John Bell) Simple repetitive verses, in a nice minor key. Thanks to Ken Wells for this suggestion. Sound sample (youtube)
If you have some ideas to share, please join in the conversation and add a comment below!