Judges 4:1-7
The Israelites turn against God and are oppressed. Deborah promises Barak victory over their oppressors.
- UMH81 Mother of Israel, leader of her armies / Sing Deborah Sing / Canta Débora Canta
(Luiza Cruz / Norah Buyers, USA/Brazil) I think this song would be fun; I get uncomfortable about singing of
glorious victory in battle, but it’s quite clear that the people who
sing this song are the ones who are oppressed… Recording (instrumental). Recording (Spanish).
- Public Domain / Online Resource / TiS
47 / AHB 46 / AoV1-175 / NCH25 / CH161 / UMH117 / VU806 / LBW504 /
ELW806 / GA459 / A&M746 / HPP1 / GtG687 / PH210 / GC614 / GC(II)588 / G(3)688 / CP528 / CP(E) 537 /
W&R84 / Cha067 / Srce2-441 / URW200 / 82Hml-680 / PfAS090B / Lau955 / StF132 / MP498 / VT203 O God our help in ages past (Isaac Watts, England) A good solid very well known hymn! The surprising thing about this one
is that the language is inclusive for God in most sources. Not all
sources are inclusive for humanity, so check. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- VF017 Arise arise Devorah (Deborah Lynn Friedman, USA and Tamara Ruth Cohen, USA) This song has a catchy chorus including a Hebrew phrase that means "Arise and sing". I would use a cantor for the verses, which tell the story of Devorah (Deborah) the prophet, if this is new to your congregation. Debbie Friedman singing the song (starts at 1:00). Good for kids (if you just get them to join in the chorus). .
- Online Resource Awake with timbrel and with dance
(Mary Louise Bringle, USA) A joyful celebration of many women of the Scriptures (including Deborah), sung to AZMON. Sheet music sample, lyrics, and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- VT074 O worship our God all glorious above
(Robert Grant, England) 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.
Songs from peoples who have struggled for freedom would also be good to sing. For example:
- Online Resource / ACS903 / AoV1-061 / ATOK 355 / GtG359 / SFFS 2194 / G(II)521 / GC723 / GC(II)707 / G(3)814 / ZSS110 / SgTJ1035 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). History of the song. Sheet music samples. 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 (Unknown, South Africa) 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. Choral version. Sheet music. Good for kids.
- 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.Lyric video (Spanish). Another recording (with hand claps!).
Psalm 123
Have mercy on us. We’re tired of people looking down at us.You might like to sing a Kyrie.
- Linnea Good To you I lift up my eyes (Linnea Good, Canada) A simple response. Good for kids.
- Taizé / TiS 725 / ATE 275 / AoV2-167 / ATE 275 / StJ / GA538 / GtG678 / G(II)553 / GC763 / URW391 In our darkness there is no darkness in your sight / La ténèbre (Jacques
Berthier) Also translated as "Our darkness is never darkness", which I slightly prefer. Sample music and lyrics.
- VF091 Heal me Lord
(Carol E Petersen) A beautiful and gentle two part song for healing
and mercy. You could use a cantor for Part 1, or separate the
congregation into two parts. I think you could also easily make up your
own verses to fit your congregation. Sound sample (partway through a church service video).
- TiS 674 / Iona (Common Ground, Heaven Shall Not Wait) / A&M562 / CH253 Inspired by love and anger (John Bell, Scotland) Powerful lyrics, simple English folk tune. Lyric video. I love verse three “Don’t query our
position! Don’t criticise our wealth! Don’t mention those exploited by
politics and stealth!”. It’s easy for us to be judgemental on these
things.
- Traditional / ATA 202 / GGives1 We're gonna move when the Spirit says move / I'm gonna sing when the spirit says sing
(Unknown, African American) Based on a traditional song. Some versions are "You
gotta sing…." Many versions of the lyrics and tune exist. You can even make up your own words. Just make this one up. One version of the lyrics and a backing track and lyric video which is a bit tacky. A video teaching how to sing it and play chords which is quite fun. An older recording which I like.
- Emergent Psalter The snare is broken (Isaac Everett, USA) A simple refrain to a read Psalm with improvised music during the reading. eBook available here.
- Online Resource We lift our eyes to you
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A gentle song of moving on from the fear
of terror and sorrow. It would be a beautiful meditation. Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
Alternative Hebrew Scripture: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18
God punishes the rich and complacent, and soon.
- 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 14 this week, and add whichever other verses suit your context. Set to the common tune KINGSFOLD. Some lyrics (not the Zephaniah verse!). New words to old tunes.
- TiS 674 / Iona (Common Ground, Heaven Shall Not Wait) / A&M562 / CH253 Inspired by love and anger (John Bell) Powerful lyrics, simple English folk tune. I love verse three “Don’t query our
position! Don’t criticise our wealth! Don’t mention those exploited by
politics and stealth!”. It’s easy for us to be judgemental on these
things. Lyric video.
Psalm for the Zephaniah reading: Psalm 90:1-8, (9-11), 12 A cry for God's clear presence.
- Online Resource / Tune In Like the sun upon my skin / God’s Mercy (Sheree Anderson / David Brown) A beautiful ballad about identifying God's mercy in the beauty of creation. The line "place of strength from which I start" fits well with this Psalm. Lyrics, sound sample and free downloadable songbook.
- 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 / VF133 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal) An oldy but a goody. This is sung to many different tunes. Lyrics.
Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / Taizé / AoV2-109 / A&M334 / CH772 / GA429 / GtG654 / G(II)396 /
GC566 / GC(II)546 / G(3)639 / Lau944 / LUYH357 / MP865 / SFFS 2195 / SP128 / StF776 / URW381 / VT118 / W&R448 In the Lord I'll Be Ever Thankful / El Senyor
(Jacques Berthier, France) A joyful and bouncy short song. Works well in
English, German and Spanish (and probably other languages too). Good for kids. Sheet music, translations into many other languages, sound samples.
- W&R536 Through the Darkness of the Ages
(Hilary Jolly) Good words for this Psalm, using the familiar tune ABBOT'S
LEIGH. Note that lyrics for Christ includes the term Master which some
may find problematic. Lyrics. New words to old tunes .
- Public Domain / Online Resource / TiS
47 / AHB 46 / AoV1-175 / NCH25 / CH161 / UMH117 / VU806 / LBW504 /
ELW806 / GA459 / A&M746 / HPP1 / GtG687 / PH210 / GC614 / GC(II)588 / G(3)688 / CP528 / CP(E) 537 /
W&R84 / Cha067 / Srce2-441 / URW200 / 82Hml-680 / PfAS090B / Lau955 / StF132 / MP498 / VT203 O God our help in ages past (Isaac Watts) A good solid very well known hymn! The surprising thing about this one
is that the language is inclusive for God in most sources. Not all
sources are inclusive for humanity, so check. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- CH247 / VU394 / G(II)491 / GC685 Moved by the Gospel Let Us Move
(Ruth Duck) Excellent words about going out into the world to weave, and
paint, and mime, and dance, and play music in the midst of all of life's
craziness. Sung to the familiar tune ELLACOMBE. This fits well with
the verse "O prosper the work of our hands!" Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- NCH Psalter (at
the back of the NCH hymnal) From everlasting to everlasting you are God (Elaine Kirkland) A really nice refrain for a read or chanted Psalm. Good for kids.
- PfAS090C Teach us to know the shortness of our days (Hal Hopson) A good, gentle Psalm refrain. "May wisdom dwell within our hearts"
- PfAS090D Wildflowers bloom and fade
(Ruth Duck) Good and hopeful words, mixed in with some quite hard ones;
sung to a Celtic style hymn tune. Each verse ends with the phrase "O
God, our home". Sound sample (youtube).
- 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).
- AoVNG77 In Every Age O God you have been our refuge (Janet
Sullivan Whitaker) A really lovely song, and quite easy to sing. The
verses are a little complicated, so you could just invite the
congregation to join in the chorus. Lyrics and sound sample.
- Online Resource Open now our hearts to wisdom (Richard Bruxvoort Colligan) Future-focussed words to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- CH054 Lord you have always been our home (Church Hymnary) Good words. I like the tune ATHCHUINGE for this. Sound samples.
- Sacred Harp 142 Through every age eternal God (Isaac Watts, England) This is really powerful, but realistically, only useful if you have Sacred Harp singers in your congregation. Video.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Keep awake, support each other.
- Online resource Hope still walks this land
(Malcolm Gordon) Excellent words and a simple tune, with words about being ready for hope to come. Includes a verse in Maōri which you could choose to use, or omit if you need to. Sheet music for download.
- 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.
- 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 / VF133 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal) An oldy but a goody. This is sung to many different tunes - check with the older members of your congregation to make sure you choose "the right one"! Lyrics.
Oldy-but-a-goody.
- 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.
- Taizé /
AoV2-088 / ATOK 395 / CH793 / VU950 / ELW348 / GA325 / A&M172 /
SFFS 2198 / GtG204 / W&R286 / SP61 / Lau249 / StF780 Stay with me / Bleibet hier (Jacques Berthier) A very well known chant. Sheet music and sound samples.
-
VU633 / ELW326 / HPP511 / Cha489 / VF142 / Online Resource Bless now O God the journey (Sylvia Dunstan) Excellent words of travelling together as a community of faith. There are a number of possible tunes. Here is the one from ELW. If you would like a familiar one, it fits with LLANGLLOFAN. Choral version. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource TiS 642 / AHB 570 / VU410 / GA536 / G(II)547 / GC757 / GC(II)749 / G(3)856 / CP(E) 205 / URW185 / Lau673 This day God gives me strength of high heaven
(James Quinn) There are a couple of possible tunes to this. I like BUNESSAN (morning
has broken) best. The words are based on St. Patrick's Breastplate. Sound sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource Christ Before Me
(Kristin Cant and Malcolm Gordon, New Zealand) A song based on St.
Patrick's Breastplate. Might be good to get your own musicians to sing
this, if they can. There is also a nice circle dance that can be done to
it. Recording and sheet music.
- Online Resource / VT038 God be the love / O Christ Surround Me (Richard
Bruxvoort-Colligan) A good congregational version of St. Patrick's
Breastplate. Easy for the congregation to join in on the "O Christ,
Surround Me" until they get to know it and join in the later verses. Sound sample, lyrics and purchasing options (the book Worldmaking has the song in it).
- Online ResourceWhen my work takes me places I don't want to go / St Patrick's Breastplate (Porters Gate) Not a congregational song, but a great song to be aware of and to share. Youtube.
- 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. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- TiS 561 / AHB 467 / NCH494 / CH535 / LBW498 / A&M823 / CP(E) 621 / 82Hml-684 / Lau862 Who would true valor see / valour see
(John Bunyan) A lovely old hymn, with old-world imagery. I think it still
works OK. TiS and NCH have inclusive language throughout. CH and CP(E)
do not have inclusive language, even for humanity. I really like the
tune MONK'S GATE. Particularly nice with light instrumentation. A violin
/ flute and a bodhran may be all you need for this. Not very inclusive lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Recorded song Walk in the light, beautiful light
(Aretha Franklin). This song would be great if you have some gospel
singers in your congregation! can listen to Aretha and some awesome
choir singing it here.
Matthew 25:14-30
The
parable of the talents / the parable of the angry master.
- 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.
- ATOK
414 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH501 / GA485 /
A&M788 / G(II)480 / GC673 / GC(II)655 / SP311 / StF513 / Lau850 Take this moment, sign and space (John Bell) A fairly well known favourite. Simple melody and beautiful words. Lyrics (includes a very skinny picture of Jesus).
- 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 / VF133 Take my life and let it be (Frances Havergal) An oldy but a goody. Lyrics and tune sample.
Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TLUS130 / VT758 Who will speak a word of warning? (Richard Leach, USA) A
sermon in a song. This is a powerful song, about Christ's insistence to
care for the poor and needy rather than lining our own pockets. In TLUS
it is set to the known tune EBENEZER. Lyrics. New words to old tunes, if you want.
- ATW 459 I don't believe in a God up in the sky / God Version 1.0 (Robin Mann, Australia) An excellent rock song about how God doesn't necessarily work in the way we think. Lyrics and sound recording. Good for tweens & teenagers..
- Online Resource / WoV723 / ELW551 / SFFS 2241 The Spirit Sends Us Forth to Serve (Dolores Dufner)
Great words of sending forth in service to the world sung to a well
known hymn tune (CHESTERFIELD or LAND OF REST). Sing this at the end of
your service! Sound and sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- NCH565 / LBW408 / ELW678 / GtG716 / PH422 / CP601 / W&R572 / Cha606 / URW091 God whose giving knows no ending
(Robert Edwards) Excellent more formal words of thanks for God's many good
gifts to us. Can be sung to a range of tunes including BEACH SPRING,
HYFRYDOL, AUSTRIAN HYMN, RUSTINGTON. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TiS
537 / ATE 297 / NCH347 / CH673 / VU468 / StS123 / WoV754 / ELW674 /
HPP536 / GtG526 / PH514 / W&R698 / Cha422 / ZSS206 /
URW096 Let us talents and tongues employ
(Fred Kaan) Great for kids, excellent Jamaican rhythm which you can have a lot of
fun with. It's also very adaptable and works well with any instruments.
“Loaves abound!”. lyrics and slighty tacky midi sample here. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / SFFS 2175 Together we serve (Dan Damon) Good hymn about service. The tune has quite a substantial range, so take it fairly easy. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Lyric video.
What ideas do you have? Please share them in a comment below.
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!
