1 Samuel 16:1-13
David as the anointed leader. The person God calls to lead may not be the person we would expect.
- Tune In / Online Resource Kingdom Come (Matthew Lees) A
song about how things are not what we expect in God’s kingdom. Lots of
words and good images including "there's no blacklist or admission fee" Sound samples, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- Online Resource / AoV1-021 / ATOK 402 / StS114 / G(II)488 / GC682 / GC(II)669 / G(3)761 / Lau858 / MP830 God Has Chosen Me
(Bernadette Farrell) Energetic, and great words of justice. We used to
sing this a lot, but not so much lately. Can be rocky or
smooth, however you like it. Good for kids. Sheet music for paid download. Sound sample and lyrics.
- 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. Youtube
- TiS 681 Lord let me see see more and more
(Ross Langmead) An excellent song - kind of long with 5 verses, but very
simple lyrics on some quite tricky themes. Try to use different
instrumentation for each verse to keep it from being "ploddy". The tune
is very natural to
sing as well. Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
- NCH355 / UMH648 / VU514 / GtG303 / PH523 / W&R149 / Cha450 God the Spirit guide and guardian
(Carl P Daw) 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. New words to old tunes.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd
- TiS
10 / AHB 16 / AoV1-144 / NCH479 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH14/16 /
UMH136 / VU747/8 / StS099 / LBW451 / ELW778 / GA473 / HPP55 / GtG801 / PH170 /
CP519 / CP(E) 594 / W&R86 / Cha0789 / Srce662 / Lau806 / StF480 / MP660 The Lord's my Shepherd I'll not want / God is my shepherd
(Scottish Psalter) It's not inclusive, but I think it's more than a sentimental favourite.
NCH, VU and Chalice all have an inclusive language version. Traditional lyrics and sound sample. Oldy-but-a-goody.
-
*MV126 Are you a shepherd?
(Ruth Duck) Good and joyous. Lots of images of God: shepherd, teacher,
mother, father. We sung this once last year, and it would be good to do
it again. A catchy chorus, but it does need to be taught. Lyrics. Good for kids.
- ELW438 / HPP52 / GtG803 / PH172 / Cha080 / PfAS023A / 82Hml-664 My Shepherd Will Supply My Need / My Shepherd You Supply My Need
(Isaac Watts) I quite like this version of the 23rd Psalm, although hymnals
vary widely in how inclusive their lyrics are; I prefer the Chalice
version. The tune (RESIGNATION) is from Southern Harmony. Chalice also
has a nice responsive reading (Cha081) that fits with this version. Lyrics & sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- *Cha734 (I) / URW244 My shepherd you supply my need and holy is your name (Isaac Watts) Responsive psalm with sung refrain to the tune of the first line of BROTHER JAMES' AIR. Oldy-but-a-goody.
-
Online Resource / Tune In Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Sheree Anderson) A beautiful ballad about identifying God's mercy in the beauty of creation. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples and lyrics.
-
NCYC'07 Lead me on (Paul Gioia) A pretty cool gospel rock song. Synthesized sound sample (on Youtube). It sounds better than this with a congregation, I think.
-
Online Resource / Tune In / ATAR596 He comes with his arms open wide / The God that I know (Sheree Anderson) A ballad drawing on God’s strength and comfort; not easy if unfamiliar. ree downloadable songbook, sound samples and lyrics.
- PfAS023I My shepherd is the Lord / El Señor es mi pastor (Ricardo Villarreal) I like this tune, and the paraphrase is good. It's
particularly good for Spanish-speaking (or bilingual) congregations;
it's fine in English too. Could also use the verses with a cantor. Sheet music.
- CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 Come and find the quiet centre
(Shirley Murray) A good song for the beginning of worship. We usually sing it to BEACH SPRING (TiS 493). Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
-
Online Resource / AoV1-033 / WoV690 / ELW423 / SFFS 2058 / GtG473 / G(II)29 / GC31 / GC(II)23 / G(3)035 / PfAS023H / Lau951 Shepherd Me O God (Marty Haugen)
A nice reworking of the 23rd Psalm. The verses are a little challenging, so I would use the chant on its
own: “Shepherd me O God beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death
into life”. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample and paid download options.
-
*CH355 / VU210 / HPP81 / GtG274 / GC(II)525 / G(3)628 / CP630 / W&R99 / URW098 You Lord Are Both Lamb and Shepherd
(Sylvia Dunstan) Beautiful words. Can be sung to many tunes. I like it to
PICARDY or WESTMINSTER ABBEY. Sound sample, lyrics and sheet music
sample here. New words to old tunes.
-
*Cha734(ii) / PfAS023G Shepherd Me O God (Marty Haugen) Same as the above, but the chorus only, used as a Psalm refrain.
-
*W&R655 / URW202 Come Away from Rush and Hurry (Marva Dawn) Excellent words of resting in a sacred space to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING (TiS 493). Lyrics. New words to old tunes
-
TiS 011 / AHB 98 / UMH137 / GA025 / G(3)034 My shepherd is the Lord
(Joseph Gelineau) Of the two listed here, I prefer Response 1. A
good alternative if you would like to use a cantored Psalm.
-
*Online Resource Breathe in the morning air (Helen Wiltshire)
Lovely words for a soloist to sing at the start of a morning service to
welcome the congregation. Sung to LOVE UNKNOWN, or could be sung to DARWALL'S 148th. Free sheet music (downloads a whole book!). New words to old tunes.
-
G(II)458 / GC654 / GC(II)628 / G(3)725 With a Shepherd's Care (James Chepponis)
Very nice words with feminine and masculine images for God. Would be
very straightforward to sing. Sound sample of a choral arrangement.
- URW444 Go in peace walk in love
(Trilby Jordan) A lovely blessing song that can be sung as a
round.
-
Taizé / GtG814 / CP563 / PfAS062D In God alone my soul can find rest and peace / Mon ame se repose (Jacques Berthier) A beautiful healing chant from Taize. Words and music and sound samples for learning the parts Good for kids.
-
FFS39 It all depends on where I'm going
(Colin Gibson) Good words of God's constant presence through all of life's
travels, sung to a simple Celtic-style tune (TE HORO). Lyrics.
-
Recorded Music 23rd Psalm (Bobby McFerrin) A beautiful feminine rendering of the Psalm. From the album Medicine Man. Listen to it here on Youtube. If
you'd like to sing it, it's also in the Unitarian Universalist book "Singing the Journey" and "Music for Liturgy" from St. Gregory of Nyssa.
-
Online Resource All of my days (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan)
A gentle song with the chorus "All of my days, God's mercy follows".
Would be simple to have the congregation join in on the chorus. Breathy sound sample, lyrics; sheet music available for purchase.
-
Online Resource Surely Goodness and Mercy (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan)
A gentle psalm refrain with a read psalm. Breathy sound sample, lyrics; sheet music available for purchase.
Ephesians 5:8-14
Living in the light. “Sleepers awake! Rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you”
- Tune In / Online Resource Light transcendent / Peace In Our Time (Dave Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and justice. A bit tricky. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples and lyrics.
- AoV2-003
/ ATOK 313 / CH543 / StJ / GA404 / A&M042 / ELW715 / GtG314 /
GC(II)512 / G(3)590 / SP13 / URW114 / Lau883 / StF706 Longing for light we wait in darkness / Christ, be our light
(Bernadette Farrell) One of my favourites, especially if someone can sing or
play the descant line in the later verses. Don't play it too slowly - there is not meant to be a breath between "Longing for light" and "we wait in darkness". Just a tip. Sound sample and lyrics.
Good for kids.
- TiS
129 / AHB 56 / AoV1-029 / ATA 131 / NCH547 / CH555 / UMH378 / VU266 /
LBW448 / ELW779 / A&M587 / GA437 / HPP334 / GtG649 / PH280 / G(II)434 / GC612 / GC(II)586 / G(3)645 /
CP352 / CP(E) 375 / W&R422 / Cha546 / ZSS202 / Srce25 / Lau846 / StF440 / MP031 Amazing grace how sweet the sound (John Newton) I once was lost... I think you all know this one. Nice youtube of some Sacred Harp singing, and a story. I love the recording of Dr G Yunipingu singing this in Yolngu; so sad that he is no longer singing on this earth. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- MV031 Pure Love (Linnea Good) I think this song would be good for reflecting on God as the source of all love. Very simple and beautiful. Good for kids.
- *Taizé / AoV2-005 / A&M840 / GC(II)510 / SP327 / URW386 / StF360 Jesus Your Light / Jesus le Christ
(Jacques Berthier) “Jesus your light is shining within us, let
not my doubts
and my darkness speak to me; Jesus your light is shining within us, let
my heart always welcome your love”. One of the slightly more upbeat
Taize chants. Sheet music, samples and translations. Good for kids.
- *GA173 / G(II)577 / GC803 Awake O sleeper arise from death (Marty Haugen) Bright and joyful. Simple to sing, and brings the idea of waking up to live as God's people. Lyrics. Sound sample.
- *AoV1-053 / AoVK-82 / GA256 Receive The Light of Christ
(Jane Marshall) Simple round "Receive the light of Christ, May (it) shine
within our hears, May the Christ Light fill us with joy and peace". Good for kids.
- W&R543 / Online Resource Come Build a Church
(Ken Medema) Excellent words ("Come build a church of human frailty, come
build a church of flesh and blood"). Not great for congregational singing, but
excellent for a choir or musicians. Lyrics. Sound sample and sheet music for purchase.
- GA406 / G(II)356 / GC511 The Light of Christ surrounds us (Marty Haugen) Could be quite nice. Strong words, needs a cantor. Sound sample. Sheet music and lyrics.
- 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. Good for kids.
- *TiS 548 / VU629 / A&M014 / PH340 / CP(E) 415 / W&R418 / SP3 / 82Hml-465 Eternal light shine in my heart
(Christopher Idle) I really love this beautiful inclusive and ancient prayer. It is not
familiar, but would be beautiful sung by a soloist until your
congregation grows to know it.
John 9:1-41
Jesus heals the blind man on the Sabbath. Lots of stuff about blindness and seeing.
- 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"? Tell me if you do this, OK? Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Taizé / MV164 Christe lux mundi (Taize) A slower, and very simple Taize chant. Only works in Latin. Sound samples, sheet music.
- VU471 / W&R692 / URW122 / StF582 Eat this bread and never hunger
(Dan Damon) Very simple tune. The first verse refers to this passage.
Particularly good if you are celebrating communion this week, but will
be fine if you are not.
- STB020 Praise Lord Jesus / Zan-mei Ye-su
(Chun-Fa Tung) A joyful song with many hallelujahs (so you may not want to sing it during Lent - this is just here in case you are looking at this passage at another time of year). It has different parts for men
and women. The tune is a Taiwanese melody so will need to be taught,
and would be great with simple percussion (from children?). It is quite
repetitive, so would not be hard to learn. Lyrics in English and
Mandarin - you will probably need a Mandarin speaker to help with the
pronunciation.
- *G(II)639 / GC876 / GC(II)844 / G(3)953 / Lau435 He Healed the Darkness of My Mind
(Fred Pratt Green) Quite powerful words and a simple minor tune. This would
be best, I think, sung by a soloist until your congregation knows it,
but there would be power in each person thinking about these words as
they sing. It doesn't have to sound like a solo from a musical, but if
you want to act out the scene, I guess that could work. Sheet music and lyrics. Musical theatre style sound sample
- CH348 / StS001 / LBW196 / ELW843 / A&M762 / G(3)625 / CP397 / W&R93 / SP304 / URW090 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
(Rusty Edwards) Good words of Christ's ministry to all. Can be sung to the
familiar tune NETTLETON, or the less familiar and very lovely tune JOEL.
Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 633 / AHB 563 Lord we are blind; the world of sight
(David Edge) Beautiful formal words. The tune is not immediately singable,
but is very beautiful. If you have musicians who could sing this for the
congregation, that would be excellent.
- TiS
638 / NCH175 / CH717 / A&M518 / GtG793 / PH380 / UMH265 / LBW380 /
ELW675 / PH380 / CP291 / CP(E) 346 / W&R638 / Cha503 / Lau430 / StF653 O Christ the healer we have come (Fred Pratt Green) Beautiful words and simple to sing. Good for intercessions. I like the tune INVERCARRY best, but it can also be sung to TALLIS' CANON if your congregation needs a more familiar tune. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 579 / ATN 23 / GtB The blind man sat by the road and he cried / The Blind Man (Unknown) "O-o-o-o-o Show me the wa-a-a-ay! Show me the wa-a-a-ay! Show me the wa-a-a-ay, the way to go home". Good for kids.
- Online resource The Blind Man (Bruce Harding) An excellent, relaxed, gospel-blues rendition of this passage. Mp3 sound sample. Sheet music PDF sample and available for purchase.
- 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, sheet music and sound samples. You all know this one, right? Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody.
Got some ideas to share? Add them in a comment below...
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Ezekiel and the bones!
- Traditional Ezekiel connected them dry bones / Dem Bones (James Weldon Johnson) Would be great for the kid’s song. Good for kids. Here's the Delta Rhythm Boys
- WoV658 / ELW506 / URW078 The word of God is source and seed (Dolores Dufner) "The
Word of God is breath and life; It comes to heal and wake and save. So
let the Spirit touch and mend and rouse your dry bones from their
grave". Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
-
StF163 When listening prophets dare to speak
(Dan Damon) Great words, especially for a time when the church is
grieving past wrongs it has committed and working out how to live
meaningfully again. Lyrics.
- TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / G(3)577 / CP589 Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies
(Marty Haugen) A very joyful song for cantor and congregation, or small group
and congregation; this is a big favourite in our church. Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample.
- TiS 409 / AHB 322 / CH595 / UMH543 / VU202 / StJ / SLW43 / W&R328 / Cha250 / StF391 / MP488 O Breath of life come sweeping through us (Elizabeth Porter Head) This is a really good older style hymn with inclusive lyrics. Lyrics and sheet music. Not all verses are in all hymnals. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS
419 / NCH270 / CH592 / A&M252 / UMH544 / VU205 / WoV685 / ELW403 /
HPP222 / GtG285 / PH314 / CP635 / CP(E) 185 / W&R327 / SP92 / 82Hml-513 / StF389 Like the murmur of the dove's song (Carl P Daw) Excellent words and a simple tune about Christian unity. Each verse ends with "Come holy spirit, come". Lyrics and sheet music
Psalm 130
Out of the depths I cry to you O Lord
-
*Recorded Music Out of the depths (Sinéad O'Connor) A sensitive and heart-felt version of this Psalm. From the album Theology. Youtube video. Lyrics.
-
*Iona (Sent By the Lord) / MV066 Senzenina? / What have we done?
(South African) This beautiful chant from South Africa asks the
question that we often ask when things go wrong beyond belief. It's
important to know what the song means when singing it. If you have some
part-singers in your congregation, this would be particular good. It's
good to let people ask this question. It is also on the soundtrack for
"The Power of One" so you could also play the recorded music if
appropriate. Free sheet music (loads a pdf).
-
TiS 683 / WoV735 / ELW603 / W&R416 / StF649 God when human bonds are broken (Fred Kaan)
These words pick up an unusual theme, and fit really well with this
reading. There are a couple of possible tunes, none of which are
immediately familiar, but they are not difficult either. Lyrics.
-
*SFFS 2136 / NCH554 / GA227 / VU611 / G(II)636 / GC877 / Cha510 Out of the Depths O God we call to you
(Ruth Duck) A simple and honest hymn, which sings this Psalm from
the perspective of a community trying to work out its faith together.
Excellent words and the tune is quite straightforward. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Video with lyrics (click on "more info" near the Subscribe button for the lyrics).
-
*Taizé / CH276 / VU22 / GtG090 / ELW262 / GA283 / A&M053 / G(II)256 / GC332 /
GC(II)340 / G(3)406 / CP094 / W&R166 / PfAS037B / SP28 / URW396 / Lau088 Wait for the Lord
(Jacques Berthier) Wait for the Lord whose day is near, wait for the
lord, keep watch, take heart. A lovely simple Taize chant. Sheet music, translations and sound samples.
- PfAS130E In deep despair I cry to you (Joy Patterson) Good words of hope, sung to the familiar and lovely tune MORNING SONG. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- *AoVK-58 We wait in hope for the Lord
(Nethaniel Ford) 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". Tacky sound sample. I don't think it needs to sound like a kids song but it is good for kids.
-
PfAS103B Out of the depths (Kathleen Harmon) A nice refrain. "Out of the depths I cry to you O Lord".
- G(3)143 With the Lord there is Mercy
(Michael Guimont) A simple refrain to a cantor- or reader-lead reading.
-
Cha762 From the depths I cry to you God listen hear my voice
(Goodrich) Simple sung response, and responsive reading
-
*Online resource Out of the Depths (Bruce Harding)
A simple four part arrangement which would be nice if you have a choir
or quartet that could sing this. Available for purchase, and you can
view a sample PDF here. Note that the sound sample is for a different song, so that's a bit confusing, really.
-
NCH472 /
UMH474 / VU670 / R297 / ELW875 / HPP434 / GtG834 / PH404 / G(II)637 / GC874 /
GC(II)847 / G(3)955 / CP509 / W&R500 / Cha628 / LUYH465 Precious Lord take my hand (Thomas Dorsey) A classic gospel song. Oldy-but-a-goody.
-
TiS 667 / G(II)415 / GC591 How shall I sing to God
(Brian Wren) The words are excellent, but neither the tune in TiS or Gather
hymnals is straightforward because of the difficult meter; this might be
a good song for your musicians to present to start teaching the
congregation so they can remember it in more difficult times. All lyrics
and sheet music sample of the Gather hymnal melody (HOPE) here.
-
*?PfAS130G For you my God I wait (Adam Tice) A good reflective song, needs to be played quite slowly and meditatively I think.
- Online Resource Out of the depths (Thomas Keesecker)
Although arranged for choir, this song is simple and repetitive enough
to be used as a meditative song for congregational worship. Sound sample, PDF sample, and purchasing options.
- Online Resource We wait in hope for your word (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) Excellent words; you could get the congregation to join in the chorus and have your musicians sing the verses Sound sample and lyrics. Thanks Laura Kittrell for this suggestion!
The
next 3 are all variations of the same Gelineau (cantored) Psalm, but
with different responses. They are all pretty good, so I'm listing them
all! There is just one change needed to make the Psalm inclusive (just
change "his word" to "God's word" and it will be fine).
-
GA077 / GC128 Out of the depths / I place all my trust in you O God
(Gelineau) The original response from Gelineau. Very simple. Words to
the response are "I place all my trust in you O God, all my hope is in
your saving word". Sound sample and sheet music here (search for "I place all my trust"). Note this one also has a (non-inclusve) Trinitarian formula at the end.
-
G(II)113 / GC127 / GC(II)71 / G(3)87 Out of the Depths / With the Lord There Is Mercy
(Gelineau / Haugen) This response is also quite simple, but a slightly
different emphasis. "With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of
redemption". Not all versions are inclusive Sound sample and sheet music.
-
TiS 81 Out of the depths / With the Lord there is Mercy
(Gelineau / Carroll) Simple response is "With the Lord there is mercy
and fullness of redemption". We have used this once at Brunswick Uniting and
it went quite well.
Romans 8:6-11
Flesh vs. spirit
- Tune In / Online Resource Spirit of the Father, Spirit of our Mother / Alive in me (Sheree Anderson) Catchy boppy pop song about God's spirit within us and within the world. Music sample, sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids. Music sample, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
- TiS 410 / AHB 323 / LBW523 / ELW582 / NCH59 / CP655 / 82Hml-511 Holy Spirit, ever dwelling (Timothy Rees) I like these words, but prefer to sing it to NETTLETON (TiS 392). Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes
-
NCH057 / VU379 / WoV688 / LBW459 / ELW399 / SFFS 2121 / CP(E) 188 / Cha251 / URW079 / VF055 O Holy Spirit root of life (Jean Janzen) Good words from Hildegard of Bingen 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.
- TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Per Harling)
Fun and good. Can be sung with the congregation in two halves singing
each part, which is not too hard once they have the hang of singing it
in unison. Good for kids Lyrics.
- *SFFS 2228 / Online Resource Sacred the Body (Ruth Duck) Excellent words - and it's not easy to find good songs for this
passage. The
tune is new, but very simple and beautiful. It will be picked up very
quickly by most congregations. "Sacred the body God has created, temple
of Spirit that dwells deep inside. Cherish each person; nurture
relation. Treat flesh as holy, that love may abide." Tune and lyrics from Baylor University Christian Ethics Hymns Library (an excellent resource!).
- *NCH060 O Spirit of God
(Johann Niedling) Good words of the many facets of the Spirit. The first verse
is particularly appropriate for times when there seems to be more
suffering in the world than usual. The tune (O HELIGER GEIST - TiS 401)
is quite simple and familiar. This is a new translation of the hymn "O
Spirit of Life, O Spirit of God". New words to old tunes
John 11:1-45
Healing of Lazarus
- Tune In / Online Resource See our God with the tear-streaked face / Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- Recorded Music Lazarus (Malcolm Gordon) A song seeking personal healing of our own Lazarus within. Sound sample and purchase options.
- *WoV658 / ELW506 / URW078 The word of God is source and seed (Delores Dufner) "The
Word of God is source and seed; It comes to die and sprout and grow. So
make your dark earth welcome warm; Root deep the grain God bent to
sow." Lyrics (downloads a pdf).
- NCH192 / VU146 / SFFS 2106 / HPP183 / PH312 / Cha199 / 82Hml-715 When Jesus wept
(William Billings) I like this simple round - partly because it's by a Sacred
Harp composer. It's also very restful and beautiful. I quite like this video sound sample. This might be a good song for the musicians to sing during the offering, or in a prayer of confession.
- FFS09 Christ of the sad face (Shirley Murray) Christ weeps for the city, the earth. A longing for peace. Lyrics and an alternative tune.
- VU471 / W&R692 / URW122 Eat this bread and never hunger
(Dan Damon) Very simple tune. The first verse refers to this passage.
Particularly good if you are celebrating communion this week, but will
be fine if you are not. I will suggest this song again next week and the week after, so this is a good week to introduce it!
- *TiS 682 / ATW 490 / GA236 / A&M355 / AA151 / SP148 When human voices cannot sing
(Shirley Murray) Lovely words of healing in the face of grief. I prefer
this sung to ST COLUMBA, which is the tune in GA and TiS. Lyrics and sheet music
- TiS
382 / AoV2-131 / ATN 15 / NCH238 / CH417 / UMH311 / VU186 / LBW280 /
ELW570 / GA364 / A&M212 / HPP210 / GtG247 / G(II)318 / GC444 / GC(II)456 / G(3)534 / CP237 / CP(E)
153 / W&R311 / Cha230 / 82Hml-204 / Lau278 / StF306 Now the green blade rises (John McLeod Campbell Crum) I love these words and this simple French folk tune (NOEL
NOUVELET) . I
particularly like this played to guitar, but TiS has an excellent piano
arrangement too. Lyrics and tune sample. New words to old tunes
- TiS
210 / AHB 141 / NCH042 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 /
A&M742 / HPP74 / GtG610 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 /
Cha005 / Srce506 / 82Hml-493 / StF364 / MP496 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Charles Wesley)
A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words, and it's such a
fun tune. Be careful with the words "ye
dumb". Voices United has "Hear him you deaf, you voiceless ones, your
tongues again employ" which is more respectful. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- AoVK-125 / ATW 489 Turn our sadness upside down (Leigh Newton) Good for kids, and adults too. Simple tune, but not so simple that it’s boring. Lyrics (search in the page for "sadness").
- *Tune In / Online Resource You in all our worries / All will finish well
(Dave Brown) “In this world where injustice reigns, you are in the midst of
pain”. Excellent words of reassurance in a difficult world. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- Recorded Music See How Deep (Malcolm Gordon) This song of devotion is based on the thought of Jesus weeping over Lazarus and the crucifixion. Sound sample and purchse options.
What ideas do you have? Please share them in a comment below!
