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Songs, Hymns & Music for Pentecost A (May 24 2026)

Acts 2:1-21
The coming of the Holy Spirit. Note that most of the songs listed for this reading are good for many of the other readings this week.
  • Online Resource / TLUS058 Sing thanks to our God (Amy Yea Kyong Lee, Canada) I love how this simple song can be taught in English, and then the congregation invited to respond in their heart language, or language of choice. It could be used on any Sunday, but it particularly appropriate for Pentecost. Free sheet music.  
  • BUC Song Project / Online Resource When the carpenter's son / Drive us out (Shawn Whelan, Australia) A spirited and lively song about being driven to new places by the Spirit. Free sheet music and lyrics. 
  • Walk as one Breath into us the spirit of peace (Rosie O'Reilly, Australia) A simple chant. Book available to purchase here.
  • GWA126 Come O Holy Spirit / Vem Espírito Santo (Louis Marcello Illenseer, Brazil) A simple and joyful song calling on the Spirit to come and hear us, and to teach us to listen. This is great, and works in English and in Portuguese. Sound sample (Portuguese).   
  • GWA130 / StF381 Holy Spirit breath of heaven (Geraldine Latty, England) A simple and beautiful song asking the spirit to breathe us to a quiet stillness, so that we can find our place with God. Sound sample (instrumental). 
  • CH613 / WoV687 / ELW401 / GtG287 Gracious Spirit hear our pleading (Wilson Niwagila) Good simple song from Tanzania about the Spirit working in a community; probably too many verses (especially in GtG which has 5!). The refrain also works well on its own, and could be used as a prayer response; GtG has the refrain in Swahili: "Njoo Njoo Njoo Roho mwema". Sound sample   
  • VF062 / VT055 O fiery spirit come burn in us (Hildegard von Bingen, Germany / Jody Caldwell, USA / Kimberly Williams, USA) A plainchant call-and-response of the O Antiphons. I think this would work well in contemporary congregations as well as more high church settings. Sound sample (more formal).
  • Online Resource Holy Spirit come among us (David MacGregor, Australia) Excellent words ending each verse with  A simple short song with "live in freedom, work for justice in God's name to set things right". Set to the very well known tune NETTLETON. You can make it swung to give it more of an American-Celtic folk feel if you like. Sheet music. AI-assisted sound recording. New words to old tunes.
  • StF045 Earth's creator everyday God (Bernadette Farrell) A responsive call and response chant that celebrates the everyday presence of God in all things. This would work well during an extended period of meditation in your service. Lyrics and sound sample.
  • Online Resource When the deep cries out (Nelson Varcoe) Not really a congregational song, but if you have a good singer and guitarist, they could play it in a way that the congregation can join in for the repeated sections in the verses and choruses. Excellent words about Wisdom, Love and God, crying out to us. It's a good campfire song. Book available here.  
  • Online Resource In you Lord (Nelson Varcoe) Not really a congregational song, but if you have a singer who could sing the verses, the congregation could join in the chorus, which is very devotional. Book available here.  
  • 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. Free downloadable songbook, lyrics and sound samples.
  • ATAR643 / Walk as One Fire of prophet cool wisdom of sage / Spirit lead us (Paul Somerville) An excellent song about knowing God through sacred stories, and being part of God's sacred story. This would be an excellent song for the entry of scriptures at the start of the service if this is your practice. You could use it often during the Pentecost season, so it would be good to teach it now. It may be best sung first by a soloist. You could use it often during the Pentecost season, so it would be good to teach it now. Songbook available here.
  • VU381 Spirit of life come unto me (Carolyn McDade) A lovely simple song beckoning the Spirit. It's a little bit "me, me, me", but a good song of personal devotion.  Lyrics (and a story about the author). 
  • NCH056 Breath of the living God / Soplo de Dios viviente (Osvaldo Catena) A joyful song in Spanish or English, set to a traditional Norwegian folk tune. The chorus is particularly great "Come now an dlive within us, come let your gifts enrich us, Breath of the living God, our Creator Spirit, Eternal Source". Sheet music sample and sound sample.
  • ATAR607 Spirit of dreaming (Alison Campbell Rate) Good open-ended words of hope for the coming of the Spirit, and a catching soothing melody, that gets a nice twist in the chorus. Lyrics.
  • VU207 / LBW387 / PH124 / CP041 / 82Hml-299 Spirit of God Unleashed on Earth (John Arthur) Great words to a wide range of tunes. I like TRURO best. Lyrics (scroll down)  New words to old tunes. 
  • Online Resource / NCH267 / VU198 / PH127 / GtG280 / W&R329 Come O Spirit dwell among us (Janie Alford) A good hymn to the familiar tune EBENEZER. New words to old tunes Lyrics & sheet music.
  • 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.  
  • Online Resource Set us free for Freedom (Shirley Murray) Good challenging words, and two possible tunes, which are BOTH good, but quite different. The Klusmeier tune (1st in the download) is a good folk hymn tune, while the Gibson tune (2nd in the download) is more upbeat with a rousing chorus. Lyrics.
  • SP&P025 Breathe on me O breath of God (Austin) A lovely simple song which can be sung as "breathe on me" or "breathe on us" depending on whether you want a personal or communal song
  • VU199 Creative Spirit come to us (Janet Wootton) Great words to an old tune. I like the "Kaleidoscope of sevenfold light" bit. Sung to VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS.  Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • SP&P034 Come and fill all my life (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle and very simple song. Would be good for a meditation. Lyrics.
  • Unusual Resource Veni lumen cordium (Margaret Rizza) A beautiful simple flowing chant. Veni lumen cordium, Veni Sancte Spiritus. This is in her book "Just Chants". BUC people, we have a copy of this in the Liturgy Library. Sound sample. Lyrics.
  • GA183 Come Holy Spirit the spirit of Wisdom (Christopher Willcock) Good song. It's in 7/8 so you can't go wrong. The words are also excellent about God-with-us and the coming of the Spirit This is also in New Song in an Ancient Land Vol 1 (in the Liturgy Library at BUC). Clunky sound sample.
  • ACS943 / HiOS007 / GtG292 / GWA128 / TLUS111 As the wind song through the trees (Shirley Murray, New Zealand / Lim Swee Hong, Singapore) This is really lovely and draws parallels between the the movement of the wind, the warming of the heart, and the rainbow after rain with the movement of the Spirit. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample (in Mandarin and English).
  • Free Online Resource / URW066 Holy Spirit wind of heaven (Steve Garnaas-Holmes) Terrific words sung to the familiar tune ODE TO JOY. "Holy Spirit, Wind of Heaven, Breath of Life, our warmth and light". Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / G(3)549 Living Spirit Holy Fire (Ruth Duck) Lovely words, and a simple flowing tune. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and sheet music for purchase.
  • NCH271 / UMH538 / VU196 / PH131 / CP249 / W&R333 / Cha236 Wind who makes all winds that blow (Thomas Troeger) Excellent words. Familiar tune (ABERYSTWYTH). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 263 / CH607 The bright wind is blowing the bright wind of heaven (Cecily Taylor) Excellent words of the changes brought about by a "bright wind" that blows away the chaff of our hating, and fans the flames of love.  Joyful tune. Sound sample.
  • SP&P005 Holy one may your presence here (Christopher Grundy) A joyful and quite quick chorus seeking enlightenment from the presence of Christ. Youtube. 
  • 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 and sheet music sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • AoV1-095 / G(II)324 / GC459 Envia Tu Espíritu (Bob Hurd) My other  favourite holy spirit song. A catchy latin rhythm; verses are in English and the chorus is Spanish – not too hard for non-Spanish speakers, though. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / NCH287 / FFS11 Come teach us Spirit of our God (Shirley Murray) Excellent words and a good tune. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • ACS980 / GA377 / Iona (CAYP) / SP96 / StF374 / MP818 Come Holy Spirit descend on us (John Bell) A simple short song with multiple verses with different cantored phrases for each verse - choose the ones most appropriate for your community this week. Sound sample. 
  • Online Resource / NCH272 / VU195 / GtG289 / PH128 / W&R334 / Cha237 On Pentecost they gathered (Jane Parker Huber) A simple story-telling hymn. Tune is a simple traditional tune. Sheet music sample with lyrics and purchasing options. Lyric video.
  • Online Resource O Holy Spirit power of the weak (David Bjorlin / Lim Swee Hong) A beautiful, meditative four part song. It would be great to teach the parts to your congregation, and would work well whether you sing only one verse, or all four verses. If four parts is too challenging, you could also get your congregation to sing only the melody line in two parts in canon (i.e. a round, but ending at the same time); or in unison would also work, but would be less fun. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.  New words to old tunes,
  • AoV2-058 Pulsing Spirit rippling river (Dolores Dufner) Excellent words sung to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • ACS940 / GA377 Come Holy Spirit Maranatha (John Bell) A simple call and response chant; doesn't need paper / slides as the cantor line is repeated exactly by the community. Could also be sung as a round. Good for a meditative service, or for an extended period of reflection. This would be good to sing multiple times. Information, sound sample. 
  • Online Resource / VT054 Come Holy Spirit / Kindle in us your love (Deanna Witkowski, USA) A jazzy and upbeat refrain which could be used at multiple parts of the service for Pentecost, and other Sundays too. Sound sample. Sheet music for purchase. Good for kids.  
  • Online Resource Beautiful Spirit O comforter come (Adam Tice) Excellent words seeking the Spirit to move us to action (and to "loosen our bodies"). Set to the familiar tune SLANE. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • CP643 / VT057 Holy Spirit come with power (Anne Neufeld Rupp, USA) Inspiring words for a congregation that might be sad or tired, but still eager for the breath and fire of the spirit. Can be sung to a range of well known tunes, such as BEACH SPRING or HYFRYDOL. VT has a Spanish version of the lyrics. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 711 / ATOK 334 / Iona (M&G) / WoV681 / VU383 / SFFS 2124 / GtG283 / G(II)330 / StF038 Come O Holy Spirit / Wa Wa Wa Emimimo (Nigeria) This song is just fun. And very easy. Try to sing it in its original language (Yoruba), it sounds a bit inane in English and it’s not hard!! Encourage your congregation to dance a simple side-to-side step to this; they will enjoy it even more. If we can’t go a little crazy on Pentecost, what hope is there for us, really? A good song to help us remember that our faith is global, and to think of the church and all people in Africa. Youtube of John Bell teaching it Good for kids. 
  • A&M233 / CP(E) 365 A mighty wind invades the world (Benedictine Nuns of Stanbrook Abbey) Pentecost Excellent strong imagery of the Spirit moving through the world. Largely inclusive, but for a Trinitarian verse at the end. Lyric video.
  • Online Resource / ACS944 / G(3)553 O Spirit All-Embracing (Delores Dufner) Good words of the spirit, sung to the overly majestic English tune THAXTED. It could probably be sung to something else. Sound sample and preview of choral version for purchase (if you look at the preview you can see the lyrics!).
  • Protest and Praise / Online Resource Holy Spirit Come / The whisper of a distant wind (David Bjorlin / Sally Ann Morris) This is really beautiful. The refrain could be used on its own as a meditation, or include the verses, sung slowly either by the congregation or by a soloist. "Within a field of dry bones where nothing grows but death, the whisper of a distant wind inspires the lifeless breath". See what I mean? Songbook for purchase. 
  • CH589 / A&M240 Come Holy Spirit / Breath of Heaven (John Bell) A lovely simple repetitive song. Includes verses like "Come, Word of Mercy" and "Come to disturb us". Very slow sound sample.
  • SP&P091 O Great Spirit earth sun sky and sea (Adele Getty) A beautiful and simple meditative chant on the Spirit. This can be sung gently, or more energetically like a Native American chant, as here.
  • ELW400 God of tempest God of whirlwind (Hermann Steumpfle) Really excellent words sung to the familiar tune CWM RHONDDA (Guide me O thou great Jehovah).Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / NCH058 / CH618 / AA125 Spirit of love you move within creation (Shirley Murray) Good words with a theme of the Spirit working a loom. A range of tunes for this, both familiar and new. I like the Colin Gibson tune (WEAVER), but it can also be sung to PERFECT LOVE. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
  • VU167 Christ the spirit dwells among us (Unknown lyricist) Great simple round to Nomi Yah's tune KING OF KINGS with three sets of words for each of Easter, Pentecost and Reign of Christ. Obviously you'd want to use the Pentecost words this week. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • FFS58 Spirit of peace (John Murray) Great words. Good simple chant, which may also be used as a round if you sing it to tune (ii). 
  • TiS 398 / AHB 310 / AoV1-118 / NCH289 / CH489 / UMH475 / VU367 / GA375 / A&M238 / LBW508 / ELW804 / GtG282 / PH313 / GC465 / GC(II)471 / G(3)556 / RS617 / CP645 / CP(E) 175 / W&R330 / Cha582 / Srce100 / Lau303 / StF372 / MP089 Come down O Love divine (William Williams) Old fashioned, but still inclusive and very well known. Words and tune. Hymnals vary a lot in the lyrics with respect to thees and thys and words like "vesture". Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / AoV2-061 / ATE 249 As a dream receive your hist'ry (Andrew Tanner) A 1980s classic. There are actions too! The chorus is particularly excellent “We will rise up on wings like eagles, run and not be tired, show us your dreams and visions, warm our hearts with tongues of fire, tongues of fire”. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • CH584 Like fireworks in the night (Ian Fraser) Good words for Pentecost, sung to an older hymn tune ST JOHN. New words to old tunes. Sound samples. 
  • Online Resource Breathe your holy breath (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A beautiful pop song that weaves in images of Creation, Ash Wednesday and Pentecost. The chorus is very catchy. Video. Sound sample & lyrics. 
  • TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Per Harling) Fun and good. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / AoV2-164 / GA475 / G(II)327 / GC467 / GC(II)477 / G(3)557 / StF413 Send down the fire of your justice (Marty Haugen) This is very energetic. Lyrics, sound sample, and sheet music for purchase.
  • GtG288 / NCH283 / SiS303 / CS117 / CH619 / CH620 / UMH393 / VU376 / HPP226 / HPSS322 / CP647 / W&R492 / Cha259 / Srce621 / StF395 / MP613 Spirit of the living God fall afresh on me (Daniel Iverson) Can get totally mushy. CH620 has alternative lyrics by Michael Baughen which are inclusive and communal! Certainly worth singing these: "Spirit of the living God, move among us all". Lyrics, sheet music and sound sample. 
  • Online Resource / MV024 Breath of God breath of peace (Adam Tice / Sally Ann Morris) A lovely simple chant-like song with many images of what the breath of God can bring. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
  • Iona (CAYP) Pour out, I will pour out my spirit (John Bell) Thanks to Robyn for this suggestion. It's excellent and energetic. Particularly good if you can teach the parts before singing. Sound sample.
  • NCH63 / CH626 / UMH465 / VU368 / StS105 / LBW257 / ELW398 / HPP233 / CP(E) 184 / Cha241 Holy spirit truth divine (Samuel Longfellow)  Rich, poetic words seeking the presence of the Spirit in our lives. Hymn tune is very simple. Lyrics and sample sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody. 
Alternative to Acts: Numbers 11:24-30  
The anointing of the Elders by God's Spirit during the time of Moses
(any of the songs above will fit)
 
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b 
God's spirit moving on the face of the earth, renewing creation
  • Online Resource / TLUS157 Where the green will rise again (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Excellent, hopeful words about healing of the earth, set to the familiar tune WILD MOUNTAIN THYME. Sheet music. 
  • FFS63 These hills where the hawk flies lonely (Colin Gibson) This is a really beautiful song that would work well for all the Seasons of Creation Sundays. For this reading the phrase "Oceans where the great whales wander" is a particularly nice part. Lyrics & sample sheet music.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • STB114 Come holy spirit renew the face of the earth / Kiû Sèngsîn kànglîm (I-to Loh, Taiwan) A lovely 3 part chant. The congregation can sing one part, while a soprano and tenor cantor (or groups) sing the other two parts, or you could split an adventurous congregation into 3 parts. Will need to be taught. Sheet music sample.
  • TiS 175 / GtB Did you ever see a kookaburra laugh (Marion Lemin) A fun kid's song. "Where do all the good things come from?" Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • GtG323 / URW171 Sound a mystic bamboo song / Dong dong ay si dong ilay (Bill Wallace) Great multicultural words, celebrating God in all people. Sound sample.
  • 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. 
  • Taizé / TiS 706 / AoV2-142 / A&M600 / GC(II)576 / G(3)620 / CP360 / GtG544 / Lau813 / PfAS103C / PH224 / SFFS 2013 / SP194 / Src79 / URW377 / VT127  Bless the Lord my soul (Jacques Berthier, France) A beautiful and very well known Taizé chant. VT, in addition to the standard words in English and Portuguese has a completely different (and very beautiful) set of words in Spanish which mean "I thirst for you, O fount of love, I thirst for you, your love is liberty". Sound samples, sheet music. Good for kids.
  • MV015 / GA186 Holy Sacred Spirit (Monica Brown) Gentle chant. Can be used without the cantor part. "Holy Sacred Spirit, breathe your breath on us". Lyrics and a slightly odd sound sample. 
  • UMH438 / VU416 / A&M476 / CP467 / CP(E) 430 / W&R718 / StF550 / Lau861 / MP159 Forth in thy name O Lord I go (Charles Wesley) Timeless words about committing all our works to God. I like this hymn best played lightly and joyfully with a simple drum beat as a kind of minstrel tune, rather than a hymn. The old fashioned words seem to make a lot more sense to me that way. Some hymnals (including TiS) have sensitively modernised the words. Older lyrics.  Oldy-but-a-goody. 
  • TiS 188 Where wide sky rolls down and touches red sand (Elizabeth Smith) Great Australian imagery sung to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics (downloads an order of service). Organ sound sample (with lyrics - youtube). 
  • Online Resource (BUC) Where were you? (Shawn Whelan) A beautiful new reflection on creation, awe and responsibility. Free sheet music and sound samples.
  • VT074 O worship our God all glorious above (Robert Grant, England / new version!) This rewrite of the old classic "O worship the King, all glorious above" to include a feminine God is just delightful; it is still very "battley" but reads so differently when it is feminine image, which is a helpful way of expanding how we think about the sovereign nature of God. I would sing it to whichever tune your congregation is used to. I like HANOVER best (TiS 133). Lyrics. New words to old tunes. 
  • Online Resource / TiS 152 / 82Hml-376 / Cha002 / CP425 / ELW836 / GC529 / GC(II)520 / G(3)614 / GtG611 / HPP22 / LBW551 / NCH4 / PH464 / UMH89 / URW065 / VU232 / VT103 / W&R59 Joyful joyful we adore thee (Henry van Dyke, USA) Note that this hymn uses exclusively Father and Brother language for God and Christ in verse 3, and "man to man" for humanity, so older versions are not very inclusive. I prefer more modern settings (e.g. TiS, VU, NCH, GC(II) or VT which has thees and thys but is inclusive). Public domain (older style) lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • 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.
  • Online Resource / G(II)90 / GC101 / GC(II)60 / G(3)076 Lord Send Out Your Spirit (Paul Lisicky) Could be fun to use just the refrain as a round. If using the verses, you will need a cantor. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. Sound sample (round).
  • Public Domain / Online Resource / AoVK-123 / 82Hml-385 / Cha58 / CP407 / ELW837 / G(II)338 / GC499 / G(3)911 / GtG021 / Iona (M&G) / NCH003 / NCH341 / PH271 / UMH148 / URW232 / VT128 / VU308 / W&R26 / WoV794 Many and Great O God are your works / Wakantanka taku nitawa (Joseph Renville, Dakota, USA, paraphrased Philip Frazier, Sioux, USA) Good words of praise to our Creator, seeking God's presence and blessing. Good as an opening hymn. This was originally written in Dakota, but most English paraphrases are the same. It sounds great accompanied by a good Native American-style drum beat, which is a great way to get people involved in music-making. NCH and VT also have Dakota lyrics. NCH also has a more recent paraphrase (NCH341). English lyrics. Dakota lyrics. Sheet music sample. Sheet music for purchase, with sound sample. Slow lyric video recording (long introduction).
  • TiS 65 Send forth your spirit O Lord and renew the face of the earth (Gregory Murray) Cantored Psalm. Refrain is simple and inclusive. Verses do not use inclusive language for God. Youtube.
  • TiS 166 / AHB 102 / GA398 / StB035 Sing a new song sing a new song (James McAuley) Excellent inclusive words. The last verse annoys me a bit, but the rest is excellent. Lyrics.
  • AoVK-113 Thank you O Lord for this world of ours (Barr) A good kids song in two parts.
  • AoV2-051 / G(II)325 / GC463 / GC(II)481 / G(3)555 Spirit Blowing through Creation (Marty Haugen) Excellent. Don't rush or it's hard to get all the words out. Lyrics and sound samples. 
  • NCH056 Breath of the living God / Soplo de Dios viviente (Osvaldo Catena) A joyful song in Spanish or English, set to a traditional Norwegian folk tune. The chorus is particularly great "Come now and live within us, come let your gifts enrich us, Breath of the living God, our Creator Spirit, Eternal Source". Sound sample and lyrics.
  • VU826 Bless O my soul / Hallelujah (Stralsund Gesangbuch / Melchior Vulpius) A responsive Psalm, with two possible responses, both to familiar traditional tunes. Joyful! One is "Bless O my soul the Almighty who rules all creation". The other is simply "Hallelujah! (x3)"
1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 
All different gifts, all one body
Note that this reading continues next week, so if you'd like to sing a new song this week, you can sing it again next week and it will still elaborate on next week's reading too!
  • NCH742 / STLT389 / VT003 Gathered here in the mystery of this hour (Phil Porter and Elaine Kirkland, USA) A simple and strong round about being one body. Good for the start of worship. Sound sample with some dancing, too. I would do it as a round OR as a dance. Not both, although you can try and tell me how it went. I will suggest this again next week!
  • GWA205 Sing to God from every city (Doug Gay, Scotland) These are really wonderful words of praise - good for an opening hymn. They pick up themes of the diversity of all God's people around the world, God's faithfulness even in difficult times, and our hope for the New Jerusalem. Set to the familiar tune BLAENWERN, this would be immediately singable and you could sing it pretty much any Sunday. New words to old tunes.  
  • Online Resource / TLUS061 Are you lost among earth's peoples? (Hannah Brown, USA) Excellent words about finding each other and coming together as one body - a community of faith that works for justice. The tune is very singable, and comforting, whether you use the one available online (by Gregg DeMay) or the one in TLUS (by Sally Ann Morris). Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • Iona (Heaven Shall Not Wait) When our Lord walked the earth (John Bell, Scotland) Familiar and easy tune, excellent words. Chorus is “God became our neighbour, granting with his fabour, Power to speak and heal, grace to know what’s real, wisdom, insight and faith, love and understanding.” Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 671 / AoV2-121 Made in God's Likeness (Patricia Lewis, Australia) 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 and sound sample. Good for older kids.
  • TiS 421 Where the Spirit is there's freedom (Per Harling, Sweden) Fun and good; excellent fun for the pianist! Lyrics.  Good for kids. 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. I cannot understand why this is not in other common hymnals! Lyrics.
  • TiS 412 / AHB 324 / ATE 251 / G(II)328 / GC468 / CP651 / W&R130 God sends us the Spirit to befriend and help us / Spirit Friend (Tom Colvin & the people of Malawi) I like this song, but the lack of inclusive language for God in some versions drives me a bit crazy. In Tom Colvin's book "Come Let us walk this road together" he uses more inclusive language. That is, he writes “God sends us the Spirit” instead of “God sends us His Spirit” and "Spirit of our Maker" rather than “Spirit of our Father”. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • Online Resource / Tune In Spirit of the Father / Alive in me (Sheree Anderson, Australia/Canada) Catchy boppy pop song about God's spirit within us and within the world. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples, lyrics.
  • AoV1-130 / SFFS 2223 / HPP495 / GtG300 / G(II)533 / GC735 / GC(II)728 / G(3)835 / W&R595 / Cha494 We are one in the Spirit / They’ll know we are Christians by our love (Peter Scholtes, USA) A classic 60's song of unity and being an example to others. It's still pretty groovy, I reckon. Older version are really masculine. We often syncopate it a bit at Brunswick. Note that the 3-6 Sunday School class learned this song this term, so would be good to use. Lyrics and pretty silly sound sample. Good for kids. 
  • 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.
  • Online Resource / Tune In We will sing a new song to the world (Dave Brown, Australia) An energetic song about the gospel, about singing all the new tunes and rhythms that God provides and creating a new earth. A good sending-out song. Free downloadable songbook, sound samples, lyrics.
  • AoVK-148 / ATOK 388 There is one body (Trish Watts / Monica O'Brien, Australia) A good energetic song of unity. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-071 / GA530 / GC(II)742 / G(3)837 / Lau462 Gather Your People (Bob Hurd, USA) Excellent eucharistic theology, cool gospel vibe. Sound samples, purchasing options.
  • TiS 411 / AHB 328 / NCH266 / UMH537 / VU194 / A&M633 / CP658 / CP(E) 425 / W&R331 Filled with the Spirit's power (John Peacey, England) Excellent inclusive words to a very well known hymn tune. I prefer it sung to WOODLANDS. Lyrics and sheet music.Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / TiS 414 / CH616 / NCH294 / UMH192 / VU582 / HPP134 / PH433 / GC550 / CP(E) 198 / Cha257 / StF398 There's a Spirit in the Air (Brian Wren, USA) A good song of getting the business of following Christ done. Speaking out, caring for others, being changed. Good, joyful tune too. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • AoV1-129 / CH665 / UMH620 / VU467 / ELW701 / HPP525 / A&M461 / GtG530 / G(II)599 / GC830 / GC(II)813 / CP073 / W&R689 / Cha393 / Lau832 One bread, one body (John Michael Talbot, USA) A classic. Don't play it too slow or it takes forever!! Particularly appropriate if you are celebrating communion. Sound sample (which is really slow, of course...).
  • MV141 We are all one people (Joseph & Violet Naytowhow, Canada) This Canadian Aboriginal song really gets stuck in my head. I think it's really good. Might take some work to get your congregation going with it, though. Sound sample & story.  
  • GtG768 / StJ / GC(II)645 / Online Resource We Are the Body of Christ / Somos el Cuerpo de Cristo (Jaime Cortez, USA / El Salvador) Bilingual verses and choruses. Will be good for a congregation where both languages are spoken. Sound samples and sheet music.
  • Online Resource / AoV1-086 / G(II)530 / GC733 / GC(II)727 / G(3)834 We are many parts, we are all one body (Marty Haugen, USA) I like the chorus much better than the verses, but they are really okay too. The chorus would work on its own. Slow sound sample, sheet music previews, and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource / MV177 This is my body naked before you (Daniel Damon, USA)  Excellent words about Christ's body being both the broken people, and we who can help the broken. The tune is not easy. Maybe best sung by a soloist at first. Lyrics and sheet music samples.
  • NCH177 / UMH114 God of change and glory (Al Carmines, USA) A simple song about diversity and God's endless creating power. Lyrics and sound sample. 
  • TiS 440 / AHB 364 / UMH550 / StF676 Christ from whom all blessings flow (Charles Wesley) Surprisingly modern lyrics about living and working together as a community of Christ. Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics.
John 20:19-23
Jesus gives peace and the Holy Spirit.
  • GWA130 / StF381 Holy Spirit breath of heaven (Geraldine Latty, England) A simple and beautiful song asking the spirit to breathe us to a quiet stillness, so that we can find our place with God. Sound sample (instrumental).
  • 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.
  • TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone (Elizabeth Smith, Australia) Excellent strong words of a questioning faith to a familiar hymn tune. Lyrics.
  • 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, sound sample, and purchasing options. Youtube
  • 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. Downloadable songbook and sound 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". Good for kids. 
  • 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. 
  • Iona (Love From Below) / CH434 / CP232 Jesus is risen from the grave (John Bell and Graham Maule) Good, simple rhythm and tune. You can even make up some verses if you like. Good for kids. If you missed the Thomas verse at Easter (or missed singing this song), you could sing it this week instead. Sound sample.  Good for kids.
  • NCH288 / UMH503 / Cha260 Let it breathe on me (Magnolia Lewis-Butts) Simple gospel song welcoming the Spirit. Sound sample.
  • MV168 May peace be with you / Salamun Kullaheen (Traditional Lebanese) Simple chant in English and Arabic. Sound sample. 
  • ATOK 343 When disciples were frightened / Jesus come and stand among us (Robin Mann) Lyrics here.
  • FFS61 The grace of God has appeared (Cecily Sheehy) A simple short song. Would be great if you can have SATB singers on the parts, but will also work with just the melody. "The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all". 
  • 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 An open hand a willing heart (Adam Tice) Excellent thoughtful words about our call, together as a church, to follow. There are three possible tunes. I like this one by Sally Ann Morris best. Sheet music, lyrics and purchasing options (GIA has multiple versions of this song).
  • 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. New words to old tunes "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
  • 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…" Good for kids and teenagers. Lyrics, sheet music, sound sample, choral version for purchase. 
  • 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". It's a wee bit tricky. Sound sample.
  • NCH271 / UMH538 / VU196 / PH131 / CP249 / W&R333 / Cha236 Wind who makes all winds that blow (Thomas Troeger) Excellent words. Familiar tune (ABERYSTWYTH). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • TiS 363 / AHB 281 / NCH244 / CH431 / UMH317 / VU170 / LBW514 / ELW820 / A&M213 / GtG235 / PH116 / GC423 / GC(II)446 / G(3)532 / CP228 / CP(E)154 / W&R313 / Cha220 / 82Hml-203 / Lau280 O sons and daughters let us sing (Jean Tisserand) Many versions and many verses. AHB has emphasis on Thomas verses, but Gather hymnals have some nice verses about the women finding Christ risen. This tune can be really pretty cool and varies in many hymnals: plainchant, hymn or fairly majestic contemporary mass music. Lyrics and sheet music.  Oldy but a goody.
  • SP&P034 Come and fill all my life (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A gentle and very simple song. Would be good for a meditation.
  • Seeds of Faith Peace Be With You (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A very simple kids song about peace, and sharing peace. Sound sample and lyrics. Good for kids.
  • Tune In / Online Resource Peace In Our Time (Dave Brown) A groovy bossa nova song of peace and action for peace. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
  • VU185 You tell me that the Lord is risen (Rob Johns) A good hymn to a familiar hymn tune (NOEL) that tells the story of Thomas.  New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource Peace to you my loved ones (Adam Tice, USA / Sally Ann Morris, USA) Beautiful and strong words of blessing, of hope for local and global peace, set to a beautiful new tune. Sound sample, sheet music sample, purchasing options. Thanks to rp for this suggestion. Story, and recording of a congregation of very good singers.   
Alternate Gospel: John 7:37-39
The promise of living water from Christ
  • Unknown Source Dry (Paul Somerville, Australia) An excellent song seeking refreshment from the living water and grace of Christ. It will need a little time for teaching, or ask your musicians to sing it. BUC musicians, I have a copy of this.
  • Online Resource / StJ / GtG048 / GC(II)505 / W&R444 / G(3)582 / URW144 / Srce2-502 Rain Down (Jaime Cortez, USA / El Salvador) A good simple gospel song. A very easy chorus, and good verses too. Sound and sheet music samples and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource / AoV2-006 / The tide has turned Deeper River / There's a river running deep within the silence of our souls (Digby Hannah, Australia) An excellent song of restoration for tired desert-like souls. Sheet music sample, sound sample, purchasing options. We sing it it much more strongly in our congregation. 
  • ATW 435 Wellsprings / Like the woman of old (Don Stewart, Austarlia) Another song of seeking water in the desert. A favourite of our congregation. Sound sample.
  • NCH045 Christ is the Mountain of Horeb which is flowing / Cristo es la pena (Unknown, Puerto Rico) Puerto Rican pasodoble folk melody. Very repetitive and easy. Can start slow and get fast, which is always a winner move. We have not sung this for a while. Youtube of some cool pianist doing a groovy jazzy version. Good for kids.
  • SLW / G(II)526 / GC728 / GC(II)725 / G(3)819 / URW419 / Lau902 Peace Is Flowing Like a River (Unknown, USA) A simple chorus. Great for kids and older people. You won't need to provide words for this after the first couple of verses, because only the first word changes. If you don't provide all the words, sometimes people look around them and notice each other. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and sound sample.  Good for kids.
  • SP&P034 Come and fill all my life (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A gentle and very simple song. Would be good for a meditation. 
  • Online Resource / TiS 665 / AoV2-008 / Iona (Common Ground) / CH360 / A&M563 / VU117 / StJ / SP246 / Lau889 Jesus Christ is waiting (John Bell and Grahame Maule, Scotland) A good and well known hymn. Lyrics here (scroll down just a little bit). Rather quick sound sample and purchasing options.
  • Sounds of Living Water 77 There's a river of life flowing out from me (Betty Pulkinghorne,  Australia, and Louis Casebolt, USA) I have found the lyrics to this, but I can't remember the second part at all. I think I only know the chorus. Maybe it's in a scripture in song book too. It's a happy clappy. Lyrics, sheet music.  Good for kids.
Do you have some ideas for Pentecost that you would like to share? Please add them in a comment below! 
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Songs, Hymns and Music for the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (May 31 2026)

1 Samuel 2:1-10 and Luke 1:39-57
Hannah wants a son, and prays to God without a mediator; Mary is expecting a son too!

Songs that fit more with the 1 Samuel reading:
  • Online Resource / GWA027 My soul rejoices in the Lord (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) A hymn setting of Hannah's song set to the folk carol "Seven Joys of Mary". Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource My heart exults in the Lord (Jason D Locke) This is a beautiful chanted version of Hannah's song with a simple refrain. Best if you can use parts, but also lovely without the parts. Sheet music. Sound sample. Please contact Jason on jason_@_islingtonunited.org to seek permission.
  • NCH015 My heart is overflowing (Miriam Therese Winter) Excellent words to a simple flowing tune. This song is one of very few written specifically based on Hannah's song. The tune is new, but would not take too long to learn. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource My heart exults in the Lord (Jason Silver) This could be sung quite beautifully by a soloist. Probably too challenging for a congregation. Sound sample, and links to sheet music available. 
  • Online Resource My heart rejoices, my horn is lifted up (Alicia Samaai) You may like to listen to this song, and perhaps play it for your congregation. Again, this is not a congregational song, but I think it's really nice. Video. 
  • WoV692 / ELW419 / GtG324 / RS885 For all the faithful women (Herman Steumpfle) Great words of the faithfulness of women, including Hannah, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Deborah and Miriam. Sung to a very familiar tune (AURELIA). You could choose just the verses you want so it's not too long, (but all the verses are good). Some words are a bit odd (like the bit about saving "our race" could unfortunately be easily misconstrued). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • 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.
  • SFFS 2189 A mother lined a basket (Mary Nelson Keithahn) Quite a remarkable song about the nurture mothers provide and the risks they take in letting children go, with Jochabed and Hannah being prime examples. This celebrates more that Hannah's son did arrive. "A mother sewed a jacket lined in the softest wool, then dressed her little boy-child, her cup of blessing full. She brought him to the temple where he would serve and live. God's people had a prophet. She had such faith to give.". Could be sung to other tunes such as THORNBURY. Lyrics. New words to old tunes (if you choose one)   .
  • TiS 690 / CH259 / A&M557 / StS115 / SP237 / Srce54 / StF693 / MP806 Beauty for brokenness hope for despair (Graham Kendrick) Themes of healing from personal and universal suffering and an emotive chorus. “Refuge from cruel wars, havens from fear, cities for sanctuary, freedoms to share, peace to the killing-fields, scorched earth to green; Christ for the bitterness, his cross for the pain”. It's a bit schmaltzy. Lyrics, sound samples and chord charts.
  • TiS 560 / AHB 465 / NCH408 / CH192 / UMH132 / VU654/655 / WoV782 / ELW757 / A&M584 / CP529 / CP(E) 368 / Cha088 / Srce2-15 / 82Hml-665 / Lau959 / StF455 / MP016 All my hope on God is founded / is firmly grounded (Joachim Neander) Most translations of this well known German hymn are not inclusive, but the translation by Fred Pratt Green in UMH, NCH and WoV are; these are also available online, so use them! A really interesting article about the various translations. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Songs about Mary visiting Elizabeth:
  • SoG827 A wife so long childless (Elizabeth Smith, Australia) Excellent words reflecting on the joy shared by Mary and Elizabeth, set to the lovely tune COLUMCILLE. Lyrics (scroll down in the PDF).  New words to old tunes.
  • VU012 She walked in the summer / The Visit (Miriam Therese Winter, USA) This has lovely words about Mary visiting Elizabeth. It's a little mushy, but I like it. "Be brave with the burden you are blessed to bear for it's Christ that you carry everywhere". Lyrics. Recording.

Settings / Interpretations of the Magnificat:

  • Online Resource My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord / Canticle of Mary (ValLimar Jansen / Frank Jansen) This is a setting for gospel cantor and response. I would just use the response with a reader in our congregation, because the verses are quite tricky. Sound and sheet music samples and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource / GWA094 My soul sings in gratitude (Joy Cowley) No tune! This is a poem, which would be lovely to have read (preferably by a young woman) to your congregation. Poem.
  • MV120 / StS124 / R245 / ELW723 / HPP88 / GtG100 / G(II)376 / GC556 / GC(II)527 / G(3)622 / PfAS075B / URW018 My soul cries out with a joyful shout (Canticle of the Turning) (Rory Cooney) This is my favourite Magnificat! No, really!! "Could the world be about to turn?" It's sung to a folk tune (STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN). Lyrics & Sheet music samples. New words to old tunes.
  • CH291 When out of poverty is born (Kathy Galloway) An excellent set of words for Advent that reflects on God's good news for the poor and the strength of Mary's faith. Set to the familiar tune KINGSFOLD. Lyrics (downloads PDF) New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource Advent begins in the darkness of night (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) A haunting tune and beautiful words of Advent beginning in a place of darkness. Sheet music for purchase and download. Sound sample.
  • MV134 There was a child in Galilee / Dreaming Mary (Janet Gadeski) This is a thoughtful, imaginative song of Mary, which would be best sung by a soloist, with the words made available for the congregation to ponder. Lyrics (scroll down past the videos, but make sure you watch the "Parody of a Modern Worship Service" video on the way down)
  • Online Resource / A&M185 / GC(II)362 / G(3)434 / SP069 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (Francis Patrick O'Brien) Excellent and simple Christmas song which reflects the magnificat and the happiness of Jesus’ parents. I especially like the last verse “Hope for the poor, release for the captive, Love for the outcast, light for weary eyes; Word that brings life, embracing humanity, Jesus, companion be born into our lives”. It would be particularly good for a Christmas eve service. The chorus would also work very nicely on its own. Sound sample, sheet music sample, choral version sheet music for purchase.
  • W&R172 For Ages Women Hoped and Prayed (Jane Parker Huber) This is one of those "Coming, but already here songs" of Advent, and could be sung at other times of year, too. Thought-provoking words about what it may have been like for Mary to bear Christ. Lyrics. Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely. New words to old tunes. 
  • GA250 / StF060 My soul rejoices / Canticle of Mary (Owen Alstott) A simple, formal hymnlike Magnificat. Lyrics and pretty slow sound sample. 
  • Online Resource Mary did you know? (Jennifer Henry) This not the original, which was a bit odd (reader, Mary did know). It is a new set of lyrics to the original tune by Buddy Greene. They pick up on how Mary could not have known that her song would have lasted so long. It's quite wonderful, but would be best sung by a soloist rather than a congregation. Sound sample and lyrics. I especially love this version.
  • Online Resource / TiS 172 / NCH119 / UMH198 / VU899 / GtG099 / PfAS1042 / Cha130 My soul gives glory to my God (John Mueller) Simple and beautiful words to a simple and beautiful tune. Inclusive lyrics. Lyrics (plus lyrics to lots of other magnificats). Scroll down and look for "ecumenical". I recommend the newer translation by Mary Louise Bringle, which can be seen, heard, and purchased here. 
  • Online Resource / GWA094 My soul sings in gratitude (Joy Cowley) No tune! This is a poem, which would be lovely to have read (preferably by a young woman) to your congregation. Poem.
  • Online resource Magnificat (Bruce Harding) A fun magnificat, using the Latin phrase “Magnificat amina mea deum”. I think our musicians would like this one! Sound sample. Free sheet music.
  • HiOS101 My heart is leaping (Marion Kitchingman) Good words, and a joyful tune.
  • Taizé / Iona (T1AU) / StS012 / GA545 / GC(II)522 / G(3)630 / PfAS1018 / VT097  Magnificat “Magnificat amina mea dominum” (Jacques Berthier) A catchy and happy Taize round.  "Magnify!". There are also alternative English lyrics (Sing out my soul), which are good if your congregation prefers it. Sheet music, sound samples, and English translation.
  • CH141 / A&M548 / SP250 / URW077 / StF114 Oh the life of the world is a joy and a treasure (Kathy Galloway) This is not a Magnificat, but holds some similar concepts! 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.  
  • VU323 Maker of the sun and moon and mother of the earth (Peter Sharrocks) Wonderful inclusive words, and a beautiful tune, that for me sounds a lot like "Lord Jesus Christ, Lover of All" so melodically ties Advent in with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. You may like to sing it this Sunday and leave the last verse until Christmas day. Highly recommended. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource The lowly will be lifted up (Carolyn Winfrey-Gillette) The magnificat imagery with a call to continue the work of Christ with the openness of Mary. Sung to a familiar tune. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource God make us agents of joyful rebellion (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) Joy as a tool of rebellion, and our role as modern-day prophets. Set to a new tune, which is lovely to sing. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.     
  • Online Resource A word went out to Mary (Hannah Brown) Beautiful new poetry, with floral imagery, set to the tune ES IST EIN ROS' ENTSPRUNGEN. Sheet music sample and lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes. 
  • ACS907 Filled with hope and gratitude (Paul Damico-Carper) Good new words, sung to a simple tune (that sounds a bit like Loch Lomond). I like that the first and last verse specifically reference breastfeeding. Lyrics. Sound sample (with a bit of dancing). 
  • Online Resource / GW095 Holy holy holy O Wisdom from on high / Blessed and Holy (Bernadette Farrell) This is a setting of some of the O Antiphons which are sung with the Magnificat in the last week prior to Christmas in some traditions. They speak of our hope in Jesus to transform the world. This setting is easy to sing and has great words. Sound and sheet music samples and purchasing options.
  • GC(II)782 / Lau338 My soul proclaims your greatness O God (from Holden Evening Prayer) (Marty Haugen) Nice, simple to sing. Sheet music sample (you'll need to scroll through). Lyrics (where it says "Magnificat".   
Psalm 113  
You could also use an Alleluia as a Psalm refrain.
  • TiS 179 / NCH273 / VU312 / StJ / GA379 / URW073 Praise with joy the world's Creator (John Bell and Graham Maule, Scotland) It's not a direct fit, but I think it would work well, and it's great. Lyrics. 
  • CH169 / VU245 / SFFS 2020 / HPP26 / CP309 Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet (Natalie Sleeth, USA) Fun. Good for kids. Good if you have extra instruments at your worship service. Lyric video.
  • SiS??? From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same (Unknown) An old chorus that will be familiar and fun for older congregations; it is not at all inclusive. This is particularly excellent in churches that face North or South, because then you can get the whole congregation doing jazz hands above their heads going East to West. Surely my childhood church (One Tree Hill Uniting) was not the only church to do this in the '70s? Rock on to this version on Youtube. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • PfAS113A / MP163 From the rising of the sun to its going down (Kathy Wonson Eddy, USA) This is a lovely response for leader, congregation and choir with cantored verses. 
  • TiS 72 / AHB 42 / NCH27 / CH146 / UMH101 / LBW550 / A&M637 / HPP36 / GtG327 / PH229 / CP344 / CP(E) 431 / Cha49 / PfAS117C / 82Hml-380 / StF075 / LUYH570 From all that dwell below the skies (Isaac Watts, England) A very old hymn, known by many, which is entirely inclusive in its language for God, save for one Lord which you can replace with God if you like 'cos it's Public Domain! Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and tune samples.
  • Online Resource From the rising of the sun (Bruce Harding, Canada) A simple contemporary Psalm refrain. Sheet music.
  • ATAR676 Lord, be the rising (Sandra Sears, Australia) This is quite lovely. The tune is simple and the words seek God in all goodness.
Romans 12:9-16b
A bunch of wise instructions for living a peaceful life
  • TiS 607 / AoV2-126 / ATN 95 / CH528 / VU684 / StJ / A&M725 / SFFS 2171 / HPP406 / GtG753 / G(II)524 / GC726 / GC(II)721 / G(3)828 / CP(E)519/ W&R587 / Srce 462 / Lau898 / StF707 / MP456 Make me a channel of your peace (Sebastian Temple) Lovely. Nice if you can just start a capella...  Sinéad O'Connor singing it and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / NCH287 / FFS11 Come teach us Spirit of our God (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) Excellent words and a good tune. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • TiS 650 / ATA 191 / CH694 / A&M604 / NCH539 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / GtG727 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / G(3)751 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 / StF611 / Lau924 Brother, sister, let me serve you / Won't you let me be your servant? (Richard Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics. NCH has a nice turn on the lyrics with "Won't you let me be your servant?" as the first line.  Oldy-but-a-goody. 
  • ATW 463 / Iona (T1AU) / ELW721 / SFFS 2219 / A&M835 / GtG750 / GC(II)451 / G(3)528 / W&R296 / URW436 Goodness is stronger than evil (Desmond Tutu, South Africa) "Victory is ours, victory is ours, through him who loves us". Some congregations change the last line to "Compassion is ours, compassion is ours...". It depends on the context in which you sing it, I suppose. Lyrics. Good for kids. 
  • TiS 648 / NCH388 / UMH560 / HPP289 / GtG754 / PH358 / W&R596 / Cha487 Help us accept each other (Fred Kaan, USA) Very nice simple words about acceptance and love for all people. The tune varies in each hymn book. I like the lilting tune RUNNYMEDE in TiS, but if a more standard hymn is needed for your congregation, it can also be sung to AURELIA (The church's one foundation). Lyrics and sheet music.
  • TiS 672 / GA554 Lord of earth and all creation (Michael and Honor Mary Thwaites, Australia) A call for renewal of creation and all God's created people in Australia; it verges on being a bit nationalistic, so please check the lyrics. Two possible tunes. I prefer to sing it to WESTMINSTER ABBEY which is very well known. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
  • 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 / MP624 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal) An oldy but a goody. Lyrics and story.  Oldy-but-a-goody. 
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