Singing the Faith: Words edition

By Canterbury Press

Seven years in development, Singing the Faith is authorised by the Methodist Conference and replaces Hymns and Psalms, published almost 30 years ago. Containing the classic, best loved hymns of the Christian tradition it also incorporates many bold and exciting elements including hymns, songs and liturgical chants from the world church.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Canterbury Press
• Release date: Aug 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781848255548

Book preview

GOD’S ETERNAL GOODNESS

THE NATURE AND MYSTERY OF GOD:

THE HOLY TRINITY

1

1   All people that on earth do dwell,

     sing to the Lord with cheerful voice:

     him serve with mirth, his praise forth tell;

     come ye before him and rejoice.

2   The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;

     without our aid he did us make:

     we are his folk, he doth us feed;

     and for his sheep he doth us take.

3   O enter then his gates with praise;

     approach with joy his courts unto;

     praise, laud, and bless his name always,

     for it is seemly so to do.

4   For why, the Lord our God is good;

     his mercy is for ever sure;

     his truth at all times firmly stood,

     and shall from age to age endure.

5   To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,

     the God whom heaven and earth adore,

     from earth and from the angel host

     be praise and glory evermore.

William Kethe (d. 1594)

2

1   Come, let us sing to the One,

     to the Father of life,

     whose light fills the earth like the sun;

     come, tell of the wonders he’s done.

     Great is the world he has made,

     are the myst’ries untold,

     is his measureless power of old;

     come, come let us sing to our God.

To our God, who is able

to strengthen us in his grace

beyond all we imagine,

be all glory and praise,

be all praise.

2   Come, let us sing to the One,

     to the Saviour of life,

     find the fullness of God in the Son;

     come, tell of the wonders he’s done.

     Wild is the mercy of Christ,

     is the richness of grace,

     is the unending life we embrace;

     come, come let us sing to our God.

3   Come, let us sing to the One,

     to the Spirit of life,

     leading us in the way of the Son;

     come, tell of the wonders he’s done.

     Strong is the Spirit within,

     is the boldness to speak,

     is the power to run when we’re weak;

     come, come let us sing to our God.

Keith Getty (b. 1974) and Kristyn Getty (b. 1980)

Words and Music: © 2003, Thankyou Music. Administered by worshiptogether.com Songs, excluding UK & Europe, administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook Used by permission.

3

1   Eternal God, your love’s tremendous glory

     cascades through life in overflowing grace,

     to tell creation’s meaning in the story

     of love evolving love from time and space.

2   Eternal Son of God, uniquely precious,

     in you, deserted, scorned and crucified,

     God’s love has fathomed sin and death’s

deep darkness,

     and flawed humanity is glorified.

3   Eternal Spirit, with us like a mother,

     embracing us in love serene and pure:

     you nurture strength to follow Christ our brother,

     as full-grown children, confident and sure.

4   Love’s trinity, self-perfect, self-sustaining;

     love which commands, enables and obeys:

     you give yourself, in boundless joy, creating

     one vast increasing harmony of praise.

5   We ask you now, complete your image in us;

     this love of yours, our source and guide and goal.

     May love in us, seek love and serve love’s purpose,

     till we ascend with Christ and find love whole.

Alan Gaunt (b. 1935)

Words: © 1991, Stainer & Bell Ltd, 23 Gruneisen Road, London N3 1DZ <www.stainer.co.uk>

4

1   Father in heaven,

     grant to your children

     mercy and blessing,

     songs never ceasing,

     love to unite us,

     grace to redeem us —

     Father in heaven,

     Father our God.

2   Jesus, Redeemer,

     may we remember

     your gracious passion,

     your resurrection.

     Worship we bring you,

     praise we shall sing you —

     Jesus, Redeemer,

     Jesus our Lord.

3   Spirit descending,

     whose is the blessing,

     strength for the weary,

     help for the needy,

     sealed in our kinship

     yours be our worship —

     Spirit descending,

     Spirit adored.

Daniel Thambyrajah Niles (1908–1970)

Words and Music: © East Asia Christian Conference

5

1   Father, in whom we live,

     in whom we are, and move,

     glory and power and praise receive

     of thy creating love.

     Let all the angel throng

     give thanks to God on high;

     while earth repeats the joyful song,

     and echoes to the sky.

2   Incarnate Deity,

     let all the ransomed race

     render in thanks their lives to thee,

     for thy redeeming grace.

     The grace to sinners showed

     ye heavenly choirs proclaim,

     and cry: ‘Salvation to our God,

     salvation to the Lamb!’

3   Spirit of holiness,

     let all thy saints adore

     thy sacred energy, and bless

     thy heart-renewing power.

     Not angel tongues can tell

     thy love’s ecstatic height,

     the glorious joy unspeakable,

     the beatific sight.

4   Eternal, triune Lord!

     Let all the hosts above,

     let all the sons of men, record

     and dwell upon thy love.

     When heaven and earth are fled

     before thy glorious face,

     sing all the saints thy love has made

     thine everlasting praise.

Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

6

1   Father, we love you,

     we worship and adore you:

     glorify your name

     in all the earth.

     Glorify your name,

     glorify your name,

     glorify your name,

     in all the earth.

2   Jesus, we love you,

     we worship and adore you:

     glorify your name

     in all the earth.

     Glorify your name,

     glorify your name,

     glorify your name,

     in all the earth.

3   Spirit, we love you,

     we worship and adore you:

     glorify your name

     in all the earth.

     Glorify your name,

     glorify your name,

     glorify your name,

     in all the earth.

Donna Adkins (b. 1940)

Words and Music: © 1976 CCCM Music / Maranatha! Music, Administered by Song Solutions CopyCare, 14 Horsted Square, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QG. <www.songsolutions.org> Used by permission.

7

1   God, who made the stars of heaven,

     God who spread the earth,

     breath of every living being,

     fount of life and birth,

     you have formed a servant people,

     led us by your hand.

     Light of nations, shine in us;

     brighten every land.

2   Living Christ, the light of nations,

     radiant as the sun,

     build us up, a growing body;

     knit your Church as one.

     May our loving be a witness

     all the world may see.

     Send your Spirit, bond of peace,

     source of unity.

3   Spirit God, equip your people,

     all with gifts to share:

     messengers to speak the gospel,

     ministers of care.

     So may valleys rise to greatness,

     mountains be a plain.

     Come, surprise us; change our lives;

     heal each heart in pain.

4   So may nations praise your greatness,

     do your will on earth,

     free the captives from their prisons,

     treat the poor with worth.

     So may desert, coast and village

     sing new songs to you.

     Light of nations, fill the world,

     making all things new.

Ruth C. Duck (b. 1947)

Words: © GIA Publications Inc., 7404 S. Mason Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638, USA. www.giamusic.com All rights reserved. Used by permission.

8

1   God with us: Creator, Father,

     bringing everything to birth;

     Mother of the whole creation,

     fire of stars and life of earth:

     down the countless years composing,

     from the earth’s evolving night,

     love’s response to love, and forming

     mind and soul to seek your light.

2   God with us: Redeemer, Brother,

     Friend for ever at our side,

     here, in flesh, you walked among us,

     taking up your cross, you died.

     Crucified, despised, rejected,

     Perfect Love, who shared our shame,

     streaming from the cross, your judgement,

     full of mercy, clears our name.

3   God with us: Unwearied Spirit,

     from the birth of time and space,

     surging through unconscious being,

     joyful, Life-Creating Grace:

     through the centuries you find us;

     you, as God, inspire our prayer;

     Life and Power at work within us,

     Love for ever, everywhere!

4   God, Transcendent, far beyond us,

     closest Friend, unfailing Guide:

     through the ages, wronged, affronted,

     in your poor, still crucified!

     God with us: convict, forgive us;

     by your holy love destroy

     all that hinders peace and justice:

     fill this aching world with joy!

Alan Gaunt (b. 1935)

Words: © 1998, Stainer & Bell Ltd, 23 Gruneisen Road, London N3 1DZ <www.stainer.co.uk>

9

1   Hail! Holy, holy, holy Lord!

     whom One in Three we know;

     by all thy heavenly host adored,

     by all thy Church below.

2   One undivided Trinity

     with triumph we proclaim;

     thy universe is full of thee,

     and speaks thy glorious name.

3   Thee, holy Father, we confess,

     thee, holy Son, adore,

     thee, Spir’t of truth and holiness,

     we worship evermore.

4   Three Persons equally divine

     we magnify and love;

     and both the choirs ere long shall join

     to sing thy praise above:

5   Hail! Holy, holy, holy Lord,

     our heavenly song shall be,

     supreme, essential One, adored

     in co-eternal Three.

Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

10

     Holy, holy,

     holy is the Lord God Almighty.

     Holy, holy,

     holy is the Lord God Almighty.

     Who was and is and is to come,

     who was and is and is to come.

     Lift up his name with the sound of singing,

     lift up his name in all the earth.

     Lift up your voice and give him glory,

     for he is worthy to be praised.

Nathan Fellingham (b. 1977)

Can be sung as part of the Holy Communion Liturgy.

Words and Music: © 1995, Thankyou Music. Administered by worshiptogether.com Songs, excluding UK & Europe, administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook Used by permission.

11

1   Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!

     Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee:

     holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,

     God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

2   Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,

     casting down their golden crowns around

the glassy sea;

     cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,

     who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

3   Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,

     though the sinful human eye thy glory may not see,

     only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,

     perfect in power, in love, and purity.

4   Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!

     All thy works shall praise thy name in earth

and sky and sea;

     holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,

     God in three Persons, blessèd Trinity!

Reginald Heber (1783–1826) (alt.)

Based on Revelation 4:8–11

12

1   Morning glory, starlit sky,

     leaves in springtime, swallows’ flight,

     autumn gales, tremendous seas,

     sounds and scents of summer night;

2   Soaring music, towering words,

     art’s perfection, scholar’s truth,

     joy supreme of human love,

     memory’s treasure, grace of youth;

3   Open, Lord, are these, thy gifts,

     gifts of love to mind and sense;

     hidden is love’s agony,

     love’s endeavour, love’s expense.

4   Love that gives, gives evermore,

     gives with zeal, with eager hands,

     spares not, keeps not, all outpours,

     ventures all, its all expends.

5   Drained is love in making full;

     bound in setting others free;

     poor in making many rich;

     weak in giving power to be.

6   Therefore he who thee reveals,

     hangs, O Father, on that Tree,

     helpless; and the nails and thorns

     tell of what thy love must be.

7   Thou art God, no monarch thou,

     throned in easy state to reign;

     thou art God, whose arms of love

     aching, spent, the world sustain.

William Hubert Vanstone (1923–1999)

Words: © Mrs Isabella Shore.

13

1   Sing of a God in majestic divinity,

     seeding the heavens with numberless stars,

     forming our dust and our dreams of infinity,

     God of our lives and the judge of our wars.

2   Sing of a Child who was cradled so tenderly,

     sing of a boyhood by Galilee’s lake;

     sing of a cross and a Saviour who wondrously

     suffered and died for humanity’s sake.

3   Sing of a Spirit who daily addressing us,

     lives in our sciences, nature, and arts;

     moving through all of creation and blessing us,

     guiding our minds and engaging our hearts.

4   Sing of this God who in glory and mystery

     chooses to lie in humanity’s womb,

     enters the prison and pain of our history,

     rises triumphant and opens the tomb.

Thomas Herbert O’Driscoll (b. 1928)

Words: © Herbert O’Driscoll

14

1   Sing to him in whom creation

     found its shape and origin;

     Spirit, moving on the waters

     troubled by the God within;

     source of breath to all things breathing,

     life in whom all lives begin.

2   Sing to God, the close companion

     of our inmost thoughts and ways;

     who, in showing us his wonders,

     is himself the power to gaze,

     and his will, to those who listen,

     by a still small voice conveys.

3   Holy people, priests and prophets

     caught his accents, spoke his word;

     his the truth behind the wisdoms

     which as yet know not our Lord;

     he the love of God eternal,

     which in Christ was seen and heard.

4   Tell of how the ascended Jesus

     armed a people for his own;

     how a hundred men and women

     turned the known world upside down,

     to its dark and farthest corners

     by the wind of Whitsun blown.

5   Pray we, then, O Lord the Spirit,

     on our lives descend in might;

     let your flame break out within us,

     fire our hearts and clear our sight,

     till, white-hot in your possession,

     we, too, set the world alight.

6   Praise, O praise the Holy Spirit,

     praise the Father, praise the Word,

     source, and truth, and inspiration,

     Trinity in deep accord;

     through your voice which speaks within us

     we your creatures own you Lord.

Michael Hewlett (1916–2000)

Words: © Michael Hewlett / Oxford University Press. From English Praise, 1975, Oxford University Press. Reproduced by permission. All rights reserved.

15

1   The splendour of the King,

     clothed in majesty;

     let all the earth rejoice,

     let all the earth rejoice.

     He wraps himself in light

     and darkness tries to hide,

     and trembles at his voice,

     and trembles at his voice.

How great is our God, sing with me,

how great is our God, and all will see

how great, how great is our God.

2   And age to age he stands,

     and time is in his hands;

     beginning and the end,

     beginning and the end.

     The Godhead, Three in One,

     Father, Spirit, Son,

     the Lion and the Lamb,

     the Lion and the Lamb.

How great is our God, sing with me,

how great is our God, and all will see

how great, how great is our God.

     Name above all names,

     worthy of all praise;

     my heart will sing:

     how great is our God.

     Name above all names,

     worthy of all praise;

     my heart will sing:

     how great is our God.

How great is our God, sing with me,

how great is our God, and all will see

how great, how great is our God.

Chris Tomlin (b. 1972), Ed Cash and Jesse Reeves

Words and Music: © 2004 worshiptogether.com Songs / Sixsteps Music Administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook for the UK & Europe, and Alletrop Music / SongSolutions CopyCare <www.songsolutions.org>

16

1   We give immortal praise

     to God the Father’s love,

     for all our comforts here,

     and better hopes above.

     He sent his own eternal Son

     to die for sins that all have done.

2   To God the Son belongs

     immortal glory too,

     who bought us with his blood

     from everlasting woe:

     and now he lives, and now he reigns,

     and sees the fruit of all his pains.

3   To God the Spirit’s name

     immortal worship give,

     whose new-creating power

     makes the dead sinner live:

     his work completes the great design,

     and fills the soul with joy divine.

4   Almighty God, to thee

     be endless honours done,

     the undivided Three,

     and the mysterious One:

     where reason fails with all her powers,

     there faith prevails, and love adores.

Isaac Watts (1674–1748)

17

1   With gladness we worship, rejoice as we sing,

     free hearts and free voices how blessèd to bring;

     the old, thankful story shall scale thine abode,

     thou King of all glory, most bountiful God.

2   Thy right would we give thee — true homage thy due,

     and honour eternal, the universe through,

     with all thy creation, earth, heaven and sea,

     in one acclamation we celebrate thee.

3   Renewed by thy Spirit, redeemed by thy Son,

     thy children revere thee for all thou hast done.

     O Father! Returning to love and to light,

     thy children are yearning to praise thee aright.

4   We join with the angels, and so there is given

     from earth alleluia, in answer to heaven.

     Amen! Be thou glorious below and above,

     redeeming, victorious, and infinite Love!

George Rawson (1807–1889)

GATHERING IN GOD’S PRESENCE

18

1   Be still and know that I am God.

     Be still and know that I am God.

     Be still and know that I am God.

2   I am the Lord who saves and heals.

     I am the Lord who saves and heals.

     I am the Lord who saves and heals.

3   In you, O Lord, I put my trust.

     In you, O Lord, I put my trust.

     In you, O Lord, I put my trust.

Anonymous

Based on Psalm 46:10–11

19

     Be still and know that I am God,

     and there is none beside me.

     Be still and know that I am God,

     and there is none beside me.

From Psalm 46:10

20

1   Be still,

     for the presence of the Lord,

     the Holy One, is here;

     come bow before him now

     with reverence and fear:

     in him no sin is found —

     we stand on holy ground.

     Be still,

     for the presence of the Lord,

     the Holy One, is here.

2   Be still,

     for the glory of the Lord

     is shining all around;

     he burns with holy fire,

     with splendour he is crowned:

     how awesome is the sight —

     our radiant King of light!

     Be still,

     for the glory of the Lord

     is shining all around.

3   Be still,

     for the power of the Lord

     is moving in this place;

     he comes to cleanse and heal,

     to minister his grace:

     no work too hard for him —

     in faith receive from him.

     Be still,

     for the power of the Lord

     is moving in this place.

David J. Evans (b. 1957)

Words and Music: © 1986, Thankyou Music. Administered by worshiptogether.com Songs, excluding UK & Europe, administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook Used by permission.

21

1   Born in song!

     God’s people have always been singing.

     Born in song!

     Hearts and voices raised.

     So today we worship together;

     God alone is worthy to be praised.

2   Praise to God!

     For he is the one who has made us.

     Praise to God!

     We his image bear.

     Heaven and earth are full of his glory;

     let creation praise him everywhere.

3   Christ is King!

     He left all the glory of heaven.

     Christ is King!

     Born to share in our pain;

     Crucified, for sinners atoning,

     risen, exalted, soon to come again.

4   Sing the song!

     God’s Spirit is poured out among us.

     Sing the song!

     He has made us anew.

     Ev’ry member part of the Body;

     given his power, his will to seek and do.

5   Tell the world!

     All power to Jesus is given.

     Tell the world!

     He is with us always.

     Spread the word, that all may receive him;

     every tongue confess and sing his praise.

6   Then the end!

     Christ Jesus shall reign in his glory.

     Then the end

     of all earthly days.

     Yet above the song will continue;

     all his people still shall sing his praise.

Brian Hoare (b. 1935)

Words and Music: © Brian Hoare / Jubilate Hymns, Administered by The Jubilate Group, 4 Thorne Park Road, Torquay TQ2 6RX Used by permission.

22

     Uyai mose,

     tinamate Mwari,

     Uyai mose,

     tinamate Mwari,

     Uyai mose,

     tinamate Mwari,

     Uyai mose zvino.

     Come all you people,

     come and praise your Maker,

     come all you people,

     come and praise your Maker,

     come all you people,

     come and praise your Maker,

     come now and worship the Lord.

Alexander Gondo

From Psalm 100

Words: © Alexander Gondo, World Council of Churches

23

     Come, Holy Spirit.

     Come, Holy Spirit.

     Maranatha!

     Come, Lord, come.

John L. Bell (b. 1949)

Words and Music: From Come All You People © 1995, WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH Scotland. <www.wgrg.co.uk>

24

     Come, now is the time to worship.

     Come, now is the time to give your heart.

     Come, just as you are to worship.

     Come, just as you are before your God, come.

     One day every tongue

     will confess you are God,

     one day every knee will bow.

     Still, the greatest treasure remains

     for those who gladly choose you now.

     Come, now is the time to worship …

Brian Doerksen (b. 1965)

Words and Music: © 1998 Vineyard Songs UK. Administered by Song Solutions CopyCare, 14 Horsted Square, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1QG. <www.songsolutions.org> Used by permission.

25

1   God is here! As we his people

     meet to offer praise and prayer,

     may we find in fuller measure

     what it is in Christ we share.

     Here, as in the world around us,

     all our varied skills and arts

     wait the coming of the Spirit

     into open minds and hearts.

2   Here are symbols to remind us

     of our lifelong need of grace;

     here are table, font, and pulpit;

     here the cross has central place.

     Here in honesty of preaching,

     here in silence, as in speech,

     here, in newness and renewal,

     God the Spirit comes to each.

3   Here our children find a welcome

     in the Shepherd’s flock and fold,

     here as bread and wine are taken,

     Christ sustains us, as of old.

     Here the servants of the Servant

     seek in worship to explore

     what it means in daily living

     to believe and to adore.

4   Lord of all, of Church and Kingdom,

     in an age of change and doubt,

     keep us faithful to the gospel,

     help us work your purpose out.

     Here, in this day’s dedication,

     all we have to give, receive:

     we, who cannot live without you,

     we adore you! We believe!

Fred Pratt Green (1903–2000)

Words: © 1979, Stainer & Bell Ltd, 23 Gruneisen Road, London N3 1DZ <www.stainer.co.uk>

26

1   I rejoiced when I heard them say

     ‘Let us go to the house of God’

     and now our feet are standing

     in your gates, O Jerusalem!

Shalom, shalom, the peace of God be here.

Shalom, shalom, God’s justice be ever near.

2   Like a temple of unity

     is the city, Jerusalem.

     It is there all tribes will gather,

     all the tribes of the house of God.

3   It is faithful to Israel’s law,

     there to praise the name of God.

     All the judgement seats of David

     were set down in Jerusalem.

Shalom, shalom, the peace of God be here.

Shalom, shalom, God’s justice be ever near.

4   For the peace of the nations, pray:

     for God’s peace within your homes.

     May God’s lasting peace surround us;

     may it dwell in Jerusalem.

5   For the love of friends and kin

     I will bless you with signs of peace.

     For the love of God’s own people

     I will labour and pray for you.

Bernadette Farrell (b. 1957)

Words and Music: © 1993 Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213, USA. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

27

Original Shona:

     Jesu, tawa pano;

     Jesu, tawa pano;

     Jesu, tawa pano;

     tawa pano, mu zita renyu.

     Jesus, we are here,

     Jesus, we are here,

     Jesus, we are here,

     we are here for you.

     Saviour, we are here,

     Saviour, we are here,

     Saviour, we are here,

     we are here for you.

     Master, we are here,

     Master, we are here,

     Master, we are here,

     we are here for you.

     Spirit, we are here,

     Spirit, we are here,

     Spirit, we are here,

     we are here for you.

Patrick Matsikenyiri (b. 1937)

Verses can be created and selected as appropriate.

Words and Music: © Patrick Matsikenyiri, Zimbabwe

28

1   Jesus calls us here to meet him

     as, through word and song and prayer,

     we affirm God’s promised presence

     where his people live and care.

     Praise the God who keeps his promise;

     praise the Son who calls us friends;

     praise the Spirit who, among us,

     to our hopes and fears attends.

2   Jesus calls us to confess him

     Word of life and Lord of all,

     sharer of our flesh and frailness,

     saving all who fail or fall.

     Tell his holy human story;

     tell his tales that all may hear;

     tell the world that Christ in glory

     came to earth to meet us here.

3   Jesus calls us to each other,

     vastly different though we are;

     creed and colour, class and gender

     neither limit nor debar.

     Join the hand of friend and stranger;

     join the hands of age and youth;

     join the faithful and the doubter

     in their common search for truth.

4   Jesus calls us to his table

     rooted firm in time and space,

     where the Church in earth and heaven

     finds a common meeting place.

     Share the bread and wine, his body;

     share the love of which we sing;

     share the feast for saints and sinners

     hosted by our Lord and King.

John L. Bell (b. 1949) and Graham Maule (b. 1958)

Verse 4 may be omitted when Holy Communion is not being celebrated.

Words: From Love From Below © 1989, WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH Scotland. <www.wgrg.co.uk>

29

     Jesus lead us to the Father

     by your Spirit, help us draw near.

     Jesus lead us to the Father

     by your Spirit, help us draw near.

     As we come with awe and gladness,

     help us draw near.

     As we come with awe and gladness,

     help us draw near.

          Alleluia, alleluia, help us draw near.

          Alleluia, alleluia, help us draw near.

Sam Hargreaves

Can be sung as a 3-part round.

Words and Music: © Sam Hargreaves / Resound Worshipping. Administered by Administered by The Jubilate Group, 4 Thorne Park Road, Torquay TQ2 6RX Used by permission.

30

1   Jesus, stand among us

     at the meeting of our lives,

     be our sweet agreement

     at the meeting of our eyes.

     O Jesus, we love you, so we gather here,

     join our hearts in unity and take away our fear.

2   So to you we’re gathering

     out of each and ev’ry land,

     Christ the love between us

     at the joining of our hands.

     O Jesus, we love you, so we gather here,

     join our hearts in unity and take away our fear.

3   Jesus, stand among us

     at the breaking of the bread;

     join us as one body

     as we worship you, our Head.

     O Jesus, we love you, so we gather here,

     join our hearts in unity and take away our fear.

Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)

Verse 3 may be omitted when Holy Communion is not being celebrated.

Words and Music: © 1977, Thankyou Music. Administered by worshiptogether.com Songs, excluding UK & Europe, administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook Used by permission.

31

     May the glory of the Lord fill his temple

     as we gather in this place,

     may the glory of the Lord touch his people

     as we meet here by his grace.

     Weak though we are, you lift us from sin,

     where our hearts wait you long to come in,

     so Lord we pray let your healing begin —

     send us your Spirit today!

     May the glory of the Lord fill his temple,

     and may we meet him face to face.

Jonathan Nowell

Words and Music: © Jonathan Nowell / Jubilate Hymns, Administered by The Jubilate Group, 4 Thorne Park Road, Torquay TQ2 6RX Used by permission.

32

1   Meet and right it is to sing,

     in every time and place,

     glory to our heavenly King,

     the God of truth and grace:

     join we then with sweet accord,

     all in one thanksgiving join;

     holy, holy, holy Lord,

     eternal praise be thine.

2   Thee the first-born sons of light,

     in choral symphonies,

     praise by day, day without night,

     and never, never cease;

     angels and archangels all

     praise the mystic Three in One,

     sing, and stop, and gaze, and fall

     o’erwhelmed before thy throne.

3   Vying with that happy choir,

     who chant thy praise above,

     we on eagles’ wings aspire,

     the wings of faith and love:

     thee they sing with glory crowned,

     we extol the slaughtered Lamb;

     lower if our voices sound,

     our subject is the same.

4   Father, God, thy love we praise,

     which gave thy Son to die;

     Jesus, full of truth and grace,

     alike we glorify;

     Spirit, Comforter divine,

     praise by all to thee be given;

     till we in full chorus join,

     and earth is turned to heaven.

Charles Wesley (1707–1788)

33

     O Lord we are always in your presence.

     In you we live and move and have our being.

     You hold us in the palm of your hand

     and you lead us to your glory.

Philip Jakob

Words and Music: © 1999, Philip Jakob

34

1   O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,

     bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

     with gold of obedience and incense of lowliness,

     kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.

2   Low at his feet lay your burden of carefulness,

     high on his heart he will bear it for you,

     comfort your sorrows, and answer your prayerfulness,

     showing the pathway your feet should pursue.

3   Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness

     of the poor wealth you would count as your own;

     truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,

     these are the offerings to bring to his throne.

4   These, though we bring them in trembling

and fearfulness,

     he will accept for the name that is dear;

     mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,

     trust for our trembling, and hope for our fear.

5   O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness,

     bow down before him, his glory proclaim;

     with gold of obedience and incense of lowliness,

     kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.

John Samuel Bewley Monsell (1811–1875)

35

1   The trumpets sound, the angels sing,

     the feast is ready to begin;

     the gates of heaven are open wide,

     and Jesus welcomes you inside.

Sing with thankfulness songs of pure delight,

come and revel in heaven’s love and light;

take your place at the table of the King,

the feast is ready to begin,

the feast is ready to begin.

2   Tables are laden with good things,

     O taste the peace and joy he brings;

     he’ll fill you up with love divine,

     he’ll turn your water into wine.

3   The hungry heart he satisfies,

     offers the poor his paradise;

     now hear all heaven and earth applaud

     the amazing goodness of the Lord.

Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)

Words and Music: © 1989, Graham Kendrick / Make Way Music Ltd, PO Box 320, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN2 9DE UK. <www.grahamkendrick.co.uk> Used by permission.

36

1   There’s a quiet understanding

     when we’re gathered in the Spirit,

     it’s a promise that he gives us,

     when we gather in his name.

     There’s a love we feel in Jesus,

     there’s a manna that he feeds us,

     it’s a promise that he gives us,

     when we gather in his name.

2   And we know when we’re together,

     sharing love and understanding,

     that our brothers and our sisters

     feel the oneness that he brings.

     Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jesus,

     for the way you love and feed us,

     for the many ways you lead us;

     thank you, thank you, Lord;

     thank you, thank you, Lord.

Tedd Smith (b. 1927)

Words and Music: © 1973, Hope Publishing Company, Carol Stream, IL 60188, USA. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

37

     You’re calling us

     and so we are gathered here.

     You’re building us

     into a house of prayer.

     A holy place

     where stories of grace are told;

     a sacred space

     where miracles unfold and praises rise

     from the offering of our lives.

     Let’s fill this house,

     let’s fill this house.

Call the seeker,

call the stranger,

call the children,

let’s hear their praises.

Call the lonely,

call the broken,

young and old

will sing hosannas.

Let’s fill this house,

let’s fill this house

with praise.

     We’re living stones

     built together here

     with nail-pierced hands —

     oh teach us holy fear.

     And prayer will rise

     for all nations;

     and open skies

     will pour your glory down;

     and there’ll be praise,

     for the Lord is in this place.

     Let’s fill this house,

     let’s fill this house.

Call the seeker …

Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)

Words and Music: © 2008, Graham Kendrick / Make Way Music Ltd, PO Box 320, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. TN2 9DE UK. <www.grahamkendrick.co.uk> Used by permission.

38

ALL:         Wa wa wa Emimimo,

CANTOR: Emioloye.

ALL:         Wa wa wa Alagbara,

CANTOR: Alagbarameta.

ALL:         Wao, wao, wao.

CANTOR: Emimimo.

ALL:         Come, O Holy Spirit, come,

CANTOR: Holy Spirit come.

ALL:         Come, almighty Spirit, come,

CANTOR: almighty Spirit, come.

ALL:         Come, come, come.

CANTOR: O Spirit, come.

Anonymous

translated by I-to Loh

THE ADORATION OF GOD

39

1   Angel voices ever singing

     round thy throne of light,

     angel-harps for ever ringing,

     rest not day nor night;

     thousands only live to bless thee

     and confess thee

     Lord of might.

2   Thou who art beyond the farthest

     mortal eye can scan,

     can it be that thou regardest

     sinful woman, man?

     Can we know that thou art near us,

     and wilt hear us?

     yea, we can.

3   Lord, we know that thou rejoicest

     o’er each work of thine;

     thou didst ears and hands and voices

     for thy praise design;

     maker’s art and music’s measure

     for thy pleasure

     all combine.

4   In thy house, great God, we offer

     of thine own to thee;

     and for thine acceptance proffer

     all unworthily

     hearts and minds and hands and voices

     in our choicest

     psalmody.

5   Honour, glory, might, and merit

     thine shall ever be,

     Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

     blessèd Trinity.

     Of the best that thou hast given

     earth and heaven

     render thee.

Francis Pott (1832–1909) (alt.)

40

1   Blessèd be the name of the Lord,

     blessèd be the name of the Lord,

     blessèd be the name of the Lord Most High!

     Blessèd be the name of the Lord,

     blessèd be the name of the Lord,

     blessèd be the name of the Lord Most High!

The name of the Lord is a strong tower,

the righteous run into it,

and they are saved.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower,

the righteous run into it,

and they are saved.

2   Glory to the name of the Lord …

3   Holy is the name of the Lord …

Clinton Utterbach

Words and Music: © 1988, 19898 Polygram Music Publishing Ltd

41

1   Blessèd be your name

     in the land that is plentiful,

     where your streams of abundance flow,

     blessèd be your name.

     And blessèd be your name

     when I’m found in the desert place,

     though I walk through the wilderness,

     blessèd be your name.

     Every blessing you pour out

I’ll turn back to praise.

     And when the darkness closes in, Lord,

     still I will say:

Blessèd be the name of the Lord,

blessèd be your name.

Blessèd be the name of the Lord,

blessèd be your glorious name.

2   Blessèd be your name

     when the sun’s shining down on me,

     when the world’s ‘all as it should be,’

     blessèd be your name.

     And blessèd be your name

     on the road marked with suffering,

     though there’s pain in the offering,

     blessèd be your name.

     Every blessing you pour out

I’ll turn back to praise.

     And when the darkness closes in, Lord,

     still I will say:

Blessèd be the name of the Lord …

     You give and take away,

     you give and take away.

     My heart will choose to say,

     ‘Lord, blessèd be your name.’

Blessèd be the name of the Lord …

Matt Redman (b. 1974) and Beth Redman

Words and Music: © 2002, Thankyou Music. Administered by worshiptogether.com Songs, excluding UK & Europe, administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook Used by permission.

42

1   O sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.

     O sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.

     O sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.

     O sing to our God, O sing to our God.

2   By this holy power our God has done wonders.

     By this holy power our God has done wonders.

     By this holy power our God has done wonders.

     O sing to our God, O sing to our God.

3   So dance for our God and blow all the trumpets.

     So dance for our God and blow all the trumpets.

     So dance for our God and blow all the trumpets.

     O sing to our God, O sing to our God.

4   O shout to our God, who gave us the Spirit.

     O shout to our God, who gave us the Spirit.

     O shout to our God, who gave us the Spirit.

     O sing to our God, O sing to our God.

5   For Jesus is Lord! Amen, alleluia.

     For Jesus is Lord! Amen, alleluia.

     For Jesus is Lord! Amen, alleluia.

     O sing to our God, O sing to our God.

Brazilian folk song

translated by Gerhard M. Cartford (b. 1923)

Words: © Gerhard Cartford

43

1   Come, let us praise the Lord,

          with joy our God acclaim,

     his greatness tell abroad

         and bless his saving Name.

             Lift high your songs

                 before his throne

                 to whom alone

             all praise belongs.

2   Our God of matchless worth,

         our King beyond compare,

     the deepest bounds of earth,

         the hills, are in his care.

             He all decrees,

                 who by his hand

                 prepared the land

             and formed the seas.

3   In worship bow the knee,

         our glorious God confess;

     the great Creator, he,

         the Lord our righteousness.

             He reigns unseen:

                 his flock he feeds

                 and gently leads

             in pastures green.

4   Come, hear his voice today,

         receive what love imparts;

     his holy will obey

         and harden not your hearts.

             His ways are best;

                 and lead at last,

                 all troubles past,

             to perfect rest.

Timothy Dudley-Smith (b. 1926)

Based on Psalm 95

Words: © Timothy Dudley-Smith in Europe and Africa; © Hope Publishing Company for the United States of America and the rest of world. Reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

44

     Come on and celebrate

     his gift of love, we will celebrate

     the Son of God who loved us

     and gave us life.

     We’ll shout your praise, O King,

     you give us joy nothing else can bring,

     we’ll give to you our offering

     in celebration praise.

     Come on and celebrate,

     celebrate,

     celebrate and sing,

     celebrate and sing to the King.

     Come on and celebrate,

     celebrate,

     celebrate and sing,

     celebrate and sing to the King.

Patricia Morgan and Dave Bankhead

Words and Music: © 1984, Thankyou Music. Administered by worshiptogether.com Songs, excluding UK & Europe, administered by Kingswaysongs, a division of David C Cook Used by permission.

45

1   Earth’s creator,

          everyday God,

     Loving Maker,

          O Jesus,

     you who shaped us,

          O Spirit,

     recreate us,

          come, be with us.

2   In your presence,

          everyday God,

     we are gathered,

          O Jesus,

     you have called us,

          O Spirit,

     to restore us,

          come, be with us.

3   Life of all lives,

          everyday God,

     love of all loves,

          O Jesus,

     hope of all hopes,

          O Spirit,

     light of all lights,

          come, be with us.

4   In our resting,

          everyday God,

     in our rising,

          O Jesus,

     in our hoping,

          O Spirit,

     in our waiting,

          come, be with us.

5   In our dreaming,

          everyday God,

     in our daring,

          O Jesus,

     in our searching,

          O Spirit,

     in our sharing,

          come, be with us.

6   God of laughter,

          everyday God,

     God of sorrow,

          O Jesus,

     home and shelter,

          O Spirit,

     strong and patient,

          come, be with us.

7   Way of freedom,

          everyday God,

     star of morning,

          O Jesus,

     timeless healer,

          O Spirit,

     flame eternal,

          come, be with us.

8   Word of gladness,

          everyday God,

     word of mercy,

          O Jesus,

     word of friendship,

          O Spirit,

     word of challenge,

          come, be with us.

9   Gentle father,

          everyday God,

     faithful brother,

          O Jesus,

     tender sister,

          O Spirit,

     loving mother,

          come, be with us.

10 Our beginning,

          everyday God,

     our unfolding,

          O Jesus,

     our enduring,

          O Spirit,

     journey’s ending,

          come, be with us.

11 Alleluia,

          everyday God,

     now and always,

          O Jesus,

     alleluia,

          O Spirit,

     through all ages,

          come, be with us.

Bernadette Farrell (b. 1957)

The lines may be alternated by

a cantor and the congregation.

Words and Music: © 1996 Bernadette Farrell. Published by OCP Publications, 5536 NE Hassalo, Portland, OR 97213, USA. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

46

1   Everlasting God,

     the years go by but you’re unchanging.

     In this fragile world,

     you are the only firm foundation.

     Always loving, always true,

     always merciful and good, so good.

Yesterday, today and forever,

you are the same, you never change.

Yesterday, today and forever,

you are faithful and we will trust in you.

2   Uncreated One,

     you have no end and no beginning.

     Earthly powers fade,

     but there is no end to your kingdom.

     Always loving, always true,

     always merciful and good, so good.

Yesterday, today and forever,

you are the same, you never change.

Yesterday, today and forever,

you are faithful and we will trust in you.

Yahweh, God unchanging.

Yahweh, firm foundation.

You are Yahweh, God unchanging.

Yahweh, firm foundation.

Yesterday, today and forever,

you are the same, you never change.

Yesterday, today and forever,

you are faithful and we will trust in you.

Vicky Beeching

Words and Music: