Song suggestions for coming Sundays...

Coming up...Lectionary Index
If you are planning further ahead, you can find suggestions for other Sundays here.

Scripture Index
If you are not using the Lectionary, here is an index to suggestions for specific readings.

Service Music
5 comments

Songs, Hymns & Music for Proper 27A / Ordinary 32A / Pentecost +23 (November 8, 2026)

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25  
Joshua tells the Israelites their history and asks for their allegiance to God. The Israelites choose God despite Joshua trying to talk them out of it.
  • TiS 687 God gives us a future (Elizabeth Smith, Australia) Great words to a very easy hymn tune. Careful not to let it get the tune get too pompous; the words are not! "God gives us a future, daring us to go into dreams and dangers on a path unknown. We will face tomorrow in the Spirit's power, we will let God change us for new life starts now!". Lyrics (downloads an order of service).
  • AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Tony Barr, Australia) Simple three part chant "Remember we are your people, your people O God". This would work really well as a sung refrain during the prayer of confession. Good for kids. Slightly clunky sound sample.
  • TOSB132 / NCH531 / CH542 / UMH463 / VU589 / LBW403 / ELW676 / A&M718 / HPP372 / GtG722 / PH426 / CP(E) 512 / W&R593 / LUYH754 / MP444 / VF098 Lord speak to me that I may speak / God speak to me that I may speak (Frances Havergal, England) Old fashioned hymn, with words of evangelism, and a reminder of the Israelites escape from Egypt with the mention of "feed thy hungry ones with manna sweet". Easy to sing and good, only slightly dated, words, depending on the hymnal. Lutheran sources have "Speak to us". Lyrics, sheet music and sound sample.
  • TiS 569 / AHB 478 / NCH18/19 / CH167 / UMH127 / VU651 / LBW343 / ELW618 / StF465 / A&M652 / HPP432 / GtG065 / PH281 / CP565 / CP(E) 455 / W&R501 / Cha622 / 82Hml690 / Lau960 / LUYH043 / MP201 / StF465 Guide me O thou great Redeemer (William Williams, Wales) A rousing hymn of God’s presence and strength and making it to the other side. "Bread of heaven, feed me now and evermore." Sound sample, sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 599 / AHB 520 / NCH448 / CH502 / UMH399 / VU506 / LBW406 / ELW685 / A&M787 / HPP349 / GtG697 / PH391 / CP435 / CP(E) 581 / W&R466 / Cha609 / Srce633 / 82Hml-707 / Lau874 / StF566 / LUYH863 / MP624 / VF133 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal, England) An oldy but a goody. Lyrics and information about the author. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • NCH408 / WoV782 / Cha088 All my hope on God is founded (Joachim Neander, Germany) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but these three translations are (BUC people, we have NCH). Lyrics, sheet music & sound sample.  New words to old tunes.
  • Recorded Music Gotta serve somebody (Bob Dylan, USA) Not a congregational song, but could be a useful illustration! Youtube.
Psalm 78:1-7
Keeping the history alive; telling it to the children.
  • TiS 41 / United Methodist Psalter We shall listen, Lord, to your teaching (Timothy Kimbrough) A fairly formal cantor and response Psalm. It requires a confident leader as the response is not completely intuitive. The verses can be read or sung by a leader. Lyrics (downloads an order of service).
  • Cha330 Alleluia Hear God's Story (Mary Anne Parrott) Good words of a community that reaches out together to a familiar carol tune. Talks of the importance of telling the story. I think this picks up on the idea of sharing the faith story through all generations. I would love to know if there are other songs about telling the story to children and the next generation. Lyrics (downloads a PDF). New words to old tunes.
  • ATW 474 You're like the sun that warms me / Bread of angels (Robin Mann) This is a nice ballad, a favourite of many in our congregation. It may not be easy for a congregation without some introduction because the structure is a little tricky. Lyrics and sound sample.
  • VU792 We will tell new generations (Joachim Neander) Very simple hymn-based Psalm refrain with responsive Psalm. Sheet music 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. 
  • PfAS078E We will tell each generation (Michael Perry)  A good metrical version of the Psalm set to the Sacred Harp tune RESTORATION. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • TOSB093 / NCH522 / UMH156 / VU343 / LBW390 / ELW661 / HPP463 / GtG462 / W&R560 / Cha480 / VF125 I love to tell the story of unseen things above (Katharine Hankey) This is an older style hymn, more well known in the USA than Australia, and might be a good choice for this lesson; probably use only the first two verses. Lyrics (including some less frequently sung verses). Thanks to Ken Wells for the suggestion. 
  • Online Resource / GtG632 / PfAS078A People of the Lord (Greg Scheer) It's in 7/8! What more do you need! Oh, and the words are good, with an echo in the verses. This would be fun. Sheet music and sound sample.
  • Emergent Psalter Give your ears my people to the lessons of the past (Isaac Everett) A good, slightly solemn Psalm refrain. Book available here. 
  • TiS 636 / VU272 / WoV715 / LBW250 / ELW533 / GtG453 / PfAS078C / PfAS078D / URW076 / 82Hml-536 / MP182 God has spoken to his people Alleluia / God has spoken to the people Alleluia (Hasidic traditional) In many versions this song is not inclusive for God, or uses specifically Christian lyrics (which is odd, since it's a Jewish hymn). VU, PfAS GtG and WoV have gender inclusive language for God: "God has spoken to the people (Alleluia), God has spoken words of wisdom, Alleluia". WoV and PfAS also have the traditional Hebrew chorus of "Torah ora torah ora hallelujah" which means "The Lord is light" and would be great to sing; and it's the original words! PfAS078D simply uses the first two lines of the first verse as a psalm refrain. Choral sound sample with more inclusive lyrics, an awesome organist and great tambourine action.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture:  Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-20
Words about Wisdom
  • ACS971 / MV010 / GtG174 / URW099 / VF060 / VT196 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, GtG and VT 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. Sheet music (to the 6/8 tune). New words to old tunes (if you choose). 
  • URW206 / Online Resource In her house there is a table / Wisdom's Table (Doug Gay, Scotland) Sung to BEACH SPRING, this song has great words of being welcomed by Wisdom at her table through times of trouble. A choral version for purchase - same lyrics, but a new tune by John Bell.  New words to old tunes.
  • 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.  Sample music and lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • MV063 / StJ / GC(II)500 / G(3)583 / Online Resource Long before my journey’s start / Wisdom my road (Steven Warner, USA) Song for Wisdom. Pretty straightforward. Choral version available for purchase.
  • HiOS156 Wisdom be our guide (Shirley Murray, Aotearoa / 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.
  • Songs for a Hopeful Church Now Wisdom's feast continues (Elizabeth Smith, Austarlia) Excellent words about God as Wisdom, and all of the many ways she meets us and guides us in our faith. Sung to the familiar tune ELLACOMBE. I really like these words. New words to old tunes. 
Alternative to the Alternative: Amos 5:18-24
God's cranky, and wants to see justice roll down like rivers
  • GWA221 Lord you hear the cry of the widow weeping / Lord have mercy  (Geraldine Latty, England) Anthemic chorus! I think this could work well, but will need to be taught. Sound sample. Lyrics (in an order of service). 
  • GWA029 In ages past the mighty Lord by prophets spoke the word (Michael Morgan) 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. 
  • GWA214 Christ tells us that we cannot serve both God and money too (Liz Delafield, England) Not many hymns about there about money, so this is a good one to use. It doesn't shy away from talking about how "quests for wealth destroy our world". GWA sets it to KILMARNOCK, but it can also be sung to ST COLUMBA (and other tunes too). Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
  • AA085 Let justice roll down like a river (Colin Gibson) Excellent song, and very easy to sing. Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids.  
  • Online Resource / GWA209 We are called to welcome strangers (Sheena Evans, England / Simon Hancock, England) Excellent words about reaching out to our local community, and standing up against unjust laws. Lyrics. Lyric video. Sheet music.
  • Online Resource / StS033 /  GA515 / G(II)516 / GC716 / GC(II)709 / G(3)810 Let Justice Roll Like a River (Marty Haugen) The song is quite simple, particularly if you use a soloist for the verses if this is new to you. Sound and sheet music sample, choral music for purchase. Lyric video.
  • NCH588 / StJ / WoV763 / ELW717 Let justice flow like streams (Jane Parker Huber) Excellent words to the very familiar tune ST THOMAS. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • ATFG563 / NCYC'03 / The Red Book How long? (Robin Mann) How long must we cry out till justice rolls down like a river? I really like this song, it's very catchy. You can play it slowly like a lament, or more quickly like an anthem. Lyric video.
  • STB268 / VF033 The grain is ripe (Shirley Murray) Good words about harvest and peace sung to a simple hymnlike tune. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource If we eat our lavish banquet (David Bjorlin) Challenging words about what it might mean to be real in our faith and worship; sung to the familiar tune EBENEZER. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.  New words to old tunes.
  • SP&P066 Help me do the justice to be done today (Christopher Grundy) A simple and hopeful song. Good for kids, and teenagers. Good for everyone else too! Highly recommended. Sound sample (youtube).
  • Online Resource Thirsty we wander the desert / Even from rock (David Bjorlin / Mark Miller) An excellent new song - easy and energising to sing. It really identifies with the wandering Israelites and our own thirst for salvation. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. Sound sample and lyrics. 
  • TiS 690 / CH259 / A&M557 / StS115 / SP237 / Srce54 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, but that never hurt anyone. Lyrics.
  • HiOS019 / STB248 Deep in the human heart (Bill Wallace) Excellent words, but may be best sung by a soloist rather than a congregation. Lyrics.
  • The red book (NCYC'03) Save our broken hearts Thanks to Claire for this suggestion. 
Psalm for the Amos reading: Psalm 70   
Help me God! Note that this is the same as Psalm 40:13-17 with elohim instead of YHWH. After the first two suggestions, these suggestions are also good for Psalm 40.
  • SP&P155 O God please rescue me (Angela Salvaggione) An upbeat paraphrase of Psalm 40, that also works for this Psalm ('cos they're the same!).
  • Online Reousrce / GA445 / G(II)421 / GC597 / GC(II)581 / G(3)676 I Say "Yes," Lord / Digo "Sí," Señor (Donna Pena) A simple call-and-response song which speaks of sticking with God through good times and bad. Sound sample, sheet music sample, choral sheet music. Simpler accompaniment sheet music for purchase. 
  • Online Resource / Emergent Psalter Be pleased and deliver me (Isaac Everett) A simple refrain which would work with a spoken reading of the Psalm. Book for purchase OR Online Resource / Emergent Psalter You are my help and my rescuer (Isaac Everett) A simple and lovely Psalm refrain to Psalm 40. You can also alternate between these two refrains as described in the book. Book for purchase. 
  • CH541 Lord I pray if today (Jean Keegstra-DeBoer) Very simple words, quite child like, but memorable. Lyrics and sound sample.
  • TiS 23 O Lord do not withhold your mercy (Don Saliers) A really lovely and simple refrain. 
  • ATW 480 On the day I called (Bernadette Farrell) A simple song. Sound sample.
  • 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 / VT228 Wait for the Lord (Jacques Berthier, France) "Wait for the Lord whose day is near, wait for the Lord, keep watch (be strong), take heart". A lovely simple Taizé chant. Some older versions are not inclusive. Some versions have cantor lines, some don't. Sheet music, translations and sound samples.
  • PfAS070B God make speed to save me (David Lee) A simple and very effective Psalm response. 
  • 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. Sheet music sample and available to purchase. 
  • Iona (M&G) / CH267 Blest be God blest be God for ever (Salvador Martinez) Beautiful words to a beautiful, but tricky Filipino melody (unless you have a Filipino 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.
  • 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 are not inclusive, but the NCH and WoV are, so if you have those books (BUC people, we have NCH and WoV). One inclusive version of the lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Taizé / TiS 741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 / GtG471 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / G(3)666 / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 / Lau929 / PfAS013A / PfAS102A / MP908 O Lord hear my prayer (Jacques Berthier) A simple and very well known Taizé chant. Works well during intercessions. You could read the Psalm between repeats of this chant, or just use as a chant as is. Sheet music samples. Good for kids   
  • 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. Lyrics and sound samples. 
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Prediction of the return of Christ; See also the songs listed below for Matthew 25.
  • 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. Come, be our liberator, bless and make us free. Come be the light upon the shore. Come be the freedom for the prison of our time. Come now and open up the door”. Free downloadable songbook, including sheet music and sound samples.
  • TiS 123 / AHB 48 / NCH488 / CH691 / UMH534 / VU652 / A&M594 / GtG819 / CP(E) 384 / W&R451 / Cha 566 / Src69 / Lau780 Be still my soul (Kathrina von Schlegel) Sometimes this can be a bit mushy, but the words are really very strong and helpful. Lyrics and sound sample.
  • TiS 285 / VU363 / STB187  Your coming Lord to earth in Bethlehem (Wesley Milgate) Tricky tune, but good solid words and images. Verse 4 is particularly good if you are celebrating communion, and could be omitted if you don’t like to sing songs about communion when you are not celebrating it.
  • StS121 / FFS50 Nothing is lost on the breath of God (Colin Gibson) A beautiful song and very easy to sing even if new. "Nothing is lost on the breath of God, nothing is lost for ever; God's breath is love, and that love will remain, holding the world for ever. No feather too light, no hair too fine, no flower too brief in its glory; no drop in the ocean, no dust in the air, but is counted and told in God's story." Words and full sheet music.
  • *NCH599 / UMH704 / HPP469 / G(II)559 / GC773 / GC(II)766 / G(3)868 / CP(E) 579 / W&R527 / Cha644 Steal Away to Jesus (African-American) This is a beautiful song which could fit with this passage well. May not be terribly well known in Australian congregations. They may be more familiar with the version recorded by Cafe at the Gate of Salvation. But here's a video of Mahalia Jackson and Nat King Cole singing it.
  • Recorded music Meet me in the middle of the air (Paul Kelly) It's mainly based on Psalm 23 except for that "middle of the air" bit, which comes from this reading. It's a beautiful song, though unlikely to be sung by a congregation. Listen to a nice a cappella rendition here. Lyrics are here. It's on Paul Kelly's 2005 album "Foggy Highway".
  • Online Resource The world cries out / Waiting for you (The Many) This song would work well, particularly if you teach the congregation the "Gloria in excelsis deo" (preferably in two parts), encourage them to sing the "Let us be a sign of hope" part when you get to it, and use a soloist for the verses and bridge. Youtube. Thanks to Darren Wright for this suggestion. You could learn this song now, and use it again in Advent!
Matthew 25:1-13
The parable of the ten bridesmaids. Keep awake. Be always ready.
  • TiS 280 When he comes back, our lamps will be burning to welcome him when he comes back (Malcolm Stewart) I really like this song, and wish for excuses to sing it more often. The words are particularly appropriate for this reading and the tune has a simple lilting joy to it. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / ATN 85 / SLW04 Give me oil in my lamp (Traditional) A little bit of silly happy-clappy stuff is sometimes good fun. The littler kids will like this, and the adults will enjoy the fun. Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / GA404 / A&M042 / ELW715 / GtG314 / GC(II)512 / G(3)590 / SP13 / URW114 / Lau883 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light (Bernadette Farrell) One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or play the descant line in the later verses. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • ACS949 / NCH369 / StS118 / GtG350 / Traditional Keep your lamp trimmed and burning (African-American) Bob Franke has an excellent post on this song here including a great recording of Willie Johnson playing and singing this old song. I like this version by Guy Davis too. 
  • Unknown source Alleluia, the great storm is over (Bob Franke) lift up your wings and fly! I especially love the image of the infant sleeping while the mother sang until the bridegroom returned. The chorus is really catchy and very easy to sing. If not familiar, you can use a cantor or soloist for the verses and invite the congregation to join in the chorus. We tend to sing this more like a gospel anthem. Lyrics. Video with poor image but good sound.
  • Online Resource Ten bridesmaids waited for the time (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) Story telling song focussed on this reading; it is set to a familiar carol tune (FOREST GREEN). Lyrics.
  • 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 options.  Good for kids.  
  • Taizé / AoV2-088 / ATOK 395 / CH793 / VU950 / ELW348 / GA325 / A&M172 / SFFS 2198 / GtG204 / W&R286 / SP61 / Lau249 Stay with me / Bleibet hier (Jacques Berthier) A very well known chant. Sheet music and sound samples.
  • Online Resource / GWA118 Stay with me the night has come (David Bjorlin, USA) A beautiful simple chant, set to an old Welsh tune. This is very lovely, and will be easily picked up. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options. 
  • Online Resource / Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song. Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Sound sample, including a litany of the saints, sheet music sample, purchasing options.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-057 / G(II)485 /  GC678 / GC(II)663 / G(3)766 / Lau824 Awake from your slumber / City of God (Dan Schutte) I love the joyousness and sense of mission in this one. A really positive song “Let us build the city of God, let us turn our morning to dancing, for the Lord, our light and our love, has turned the night into day”. There is a little bit of non-inclusiveness in the middle "bridge" section; we often just omit it, which has the benefit of making the song less confusing for a congregation as well - or you could change the lyrics. Sound sample, sample sheet music & lyrics, and purchasing options. We play it much more energetically at BUC. 
  • ATA 187 Help us Lord to wait for you (Trad / Douglas Simper) Simple short song.
  • Choral Audivi Vocem de caelo (John Taverner) A lovely piece of Tudor choral music, if you have some stellar singers, they could sing it - or you could play a recording. It's in Latin, so maybe you should say something about the translation before it's sung. Sheet music. Recording. 
What ideas do you have? Please share your knowledge in a comment below!
3 comments

Kids songs for the Advent Season (Updated for 2026)

There are a lot of good songs for kids during Advent, many are listed in the entries for each Sunday. Here are some that would fit during any week of Advent - you can sing them more than once! You may also like to look at the list of Candle Lighting songs.

  • BUC Resource Flame of love come Holy Spirit (Julie Perrin / Helen Burnham / Julia Potter, Australia) This song is really beautiful, but not available online yet. I will get back to this at some stage; email me if you'd like a copy. Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / GWA091 Centuries of waiting / The Angels Say (Margaret McLarty / Stephen Fischbacher / Suzanne Butler, Scotland) A fun song, with lots of verses and a stirring chorus. You could just choose the one with Zechariah in it for this week. I would make the verses alternating between a cantor and chorus, just like this recording, as the first and third lines are a little tricky in meter. It doesn't have to sound like a kid's song as it does in the video. Lyric video and purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource Hey Mary! (Sam & Malcolm Gordon, Aotearoa / New Zealand) A lovely children's song about the annunciation. It captures the surprise and the universality of God's arrival to each of us. Youtube and sheet music. Good for kids.
  • Music by Heart 59 Come light of lights (Ruth Cunningham, USA) A good two-part chant that would be a nice meditative song for any week of Advent: "Come light of lights into my heart. Come wisdom of spirit into my heart". It can be sung quite slowly and meditatively, or more energetically and joyfully, depending on your context; it can also be split into a round! Two videos: A quick version and a slow version. Good for kids.
  • CH256 / VU424 / GtG765 / StF411 May the God of hope go with us every day / Dios de la esperanza (Alvin Schutmaat, Colombia) Simple joyful song set to an Argentinian folk tune with a focus on working for peace, working with the "God of peace" who fills our lives with "love and joy and peace"; I would sing just the first verse and chorus. A good song for the end of the service; be careful it doesn't get too pedestrian or childish - think of traditional Argentinian music! Lyrics. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / GWA080 / MV45 / SP&P051 / VT023 Hamba nathi (Unknown, Zulu, South Africa) There are many sets of English words to this tune, which is best sung in its original language (isiZulu). I like "Come walk with us, the journey is long", even though the original language simply means "Go with us Lord", so versions using "Go with us Lord, and set us all free" are also good, particularly as a sending song. VT has a more interesting cantor line than most sources, and nice additional verses. Sound recording (concert version for inspiration). Lyric video (slowish version for congregations). Sheet music. Good for kids. During Advent 2009 we sang it for the (usually silent) procession at the start of our worship service, and we wrote verses for each week. We sang it in Zulu followed by one line in English on the repeat. Week 1: You are holy, you show us the way. Week 2: Justice is coming, prepare the way. Week 3: Singing and shouting, we're walking the way. Week 4: We're walking to freedom, come join in the song. 
  • AoVK-52 O Emmanuel, come into our hearts (Michael Mangan, USA) with 3 verses. In 2008 we sang just the chorus on Advent 1, then added one verse for each week. Verse 1 “We your people are waiting for you..” Verse 2 “ We, your people are longing for you”. Verse 3 “ We your people are ready for you”. Could use a cantor for the verse and congregation join in the chorus. Would be great with good Latin or African percussion. We sang this in 2013 during Advent, and it worked well. Lyrics & sound sample. Good for kids.
  • CoC30 Look toward Christmas! (Shirley Murray) I particularly like tune (i); very joyous! A fun song looking forward to Christmas. Quite good for kids. I like the image of the angels flexing their wings! Sheet music and lyrics.
  • Online Resource / GWA222 Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos (Eleazar Torreglosa, 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.
  • 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.  Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / Tune In Kingdom Come (Matthew Lees) A song about how things are not what we expect in God’s kingdom. Lots of words and good images. Good for kids. Free sheet music, sound samples and lyrics.
  • Tune In: Longing for you (Elaine Loukes) A simple chant of longing for God. Free downloadable songbook. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Tony Barr) Simple three part chant "Remember we are your people, your people O God". This could also work really well as a sung refrain during the prayer of confession. Sound sample, sheet music sample, purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / Tune In Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Good for kids. Free sheet music, sound samples and lyrics.
  • ACS905 We are waiting for Jesus (John Helgen) A simple song with quite powerful lyrics about Christ coming to bring peace; "Sun of justice shine upon us". It could be possible to use this as a Advent candle lighting song. Sound sample. Good for kids. 
  • Online Resource Prepare the way of the Lord (Jeff Lowery / David King) An upbeat song, good for kids and teenagers, I think. The verses are kind of wordy, but they're good words. The verses follow the traditional advent themes of peace, hope, joy and love, so you could also sing it every Sunday of Advent. Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / VU010 Prepare the way of the Lord (Michael Burkhardt) A lovely simple round in 6:8. "Prepare the way of the Lord! X2 Make a straight path for him, make a straight path. Prepare the way of the Lord!" You can split into 6 groups for this one! What fun! Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Purchasing options (book). Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / AoVK-50 / ATW 430 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options.  Good for kids.
  • Iona (M&G) / CH359 / MV033 / ZSS54 / StJ / GtG127 / ELW253 / GA293 / SFFS 2085 / G(II)276 / GC370 / GC(II)364 / G(3)429 / CP368 / VT239 / W&R402 He came down that we may have love / Jesus came bringing us hope (Traditional Cameroon) The translation in "More Voices" (Jesus came bringing...) seems particularly appropriate for Advent. A lovely simple song - you can make up words and have a lot of fun with this if you also use some drums. Lyrics and sound samples. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-143 Light Of Christ, light flaming bright (Rufino Zaragoza) Simple chant. "Light of Christ, light flaming bright, burn in my heart holy fire". Sound sample, sheet music sample, and purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / Taizé / UMH207 / VU10 / StS014 / GtG095 / GC336 / GC(II)330 / G(3)400 / W&R174 / Cha121 Prepare the way of the Lord (Jacques Berthier, France) A lovely simple chant which can be sung as a round, together with additional rounds that simply sing Alleluia. So good. You could add to this each week. Sheet music sample, recording, sheet music for purchase. Good for kids.
  • ACS903 / AoV1-061 / ATOK 355 / GtG359 / SFFS 2194 / G(II)521 / GC723 / GC(II)707 / G(3)814 / ZSS110 / SgTJ1035 / StF697 Freedom is coming (Unknown, South Africa) Excellent and lots of fun, especially if you have a keen African-style drummer in your congregation. It's really worth teaching the parts to your congregation before the service. It can get a bit confusing for the congregation otherwise. A range of sound samples (Youtube). Sheet music samples. Good for kids.
  • ATFG563 / NCYC'03 / The Red Book How long must we cry out? (Robin Mann) This is a big Brunswick favourite, great for young people in particular. "Teach me to do what is right, walk in the darkness, trust in the light and may love be the path I walk upon". Good for teenagers. Lyrics. Lyric video.
  • TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / CP632 / Lau107 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Willard Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics and chords. Oh, and of course, Stephen Colbert's dance moves. Good for kids.
  • TiS 666 / AoV2-113 / AoVK-126 / ATOK 409 / NCH526 / Iona (Common Ground, Freedom is Coming) / CH516 / VU646/647 / WoV650 / ELW866 / A&M483 / SFFS 2235 / HPP153 / GtG853 / G(II)357 / GC513 / GC(II)516 / G(3)594 / Cha442 / SP235 / Srce737 / StF483 / MP954 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando (South African) A very popular chorus, with possible alternate verses, depending on your source. Sometimes people get anxious about the word "marching", but remember that this song comes from apartheid-era South Africa, where people were protesting so that they could vote in their own country. And the marching is toi-toing, much less militaristic than what you may imagine. Amazing choral sound sample. Good for kids. 
  • AoVK-58 We wait in hope for the Lord (Nathaniel Ford, Australia) Simple a cappella 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 sample, sheet music sample, and purchasing options. Good for kids.   
  • Seeds of Faith Prepare the Way For Love (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A good song for kids. I think it would be fun to make up additional verses for this one so it could carry through the whole of Advent. Sound sample. BUC people, I have this book. Good for kids.
  • ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (Donald Schmidt) A fun and simple advent song - would be good any week of Advent. Good for kids.
  • AoV1-190 / UMH431 / HPP308 / G(II)529 / GC731 / GC(II)723 / W&R614 / Cha677 / G(3)829 Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me (Sy Miller / Jill Jackson, USA) Well known, and great for older kids. AoV changes "Brothers all are we, let me walk with my brother" to "We are family. Let us walk with each other". Good for kids. Sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • AoV1-106 / UMH376 / WoV774 / ELW753 / GtG752 / G(II)528 / GC730 / GC(II)724 / G(3)822 / CP562 /  Cha297 / URW443 / 82Hml-712 / Lau904 / LUYH073 Dona Nobis Pacem (American folk song) This is very well known, and would fit well with this reading as a Psalm refrain. Sound sample. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • AoV2-003 / ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / GA404 / A&M042 / ELW715 / GtG314 / GC(II)512 / G(3)590 / SP13 / URW114 / Lau883 / StF706 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light (Bernadette Farrell, England) One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or play the descant line in the later verses. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
  • ACS904 / 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! Sound sample with a great guitar line. Here's another quite different version. Good for kids.
  • AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 / A&M328 / SP129 Behold behold I Make All Things New (John Bell, Scotland) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Highly recommended. Sound sample (scroll down) Good for kids.
  • NCH121 / UMH210 / VU005 / WoV629 / ELW266 / W&R163 / Cha139 All earth is waiting / All earth is hopeful / Toda la tierra espera al Salvador (Alberto Taule) Fun Catalonian tune, good words, although the English translations vary between sources. Could be good for kids. A nice recording from Chile in Spanish. Slow and majestic organ sample and English lyrics.
0 comments
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)