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Complete Index
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Key |
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# Stanzas |
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Date Added
| Song | Tune | Other Titles | Key | Meter | Composer | Lyrics | # | Poet | Tags | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Once in royal David's city | IRBY | F major | 87.87.77 | Henry John Gauntlett, 1849; arr. Arthur Henry Mann, 1919 | Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild;
Jesus Christ, her little child.
He came down to earth from heaven
who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall;
with the poor and meek and lowly,
lived on earth our Savior holy.
And our eyes at last shall see him,
through his own redeeming love;
for that child so dear and gentle
is our Lord in heav'n above;
and he leads his children on
to the place where he is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable
with the oxen standing by,
we shall see him, but in heaven
set at God's right hand on high;
when like stars, his children crowned
all in white, shall wait around.
|
4 | Cecil Frances Alexander, 1848, alt. | 2021/03/21 | ||
| Hark, I hear the harps eternal | INVITATION NEW | Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched Could it be that God is singing | E major | 87.87.87.87 | Southern Harmony, 1854, alt.; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Hark, I hear the harps eternal
ringing on the farther shore
as I near those swollen waters
with their deep and solemn roar.
Halle lujah, hallelujah,
Halle lujah, praise the lamb!
Halle lujah, hallelujah,
Glory to the great I Am!
And my soul, though stain'd with sorrow
fading as the light of day
passes swiftly o'er those waters
to the city far away.
Halle lujah, hallelujah,
Halle lujah, praise the lamb!
Halle lujah, hallelujah,
Glory to the great I Am!
Souls have cross'd before me, saintly,
to that land of perfect rest,
and I hear them singing faintly
in the mansions of the blest.
Halle lujah, hallelujah,
Halle lujah, praise the lamb!
Halle lujah, hallelujah,
Glory to the great I Am!
|
3 | F. R. Warren | 2021/04/26 | |
| Kum ba yah | KUM BA YAH | C major | 88.85 | African American spiritual | Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah.
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah.
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah.
Oh, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone's singing, Lord, kum ba yah.
Oh, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone's laughing, Lord, kum ba yah.
Oh, Lord, kum ba yah!
Someone's weeping, Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone's weeping, Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone's weeping, Lord, kum ba yah.
Oh, Lord, kum ba yah!
|
4 | African American spiritual | 2021/07/27 | ||
| Step by step the longest march | SOLIDARITY | Oh the Praties they grow small | E minor | 76.76 D | Irish folk song; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Step by step the longest march can be won, can be won,
Many stones can form an arch, singly none, singly none.
And by union what we will can be accomplished still,
drops of water turn a mill, singly none, singly none.
|
1 | Preamble to United Mine Workers of America Constitution | 2021/03/09 | |
| Christ the Lord is risen today | EASTER HYMN | C major | 77.77 with alleluias | anon, Lyra Davidica, 1708 | Christ the Lord is ris'n today!
Alleluia
All creaation join to say:
Alleluia
Raise your joys and triumphs high:
Alleluia
Sing, O heav'n, and earth reply:
Alleluia
Love's redeeming work is done,
Alleluia
fought the fight, the battle won.
Alleluia
Death in vain forbids him rise,
Alleluia
Christ has opened paradise.
Alleluia
Lives again our glorious King,
Alleluia
where, O death, is now thy sting?
Alleluia
Dying once, he all doth save,
Alleluia
where thy victory, O grave?
Alleluia
Soar we now where Jesus led,
Alleluia
foll'wing our exalted Head.
Alleluia
Made like Christ, with Christ we rise,
Alleluia
ours the cross, the grave, the skies.
Alleluia
|
4 | Charles Wesley, 1739, alt. | 2021/04/04 | ||
| God be with you till we meet again | GOD BE WITH YOU | C major | 98.89 with refrain | William G. Tomer, 1880 | God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
may the Shepherd's care enfold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet.
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings, protecting, hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet.
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet.
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you,
smite death's threat'ning wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet, till we meet,
till we meet at Jesus' feet.
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.
|
4 | Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1880, alt. | 2021/05/15 | ||
| All creatures of the earth and sky | LASST UNS ERFREUEN | All creatures worship God most high | D major | LM | Geistliche Kirchengesang, 1623; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906 | All creatures of the earth and sky, come, kindred, lift your voices high,
alleluia, alleluia!
Bright burning sun with golden beam, soft shining moon with silver gleam,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Swift rushing wind so wild and strong, white clouds that sail in heav'n along,
alleluia, alleluia!
Fair rising morn in praise rejoice, high stars of evening find a voice,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Cool flowing water pure and clear, make music for all life to hear,
alleluia, alleluia!
Dance, flame of fire, so strong and bright, and bless us with your warmth and light,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Embracing earth, you, day by day,
bring forth your blessings on our way,
alleluia, alleluia!
All herbs and fruits that richly grow,
let them the glory also show,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
All you of understanding heart,
forgiving others, take your part
alleluia, alleluia!
Let all things now the good possess,
and search out truth in humbleness
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
|
5 | Saint Francis of Assisi, 1225; alt. | 2021/03/05 | |
| Let there be light | MISSIONARY CHANT | Ye Christian heralds, go proclaim | A-flat major | LM | Charles H. C. Zeuner, 1832 | Let there be light, O God of hosts!
Let there be wisdom on the earth!
Let broad humanity have birth!
Let there be deeds instead of boasts.
Within our passioned hearts instill
the calm that endeth strain and strife.
Make us your ministers of life.
Drive out the urge to curse and kill.
Give us the peace of vision clear
to see each other's good, our own,
to joy and suffer not alone:
the love that casts aside all fear.
Let woe and waste of warfare cease,
that useful labor yet may build
its homes with love and laughter filled!
God, give your wayward children peace!
|
4 | William M. Vories, 1909, alt. | 2021/04/03 | |
| We plow the fields and scatter | WIR PFLÜGEN | Again the morn of gladness | A major | 76.76 D with refrain | Johann A. P. Schulz, 1800 | We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land,
but it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand.
God sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain,
the breezes, and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain.
All good gifts around us are sent from heav'n above.
We thank you, God, we thank you, God, for all your love.
You only are the Maker of all things near and far.
You paint the wayside flower, you light the evening star.
The winds and waves obey you, by you the birds are fed;
much more to us, your children, you give our daly bread.
All good gifts around us are sent from heav'n above.
We thank you, God, we thank you, God, for all your love.
We thank you, then, Creator, for all things bright and good,
the seedtime, and the harvest, our life, our health, our food.
Accept the gifts we offer for all your love imparts,
and what you most would welcome: our humble thankful hearts.
All good gifts around us are sent from heav'n above.
We thank you, God, we thank you, God, for all your love.
|
3 | Matthias Claudius, 1782 tr. Jane M. Campbell, 1861, alt. | 2021/05/07 | |
| Amazing grace | NEW BRITAIN (AMAZING GRACE) | G major | CM | American folk melody, 1831 | Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come.
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the vail, a life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
but God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.
When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.
|
6 | John Newton, 1779 (Sts. 1-5), 1790 (St. 6) | 2021/01/11 | ||
| All hail the power of Jesus' name | DIADEM | A major | CM extended | James Ellor, 1838 | All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall,
let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him, and crown him Lord of all
Let ev'ry kindred, ev'ry tribe,
on this terrestrial ball,
on this terrestrial ball,
to him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him, and crown him Lord of all
Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
we at his feet may fall,
we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song,
and crown him, crown him, crown him,
crown him, and crown him Lord of all
|
3 | Edward Perronet, 1780, revised by John Rippon, 1787 | 2021/04/21 | ||
| 'Tis a gift to be simple | SIMPLE GIFTS | Lord of the dance | F major | irregular | Joseph Bracket, 1848; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free,
'tis a gift to come down where we ought to be.
And when we find ourselves in the place just right
'twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
to bow and to bend we will not be ashamed;
to turn, turn, will be our delight,
till by turning, turning we come round right.
|
1 | Joseph Bracket, 1848 | 2021/01/10 | |
| O God, in restless living | RUTHERFORD | The Sands of Time Are Sinking | F major | 76.76.76.75 | Edward F. Rimbault, 1867 | O God in restless living
we lose our spirit's peace.
Calm our unwise confusion,
bid thou our clamor cease.
Let anxious hearts grow quiet,
like pools at evening still,
till thy reflected heavens
all our spirits fill
Teach us, beyond our striving,
the rich rewards of rest
Who does not live serenely
is never deeply bless'd.
O tranquil, radiant Sunlight,
bring thou our lives to flow'r,
less wearied with our effort,
more aware of pow'r.
Receptive make our spirits,
our need is to be still.
As dawn fades flick'ring candle,
so dim our anxious will.
Reveal thy radiance through us,
thine ample strength release.
Not ours, but thine the triumph
in the pow'r of peace.
We grow not wise by struggling,
we gain but things by strain.
We cease to water gardens
when comes thy plenteous rain.
O, beautify our spirits
in restfulness from strife,
enrich our souls in secret with abundant life.
|
4 | Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1931 | 2021/04/25 | |
| O come, O come, Immanuel | VENI EMMANUEL | E minor | LM with refrain | trope melody, 15th c. | O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here,
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, O come, thou God of law,
in cloud and majesty and awe.
Thy precepts, taught on Sinai's height,
call us to lives both just and right.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan's tyranny.
From depths of hell thy people save,
and give them vict'ry o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here.
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadow put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Key of David come
and open wide our heav'nly home.
Make safe the way that leads to thee
and close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
and order all things far and nigh.
To us the path of knowledge show,
and cause us in thy ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Desire of nations, bind
all peoples in one heart and mind.
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease,
and fill the world with heaven's peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Immanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
|
7 | anon., O Antiphons, 8th-9th c.; Veni, veni Emmanuel, 12th c. tr. v.1-5 John M. Neale, 1851, alt.; v.6-7 Henry Sloane Coffin, 1916 | 2021/03/21 | ||
| Now the day is over | WEM IN LEIDENSTAGEN | F major | 65.65 | Friedrich Filitz, 1847 | Now the day is over,
night is drawing nigh,
shadows of the evening
steal across the sky.
Now the leafless landscape
settles in repose,
waiting for the quiet
of the winter snows.
Now as twilight gathers
let us pause and hear
all the slowing pulsebeats
of the waning year.
May the season's rhythms,
slow and strong and deep
soothe the mind and spirit
lulling us to sleep.
Sleep until the rising
of another spring
keeps the ancient promise
fall and winter bring.
|
5 | v.1 Sabine Baring Gould, 1865 v.2-5 Marye B. Bonney (1910-1992) | 2021/02/11 | ||
| The Lord bless you and keep you | FAREWELL ANTHEM | C major | irregular | Peter C. Lutkin, 1900 | The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord lift his countenance upon you,
and give you peace, and give you peace;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious, and be gracious,
the Lord be gracious, gracious unto you.
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen.
|
1 | based on Numbers 6:24-26, Peter C. Lutkin, 1900 | 2021/03/22 | ||
| No matter if you live now far or near | INDIA | E minor | 10.10.10.10 | Old Indian song; arr. Frédéric Mathil, 1950 | No matter if you live now far or near,
no matter what your weakness or your strength,
there is not one alive we count outside.
May deeper joy for all now come at length,
may deeper joy for all now come at length.
Let none among us lie or selfdeceive;
nor cultivate a hatred all or part,
may never one of us live by our rage
nor wish another injury of heart,
nor wish another injury of heart.
Just as the goodly mother will protect
her children, e'en at risk of her own life,
so may we nurture an old mindfulness,
a boundless heart beyond all fear and strife,
a boundless heart beyond all fear and strife.
|
4 | Metta Sutta, from Sutta Nipata, alt. | 2021/03/23 | ||
| The day you gave us, Lord | ST. CLEMENT | G major | 98.98 | Clement C. Scholefield, 1874 | The day you gave us, Lord, is ended;
the darkness falls at your request.
To you our morning hymns ascended;
your praise shall sanctify our rest.
We thank you that your church, unsleeping
while earth rolls onward into light,
through all the world its watch is keeping,
and never rests by day or night.
As over continent and island
each dawn leads on another day,
the voice of prayer is never silent,
nor do the praises die away.
So be it, Lord, your throne shall never,
like earth's proud kingdoms pass away.
Your kingdom stands and grows forever,
until there dawns your glorious day.
|
4 | John Ellerton, 1870 | 2021/01/16 | ||
| Bwana awabariki (May God grant you a blessing) | BWANA AWABARIKI | G major | irregular | Kenyan traditional | Bwana awabariki, Bwana awabariki,
Bwana awabariki, milele
May God grant you a blessing, may God grant you a blessing,
may God grant you a blessing, evermore.
|
2 | Swahili; Kenyan traditional; tr. anonymous | 2021/04/23 | ||
| Teach me thy truth | GOSHEN | F major | CM | Walter E. Yoder, 1938 | Teach me thy truth, O mighty One,
from sin, O set me free.
Prepare my life to fill its place
in service, God, for thee.
Accept my talents, great or small,
choose thou the path for me,
where I shall labor joyously
in service, God, for thee.
Help me to show thy glorious way
that leads in hope to thee,
till other souls their joy shall find
in service, God, for thee.
Grant me thy grace for ev'ry task
until thy face I see,
then ever new shall be that joy
in service, God, for thee.
|
4 | Edith Witmer, 1937, alt. | 2021/03/23 | ||
| I heard the voice of Jesus say | KINGSFOLD | E minor | CMD | English County Songs, 1893; Harm. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906, alt. | I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Come unto me and rest.
Lay down, O weary one, lay down
your head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad.
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that lifegiving stream.
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"I am this dark world's light.
Look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun,
and in that light of life I'll walk
till trav'ling days are done.
|
3 | Horatius N. Bonar, 1846, alt. | 2021/05/12 | ||
| When Peace like a River | VILLE DU HAVRE | C major | 11.8.11.9 with refrain | Philip P. Bliss, 1876 | When peace like a river attendeth my way,
when sorrows like sea billows roll,
whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say,
"It is well, it is well with my soul."
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
let this blest assurance control,
that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
and hath shed his own blood for my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
Redeemed! Oh, the bliss of this glorious thought:
My sin– not in part, but the whole–
is nailed to his cross, and I bear it no more,
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
the trumpet shall sound, and the Lord shall descend,
even so, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well with my soul.
|
4 | Horatio G. Spafford, 1876 | 2021/03/12 | ||
| The Lord's my shepherd | CRIMOND | F major | CM | Jessie S. Irvine, 1872; arr. David Grant, 1872 | The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want.
He makes me down to lie
in pastures green; he leadeth me
the quiet waters by.
My soul he doth restore again,
and me to walk doth make
within the paths of righteousness,
e'en for his own name's sake.
Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,
yet will I fear none ill,
for thou art with me and thy rod
and staff me comfort still.
My table thou hast furnished
in presence of my foes.
My head thou dost with oil anoint
and my cup overflows.
Goodness and mercy all my life
shall surely follow me,
and in God's house forevermore
my dwelling place shall be.
|
5 | The Psalms in Meeter, 1650 | 2021/03/19 | ||
| Gott ist gegenwärtig | WUNDERBARER KÖNIG | God is here among us | G major | 66.86.66.86.666 | Joachim Neander, 1680 | Gott ist gegenwärtig. Lasset uns anbeten und in Ehrfurcht vor ihn treten.
Gott ist in der Mitte. Alles in uns schweige und sich innigst vor ihm beuge.
Wer ihn kennt, wer ihn nennt, schlag die Augen nieder; kommt, ergebt euch wieder.
Gott ist gegenwärtig, dem die Cherubinen Tag und Nacht gebücket dienen.
"Heilig, heilig, heilig!" singen ihm zur Ehre aller Engel hohe Chöre.
Herr, vernimm unsre Stimm, da auch wir Geringen unsre Opfer bringen.
Herr, komm in mir wohnen; lass mein Herz auf Erden dir ein Heiligtum noch werden.
Komm, du nahes Wesen; dich in mir verkläre, dass ich dich stets lieb und ehre.
Wo ich geh, sitz und steh, lass mich dich erblicken und vor dir mich bücken.
|
3 | Gerhard Tersteegen, 1729 | 2021/03/04 | |
| Come, thou long-expected Jesus | HYFRYDOL | Alleluia! Sing to Jesus Love divine, all loves excelling | F major | 87.87 D | Rowland H. Prichard ca. 1830; arr. Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1906 | Come, thou longexpected Jesus! born to set thy people free,
from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art,
dear desire of ev'ry nation, joy of ev'ry longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone.
By thine allsufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
|
2 | Charles Wesley, 1744 | 2021/01/07 | |
| On Jordan's Stormy Banks | PROMISED LAND | F major | CM with refrain | On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan's fair and happy land where my possessions lie.
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
All o'er those wide extended plains shines one eternal day;
there God the Son forever reigns and scatters night away.
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
No chilling winds nor poisonous breath can reach that healthful shore;
sickness and sorrow, pain and death are felt and feared no more.
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
When shall I reach that happy place and be forever blest?
When shall I see my Father's face and in God's bosom rest?
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
|
4 | Samuel Stennett, 1787 | 2021/04/21 | |||
| A mighty fortress is our God | EIN FESTE BURG (rhythmic) | C major | 87.87.66.66.7 | Martin Luther, 1529, 1531 | A mighty fortress is our God,
a bulwark never failing.
Our helper he amid the flood
of mortal ills prevailing,
for still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe.
His craft and pow'r are great, and arm'd with cruel hate,
on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
our striving would be losing,
were not the right one on our side,
the one of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he!
Lord Sabaoth, his name, from age to age the same,
and he must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God hath willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure.
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly pow'rs,
no thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours,
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also.
The body they may kill, God's truth abideth still.
His kingdom is forever.
|
4 | Martin Luther, 1529, 1531 tr. Frederick H. Hedge, 1852 | 2021/03/28 | ||
| Angels, from the realms of glory | REGENT SQUARE | For the healing of the nations | B-flat major | 87.87 | Henry Smart, 1867 | Angels from the realms of glory,
wing your flight o'er all the earth.
As you sang creation's story,
now proclaim Messiah's birth;
come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ the newborn King.
Shepherds, in the field abiding,
watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with us is now residing,
yonder shines the infant light;
come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ the newborn King.
Sages, leave your contemplations–
brighter visions beam afar.
Seek the great desire of nations,
guided by his natal star;
come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ the newborn King.
Saints, before the altar bending,
watching long in hope and fear,
shall behold God's love unending:
Christ will once again appear;
come and worship, come and worship,
worship Christ the newborn King.
|
4 | James Montgomery, 1816 | 2021/04/03 | |
| Child in the manger | BUNESSAN | Morning has broken | D major | 55.53 | L. Macbean, 1888; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Child in the manger, infant of Mary,
outcast and stranger, Lord of all!
Child who inherits all our transgressions,
all our demerits on him fall.
Monarchs have tender, delicate children
nourished in splendor, day by day;
death soon shall banish honor and beauty;
pleasure shall vanish, forms decay.
But the most holy Child of salvation
gently and lowly lived below;
now as our glorious mighty Redeemer,
see him victorious o'er each foe.
|
4 | Mary MacDonald; tr. L. Macbean, 1888 | 2021/04/11 | |
| What a friend we have in Jesus | CONVERSE | F major | 87.87 D | Charles C. Converse, 1868 | What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry ev'rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry ev'rything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged– take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our ev'ry weakness– take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden, 'cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Jesus' arms will take and shield thee– thou wilt find a solace there.
|
3 | Joseph M. Scriven, 1855, alt. | 2021/03/19 | ||
| O come, all ye faithful | ADESTE FIDELES | How firm a foundation | A major | irregular | John F. Wade, 1782 | O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him,
born the King of angels.
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
True God of true God, Light of light eternal,
our lowly nature he hath not abhorred;
Son of the Father, be-gotten, not created.
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
sing, all ye citizens of heav'n above;
glory to God, all glory in the highest.
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning,
Jesus, to thee be all glory giv'n;
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
Christ the Lord.
|
4 | John F. Wade, 1743 tr. William Mercer 1854, and others | 2021/01/19 | |
| We are people of God's peace | AVE VIRGO VIRGINUM (GAUDEAMUS PARITER) | When the King shall come again Come, ye faithful, raise the strain | G major | 76.76 D | Johann Horn, 1544, alt. 1584 | We are people of God's peace
as a new creation.
Love unites and strengthens us
at this celebration.
Sons and daughters of the Lord,
serving one another,
a new covenant of peace
binds us all together.
We are children of God's peace
in this new creation,
spreading joy and happiness
through God's great salvation.
Hope we bring in spirit meek,
in our daily living.
Peace with ev'ryone we seek,
good for evil giving.
We are servants of God's peace,
of the new creation.
Choosing peace, we faithfully
serve with heart's devotion.
Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace,
confidence will give us.
Christ the Lord is our defense;
Christ will never leave us.
|
3 | based on Menno Simons, alt. David Augsburger, 1978 | 2021/03/24 | |
| Once to every soul and nation | EBENEZER | Jesus, tempted in the desert God hath spoken by his prophets Hear the turmoil of the nations O the deep, deep love of Jesus | E minor | 87.87.87.87 | Thomas John Williams, 1890 | Once to ev’ry soul and nation
comes the moment to decide,
in the strife of truth with falsehood,
for the good or evil side;
Then to side with truth is noble,
when we share her wretched crust,
ere her cause bring fame and profit,
and ’tis prosp’rous to be just;
New occasions teach new duties,
time makes ancient good uncouth;
they must upward still and onward
who would keep abreast of truth.
Lo, before us gleam her campfires!
We ourselves must pilgrims be,
nor attempt the future's portal
with the past's bloodrusted key.
Though the cause of evil prosper,
yet ’tis truth alone is strong;
though her portion be the scaffold,
and upon the throne be wrong.
Then it is the brave one chooses,
while the coward stands aside
till the multitude make virtue
of the faith they had denied.
|
3 | James Russell Lowell, 1845 | 2021/01/14 | |
| All things bright and beautiful | ROYAL OAK | G major | 76.76 with refrain | 17th cent. English Traditional; adapt. Martin Shaw, 1915 | All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
Each little flow'r that opens, each little bird that sings,
God made their glowing colors, God made their tiny wings.
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
The purpleheaded mountain, the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning that brightens up the sky;
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden, God made them ev'ry one.
All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all.
God gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty, who has made all things well.
|
4 | Cecil F. Alexander, Hymns for Little Children, 1848, alt. | 2023/12/08 | ||
| Christ who left his home in glory | CHRIST IS RISEN | E-flat major | 87.87 with refrain | Abram B. Kolb, 1896 | Christ who left his home in glory,
and upon the cross was slain,
now is ris'n O tell the story
that the Savior lives again.
Hail him! Hail him! Tell the story.
Hail! all hail! Jesus lives forevermore.
While the world in peace was sleeping,
early on that Easter day,
came the faithful women, weeping,
but the stone was rolled away.
Hail him! Hail him! Tell the story.
Hail! all hail! Jesus lives forevermore.
Christ, our loving mediator,
now with God for you and me
intercedes, and our Creator
hears and answers ev'ry plea.
Hail him! Hail him! Tell the story.
Hail! all hail! Jesus lives forevermore.
|
3 | Abram B. Kolb, 1896, alt. | 2021/04/09 | ||
| Joyful, joyful, we adore thee | HYMN TO JOY | Sing a new world into being | G major | 87.87 D | Ludwig van Beethoven, 1823 | Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love.
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before thee, praising thee their sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away.
Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!
All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heav'n reflect thy rays,
stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise.
Field and forest, vale and mountain, blooming meadow, flashing sea,
charting bird and flowing fountain call us to rejoice in thee.
Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever bless'd,
wellspring of the joy of living, oceandepth of happy rest!
Thou our Maker, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine.
Teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.
Mortals join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began.
Love divine is reigning o'er us, leading us with mercy's hand.
Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife.
Joyful music lifts us sunward in the triumph song of life!
|
4 | Henry van Dyke, 1907 | 2021/01/13 | |
| Praise, my soul, the King of heaven | LAUDA ANIMA | Praise with joy the world's Creator | D major | 87.87.87 | John Goss, 1869 | Praise, my soul, the King of heaven:
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
Praise him for his grace and favor
to his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!
Fatherlike he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!
Angels, help us to adore him;
you behold him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!
|
4 | Henry Francis Lyte (1834) | 2021/05/10 | |
| Say not the struggle naught availeth | WAYFARING STRANGER | I am a poor wayfaring stranger | D minor | 98.98 D | American traditional; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Say not the struggle naught availeth,
the wounds and labour are in vain,
the fearsome foe faints not, nor faileth,
and all unchanging doth remain.
For not by eastern windows only,
when daylight comes, comes in the light;
in front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
but westward, look, the land is bright.
If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars.
It may be, in yon smoke concealed,
our comrades chase e'en now the fliers,
and, but for us, possess the field.
For not by eastern windows only,
when daylight comes, comes in the light;
in front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
but westward, look, the land is bright.
For while the tired waves, vainly breaking
seem here no painful inch to gain,
far back through creeks and inlets making,
comes silent, flooding in, the main.
For not by eastern windows only,
when daylight comes, comes in the light;
in front the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
but westward, look, the land is bright.
|
3 | Arthur Hugh Clough, 1849, alt. | 2021/05/11 | |
| All creatures worship God most high | LASST UNS ERFREUEN | All creatures of the earth and sky | D major | LM | Geistliche Kirchengesang, 1623; arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906 | All creatures, worship God most high, lift up your voice in earth and sky,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong, ye clouds that sail in heav'n along,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou rising morn in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening find a voice,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Thou flowing water, pure and clear, make music for thy God to hear,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, that givest all both warmth and light,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Dear mother earth, who day by day, unfoldest blessings on our way,
alleluia, alleluia!
The flow'rs and fruits that in thee grow, let them God's glory also show,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
And ev'ryone, with tender heart, forgiving others, take your part,
alleluia, alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, sing praise and cast on God your care,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
And thou, most kind and gentle death, waiting to hush our final breath,
alleluia, alleluia!
Thou leadest home the child of God, as Christ before that way hath trod,
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Let all things their Creator bless, and worship God in humbleness,
alleluia, alleluia!
To God all thanks and praise belong! Join in the everlasting song:
O sing ye, O sing ye, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
|
7 | Saint Francis of Assisi, 1225; tr. William H. Draper, 1926; alt. | 2021/03/05 | |
| Hosanna, loud hosanna | ELLACOMBE | I sing the mighty power of God | A major | CMD | Gesangbuch der Herzogl, 1784; arr. Willliam H. Monk, 1868 | Hosanna, loud hosanna, the littlechildren sang.
Through pillared court and temple the lovely anthem rang.
To Jesus, who had blessed them, close folded to his breast,
the children sang their praises, the simplest and the best.
From Olivet they followed 'mid an exultant crowd,
the victor palm branch waving, and chanting clear and loud.
The Lord of earth and heaven rode on in lowly state,
nor scorned that little children should on his bidding wait.
"Hosanna in the highest!" That ancient song we sing,
for Christ is our Redeemer, the Lord of heav'n, our King.
Oh, may we ever praise him with heart and life and voice,
and in his blissful presence eternally rejoice!
|
3 | Jeannette Threlfall, 1873, alt. | 2021/05/10 | |
| Wakantanka (Many and Great) | LACQUIPARLE | Singer of Life | C minor | irregular | Plains Indian traditional, 1879 | Wakantanka taku nitawa tankaya qa ota;
mahpiya kin eyahnake ça, maka kin he duowanca;
mniowanca śbeya wanke cin, hena oyakihi.
Woehdaku nitawa kin he minaġi kin qu wo;
mahpiya kin iwankam yati, wicowaśte yuha nanka,
wiconi kin he mayaqu nun, owihanke wanin.
Many and great, O God, are your works, maker of earth and sky.
Your hands have set the heavens with stars; your fingers spread the mountains and plains
Lo, at your word the waters were formed; deep seas obey your voice.
Grant unto us communion with you, O starabiding One.
Come unto us and dwell with us; with you are found the gifts of life.
Bless us with life that has no end, eternal life with you.
|
2 | Dakota; Joseph R. Renville, 1846; paraphr. Philip Frazier, 1929, alt. | 2021/03/07 | |
| Come, ye thankful people | ST. GEORGE'S WINDSOR | G major | 77.77 D | George J. Elvey, 1858 | Come, ye thankful people, come, raise a song of harvest home:
fruit and crops are gathered in, safe before the storms begin;
God, our Maker, will provide for our needs to be supplied;
come to God's own temple, come, raise a song of harvest home.
All the world is but a field, given for a fruitful yield;
wheat and tares together sown, here for joy or sorrow grown:
first the blade, and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear;
God of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be.
|
3 | Henry Alford, 1844 | 2021/02/12 | ||
| Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming | ES IST EIN ROS' | F major | 76.76.676 | Michael Praetorius, 1609 | Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem has sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming as saints of old have sung.
It came a flow'ret bright, amid the cold of winter,
when halfspent was the night.
Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind.
With Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.
To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior,
when halfspent was the night.
Flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,
dispel in glorious splendor the darkness ev'rywhere.
Human, yet very God, from sin and death he saves us,
and lightens ev'ry load.
|
3 | v.1-2 anonymous, 1599; v.3 Friedrich Layritz, 1599 tr. v.1-2 Theodore Baker, 1894; v.3 Harriet Spaeth, 1875; alt. | 2021/01/12 | ||
| We three kings | KINGS OF ORIENT | G major | 88.446 with refrain | John H. Hopkins Jr., 1857 | We three kings of Orient are;
bearing gifts we traverse afar,
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,
gold I bring to crown him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
over us all to reign.
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
Frankincense to offer have I;
incense owns a deity nigh;
prayer and praising, voices raising,
worshiping God on high.
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume
breathes a life of gathering gloom;
sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stonecold tomb.
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
Glorious now behold him arise;
King and God and sacrifice:
Alleluia, Alleluia,
sounds through the earth and skies.
O star of wonder, star of light,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading still proceeding,
guide us to thy perfect light.
|
5 | John H. Hopkins Jr., 1857 | 2021/03/20 | ||
| My Shepherd will supply my need | RESIGNATION | No number tallies up my score | C major | CMD | North American Traditional; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | My Shepherd will supply my need; most holy is your name.
In pastures fresh you make me feed, beside the living stream.
You bring my wand'ring spirit back, when I forsake your ways,
and lead me for your mercy's sake, in paths of truth and grace.
When I walk through the shades of death, your presence is my stay.
One word of your supporting breath drives all my fears away.
Your hand, in sight of all my foes, does still my table spread.
My cup with blessings overflows, your oil anoints my head.
The sure provisions of my God attend me all my days.
Oh, may your house be my abode, and all my work be praise.
There would I find a settled rest, while others go and come,
no more a stranger, nor a guest, but like a child at home.
|
3 | Isaac Watts, 1719, alt. | 2021/03/04 | |
| Calm soul of all things | TALLIS' CANON | All praise to thee, my God | G major | LM | Thomas Tallis, 1567 | Calm soul of all things, make it mine
to feel amid the city's jar,
that there abides a peace of thine
I did not make, and cannot mar.
The will to neither strive nor cry,
the pow'r to feel with other's, give.
Calm, calm me more, nor let me die
before I have begun to live.
|
2 | Matthew Arnold (1822-1888) | 2021/03/09 | |
| I am a poor wayfaring stranger | WAYFARING STRANGER | Say not the struggle naught availeth | D minor | 98.98 D | American traditional; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | I am a poor wayfaring stranger
atravlin' through this world of woe,
yet there's no sickness, toil or danger
in that bright world to which I go.
I'm going there to see my father,
I'm going there no more to roam;
I'm just agoin' over Jordan,
I'm just agoin' over home.
I know dark clouds will gather round me,
I know my pathway's rough and steep,
but golden fields lie out before me,
where weary eyes no more shall weep.
I'm going there to see my mother,
She said she'd meet me when I come;
I'm just agoin' over Jordan,
I'm just agoin' over home.
I'll soon be free from ev'ry trial.
This form will rest beneath the sod.
I'll drop the cross of selfdenial,
and enter in my home with God.
I'm going there to see my savior,
to sing his praise forevermore;
I'm just agoin' over Jordan,
I'm just agoin' over home.
|
3 | Christian Songster, 1858, alt. | 2021/05/11 | |
| I sing the mighty power of God | ELLACOMBE | Hosanna, loud hosanna | B-flat major | CMD | Gesangbuch der Herzogl, 1784; arr. Willliam H. Monk, 1868 | I sing the mighty pow'r of God,
that made the mountains rise,
that spread the flowing seas abroad
and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
the sun to rule the day.
The moon shines full at God's command
and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord,
that filled the earth with food.
God formed the creatures with a word,
and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how thy wonders are displayed,
where'er I turn my eye,
if I survey the ground I tread,
or gaze upon the sky!
There's not a plant or flow'r below,
but makes thy glories known,
and clouds arise, and tempests blow,
by order from thy throne.
While all that borrows life from thee
is ever in thy care,
there's not a place where we can flee
but God is present there.
|
3 | Isaac Watts, 1715, alt. | 2021/03/29 | |
| Wade in the water | WADE IN THE WATER | E minor | irregular with refrain | African American Spiritual | Wade in the water,
wade in the water, children,
wade in the water.
God's gonna trouble the water.
See that host all dressed in white,
God's gonna trouble the water.
The leader looks like the Israelite.
God's gonna trouble the water.
See that band all dressed in red…
Looks like the band that Moses led…
If you don't believe I've been redeemed…
Just follow me down to Jordan's stream…
|
3 | African American Spiritual | 2021/03/20 | ||
| May we each take joy in giving | STUTTGART | Come, thou long-expected Jesus Grant us, God, the grace of giving | G major | 87.87 | Henry J. Gauntlett, 1861 | May we each take joy in giving with a spirit large and free
to our neighbors and the strangers, give as has been given me
|
1 | Robert Murray, 1880 alt. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/03/14 | |
| Breath on me, breath of God | TRENTHAM | F major | SM | Edwin Hatch, 1878 | Breathe on me, breath of God. Fill me with life anew
that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.
Breath on me, breath of God, un-til my heart is pure,
until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
till all this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
Breath on me, breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
|
4 | Robert Jackson, 1888 | 2021/01/09 | ||
| The Sands of Time Are Sinking | RUTHERFORD | O God, in restless living | E major | 76.76.76.75 | Edward F. Rimbault, 1867 | The sands of time are sinking,
the dawn of heaven breaks.
the summer morn I've sighed for,
the fair sweet morn awakes;
dark, dark hath been the midnight,
but dayspring is at hand,
and glory, glory dwelleth
in Emmanuel's land.
The King there in his beaty
without a veil is seen;
it were a wellspent journey,
though sev'n deaths lay between:
the Lamb with his fair army
doth on Mount Zion stand.
and glory, glory dwelleth
in Emmanuel's land.
O Christ, he is the fountain,
the deep sweet well of love!
The streams on earth I've tasted,
more deep I'll drink above:
there to an ocean fullness
his mercy doth expand,
and glory, glory dwelleth
in Emmanuel's land.
The bride eyes not her garment,
but her dear bridegroom's face;
I will not gaze at glory,
but on my King of grace;
not at the crown he gifteth,
but on his piercèd hand:
the Lamb is all the glory
of Emmanuel's land.
|
4 | A. R. Cousin, 1857 | 2021/04/25 | |
| No number tallies up my score | RESIGNATION | My Shepherd will supply my need | C major | CMD | North American Traditional; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | No number tallies up my score,
no tribe my house can fill;
I sit beside the fount of life
and pour the deluge still.
And gathered by most fragile pow'rs
along the centuries
from race on race the rarest flow'rs
my wreath shall nothing miss.
I wrote the past in characters
of rock and fire and scroll,
the building in the coral sea, the planting of the coal.
And thefts from satellites and rings
and broken stars I drew,
and out of spent and aged things
I formed the world anew.
Must time and tide forever run,
nor winds sleep in the west?
Will ne'er my wheels which whirl the sun
and satellites have rest?
Yet whirl the glowing wheels once more,
and mix the bowl again;
seethe, Fate, the ancient elements,
heat, cold, and peace, and pain.
Blend war and trade and creeds and song,
as ripens human race,
the sunburnt world that they shall breed,
of all my countless days.
No ray is dimmed, no atom worn,
my oldest force is new,
and fresh the rose on yonder thorn
gives back the heav'ns in dew.
|
4 | Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), alt. | 2021/02/14 | |
| When rising from the bed of death | THIRD MODE MELODY | How shallow former shadows seem To mock your reign, O dearest Lord | E phrygian | CMD | Thomas Tallis, 1568 | When, rising from the bed of death,
o’erwhelmed with guilt and fear,
I view my Maker face to face,
O how shall I appear?
If yet, while pardon may be found,
and mercy may be sought,
my heart with inward horror shrinks,
and trembles at the thought.
When thou, O Lord, shalt stand disclosed
in majesty severe,
and sit in judgement on my soul,
O how shall I appear?
But thou hast told the troubled mind
who does her sins lament,
the timely tribute of her tears,
shall endless woe prevent.
Then see the sorrow of my heart,
ere yet it be too late;
and hear my Saviour’s dying groans,
to give those sorrows weight.
For never shall my soul despair
her pardon to procure,
who knows thine only Son has died
to make her pardon sure.
|
3 | Joseph Addison, 1672-1719 | 2021/04/03 | |
| Lift every voice and sing | ANTHEM | G major | 66 10.66 10.14 14 66 10 | J. Rosamond Johnson, 1899 | Lift ev'ry voice and sing, till earth and heaven ring,
ring with the harmonies of liberty.
Let our rejoicing rise high as the list'ning skies,
let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us.
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us.
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast'ning rod,
felt in the days when hope unborn had died,
yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet
come to the place for which our people sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered.
We have come, treading our path thro' the blood of the slaughtered,
out of the gloomy past till now we stand at last
where the bright gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years, God of our silent tears,
thou who hast brought us thus far on the way,
thou who hast by thy might, led us into the light,
keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met thee,
lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget thee,
shadowed beneath thy hand, may we forever stand,
true to our God, true to our native land.
|
3 | J. Rosamond Johnson, 1899 | 2021/01/16 | ||
| Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light | ERMUNTRE DICH | F major | 87.87.88.77 | Johann Schop, 1641; arr. J. S. Bach, 1734 | Break forth, O beauteous heav'nly light, and usher in the morning.
O shepherds, shrink not with affright, but hear the angel's warning.
This child, now weak in infancy, our confidence and joy shall be,
the power of Satan breaking, our peace eternal making.
|
1 | Johann Rist, 1641, tr. John Troutbeck ca. 1885 | 2021/01/08 | ||
| May nothing evil cross this door | OLDBRIDGE | F major | 88.84 | Robert N. Quaile, b. 1867 | May nothing evil cross this door,
and may ill fortune never pry
about these windows; may the roar
and rain go by.
By faith made strong, the rafters will
withstand the battering of the storm.
This hearth, though all the world grow chill,
will keep you warm.
Peace shall walk softly through these rooms,
touching our lips with holy wine,
till ev'ry casual corner blooms
into a shrine.
With laughter drown the raucous shout,
and, though these sheltering walls are thin,
may they be strong to keep hate out
and hold love in.
|
4 | Louis Untermeyer, 1923 | 2021/01/31 | ||
| Comfort, comfort, O my people | GENEVA 42 (FREU DICH SEHR) | As the deer with eager yearning | F major | 87.87.77.88 | Louis Bourgeois, 1551; arr. Claude Goudimel, 1565 | Comfort, comfort, O my people,
speak of peace, now says our God.
Comfort those who sit in darkness,
mourning 'neath their sorrows' load.
Speak unto Jerusalem
of the peace that waits for them.
Tell of all the sins I cover,
and that warfare now is over.
Hark, the voice of one who's crying
in the desert far and near,
bidding all to full repentance
since the kingdom now is here.
O that warning cry obey!
Now prepare for God a way.
Let the valleys rise to meet God
and the hills bow down to greet God.
O make straight what long was crooked,
make the rougher places plain.
Let your hearts be true and humble,
as befits God's holy reign.
For the glory of the Lord
now o'er earth is shed abroad.
And all flesh shall see the token
that God's word is never broken.
|
3 | Johannes Olearius, 1671 tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863 | 2021/02/07 | |
| Warm summer sun | LIE LIGHT | E major | 88.88 | Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Warm summer sun, shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind, blow softly here,
Green sod above, lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart, good night, good night.
|
1 | Robert Richardson, alt. Mark Twain, 1896 | 2021/01/30 | ||
| Glory be to the Father | GLORIA PATRI (Greatorex) | D major | 7.10.8.7.8 | H. W. Greatorex, 1851 | Glory be to the Father
and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost,
as it was in the beginning,
is now and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Gloria al Padre y al Hijo
y al Santo Espíritu, en unidad.
Como era en el principio,
es hoy y habrá de ser,
eternamente. Amén, amén.
|
1 | Anonymous, 2nd c. | 2021/05/10 | ||
| Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched | INVITATION NEW | Hark, I hear the harps eternal Could it be that God is singing | E major | 87.87.87.87 | Southern Harmony, 1854, alt.; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Come, ye sinners, poor and wretched,
weak and wounded, sick and sore.
Jesus ready stands to save you,
full of pity joined with pow'r:
He is able, he is able,
he is willing; doubt no more.
He is able, he is able,
he is willing; doubt no more.
Come, ye needy, come and welcome,
God's free bounty glorify.
True belief and true repentance,
ev'ry grace that brings you nigh.
Without money, without money,
come to Jesus Christ and buy!
Without money, without money,
come to Jesus Christ and buy!
Come ye weary, heavy laden,
bruised and broken by the fall.
If you tarry till you're better,
you will never come at all:
Not the righteous, not the righteous,
Sinners Jesus came to call.
Not the righteous, not the righteous,
Sinners Jesus came to call.
Let not conscience make you linger,
nor of fitness fondly dream;
all the fitness he requireth
is to feel your need of him.
This he gives you, this he gives you,
'Tis the Spirit's rising beam.
This he gives you, this he gives you,
'Tis the Spirit's rising beam.
Lo! th' incarnate God, ascended,
pleads the merit of his blood.
Venture on him, venture wholly,
let no other trust intrude:
None but Jesus, none but Jesus
Can do helpless sinners good.
None but Jesus, none but Jesus
Can do helpless sinners good.
|
4 | Joseph Hart, 1759, alt. | 2021/04/25 | |
| Christian hearts in love united | O DU LIEBE MEINER | Heart with loving heart united Jesus, refuge of the weary | G major | LIEBE | Johann Thommen, 1735 | Christian hearts in love united:
search to know God's holy will.
Let his love in us ignited,
more and more our spirits fill.
Christ the head, and we his members—
we reflect the light he is.
Christ the master, we disciples—
he is ours, and we are his.
Grant, lord, that with your direction,
"Love each other" we comply.
Help us live in true affection,
your love to exemplify.
Let our mutual love be glowing
brightly so that all may view
that we, as on one stem growing,
living branches are in you.
Come, then, living church of Jesus,
covenant with him anew.
Unto him who conquered for us
may we pledge our service true.
May our lives reflect the brightness
of God's love in Jesus shown.
To the world we then bear witness:
we belong to God alone.
|
3 | Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1723; tr. Frederick William Foster | 2021/04/23 | |
| La paz de la tierra (The peace of the earth) | LA PAZ DE LA TIERRA | C major | 87.97.76 | Guatemalan traditional | La paz de la tierra esté contigo, la paz de los cielos también.
La paz de los ríos esté contigo, la paz de los mares también.
Paz profunda cayendo sobre ti.
Paz profunda creciendo en ti.
The peace of the earth be with you, the peace of the heavens too;
The peace of the rivers be with you, the peace of the oceans too.
Deep peace falling over you.
Deep peace growing in you.
|
1 | Spanish; Guatemalan traditional; trans. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/03/09 | ||
| Blest be the tie that binds | DENNIS | How gentle God's commands | F major | SM | Johann G. Nägeli, 1828; arr. Lowell Mason, 1845 | Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.
We share each other's woes, each other's burdens bear,
and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part, it gives us inward pain,
but we shall still be joined in heart, and hope to meet again.
From sorrow, toil, and pain, and sin we shall be free,
and perfect love and friendship reign through all eternity.
|
4 | John Fawcett, 1782, alt. | 2021/03/09 | |
| Receive our thanks | BE STILL AND KNOW | Be still and know | C major | 8.8.8 | Anonymous; arr. Anja and Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Receive our thanks
for night and day,
for food and shelter,
rest and play,
be here our guest,
and with us stay.
Amen.
|
1 | Refugee Blessing, anon. | 2021/03/28 | |
| God is here among us | WUNDERBARER KÖNIG | Gott ist gegenwärtig | G major | 66.86.66.86.666 | Joachim Neander, 1680 | God is here among us: come with adoration, fervent praise and expectation.
God is here within us: known beyond believing, soul in silent awe receiving.
God will name and will claim those beheld as lowly, making all things holy.
Come, abide within me; let my soul, like Mary, be thine earthly sanctuary.
Come, indwelling Spirit, with transfigured splendor; love and honor will I render.
Where I go here below, let me bow before thee, know thee, and adore thee.
Gladly we surrender earth's deceitful treasures, pride of life, and sinful pleasures.
God, we gladly offer thine to be forever, soul and life and each endeavor.
Thou alone shalt be known Lord of all our being, life's true way decreeing.
|
3 | Gerhard Tersteegen, 1729, trans. The Hymnal, 1940, alt. | 2021/03/04 | |
| Silent Night, Holy Night | STILLE NACHT | B-flat major | irregular | Franz Gruber, 1818 | Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright,
round yon virgin mother and child, holy Infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight,
glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing: "Alleluia,
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born."
Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light,
radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night! Wondrous star, lend thy light,
with the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King,
Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.
|
4 | Joseph Mohr, 1818; tr. John Freeman Young, 1863 | 2022/05/13 | ||
| I vow to thee, my country | THAXTED | O God beyond all praising O wizened eyes resplendent | B-flat major | 13.13.13 D | Adapted from The Planets, Gustav Holst, 1925 | I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love:
the love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
that lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
the love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
the love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.
And there's another country I've heard of long ago,
most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;
we may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
and soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
and her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace.
|
2 | Cecil Spring-Rice, 1922 | 2021/05/09 | |
| All through the night | AR HYD Y NOS | Go, my children For the fruit of all creation God who made the earth and heaven | G major | 12.12.8.8.12 | Musical and Poetical Relics of the Welsh Bards, 1784 | Sleep, my child, and peace attend thee
all through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee
all through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping,
hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
I my loving vigil keeping,
all through the night.
While the moon her watch is keeping
all through the night.
While the weary world is sleeping
all through the night.
O'er thy spirit gently stealing,
visions of delight revealing,
breaths a pure and holy feeling,
all through the night.
Deep the silence round us spreading,
all through the night.
Dark the path that we are treading,
all through the night.
Still the coming day discerning,
by the hope within us burning,
to the dawn our fottsteps turning
all through the night.
Star of faith the dark adorning,
all through the night.
Leads us fearless toward the morning,
all through the night.
Though our hearts be wrapped in sorrow,
from the home of dawn we borrow,
promise of a new tomorrow,
all through the night.
|
4 | Harold Boulton, 1884 | 2021/05/09 | |
| When Israel was in Egypt's land | GO DOWN MOSES | G minor | 85.85 with refrain | African American spiritual; arr. John W. Work (1871-1925) | When Israel was in Egypt's land,
let my people go,
oppressed so hard they could not stand,
let my people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt's land,
tell old Pharaoh: let my people go.
The Lord told Moses what to do,
let my people go,
to lead the Hebrew children through,
let my people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt's land,
tell old Pharaoh: let my people go.
As Israel stood by water's side,
let my people go,
at God's command it did divide,
let my people go.
Go down, Moses, way down in Egypt's land,
tell old Pharaoh: let my people go.
When they had reached the other shore,
let my people go,
they let the song of triumph soar,
let my people go.
Lord, help us all from bondage flee,
let my people go,
and let us all in Christ be free,
let my people go.
|
5 | African American spiritual | 2021/02/07 | ||
| I walk the unfrequented road | CONSOLATION (MORNING SONG) | O holy city, seen of John The King shall come when morning dawns | F minor | CM | John Wyeth, 1813 | I walk the unfrequented road
with open eye and ear;
I watch afield the farmer load
the bounty of the year.
I filch the fruit of no one's toil—
no trespasser am I—
and yet I reap from every soil
and from the boundless sky
I gather where I did not sow,
and bind the mystic sheaf,
the amber air, the river's flow,
the rustle of the leaf.
A beauty springtime never knew
haunts all the quiet ways,
and sweeter shines the landscape through
its veil of autumn haze.
I face the hills, the streams, the wood,
and feel with all akin;
my heart expands; their fortitude
and peace and joy flow in.
|
5 | Frederick Lucian Hosmer, 1913 | 2021/01/31 | |
| Be still my soul | FINLANDIA | This is my song | F major | 10.10.10 | Jean Sibelius, 1899 | Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to thy God to order and provide;
in every change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heav’nly friend
through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul; the hour is hast’ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord,
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
all safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
|
3 | Kathrina von Schlegel, tr. Jane Borthwick (1855) | 2021/01/14 | |
| All hail the power of Jesus' name | CORONATION | Now blessed be the Lord our God | G major | CM extended | Oliver Holden, 1792 | All hail the pow’r of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!
O chosen seed of Israel’s race now ransomed from the fall,
hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all.
Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all!
Let ev’ry tongue and ev’ry tribe responsive to his call,
to him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!
Oh, that with all the sacred throng we at his feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all.
We’ll join the everlasting song and crown him Lord of all!
|
4 | Edward Perronet, 1780, revised by John Rippon, 1787 | 2021/01/14 | |
| Come, ye faithful, raise the strain | AVE VIRGO VIRGINUM (GAUDEAMUS PARITER) | When the King shall come again We are people of God's peace | G major | 76.76 D | Johann Horn, 1544, alt. 1584 | Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness!
God hath brought forth Israel into joy from sadness,
loosed from Pharaeh's bitter yoke Jacob's sons and daughters,
led them with unmoistened foot through the Red Sea waters.
'Tis the spring of souls today: Christ hath burst his prison,
and from three days' sleep in death as a sun hath risen.
Now rejoice, Jerusalem, and with true affection
welcome in unwearied strains Jesus' resurrection.
Neither shall the gates of death, nor the tomb's dark portal,
nor the watchers, nor the seal hold thee as a mortal.
But arisen 'midst thy friends thou didst stand, bestowing
thy true peace, which evermore passes human knowing.
|
3 | John of Damascus, 8th c. tr. John M. Neale, 1859, alt. | 2021/04/04 | |
| O wizened eyes resplendent | THAXTED | I vow to thee, my country O God beyond all praising | B-flat major | 13.13.14.12.13.14 | Gustav Holst, 1921 | O wizened eyes resplendent, we seek the things you saw,
that urged you to such greatness, and humbled you in awe.
We strive now, as you once strove, toward the beacon, toward the Light.
With forebears inviting, it beckons yet more bright.
Though teary eyes may hinder, and sorrow shroud our way,
what seems to us like evening may just be break of day.
O eager lips of blessing, speak grace for us today,
forgive us and our mourning, our stubborn, petty ways.
We speak now, as you once spoke, prayers and stories, holy jest,
to bolster worn hearts and inspire us to our best.
You uttered bless'd assurance, through strife, your words did calm,
there is afar in Gilead, vouchsafed for us a Balm.
O tremb'ling hands of service, wrap arms around us all.
Take respite from your labors, and joy in heaven's call.
We fight now, as you once fought, not with sword, but plowshare hewn.
Through clangorous war drums you hummed a diff'rent tune:
Ev'ry note is one of justice, each tear can shatter chains,
ev'ry sigh becomes a rush of wind, set free across the plains.
|
3 | Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/07/29 | |
| Come, ye disconsolate | CONSOLATOR | C major | 11.10.11.10 | Samuel Webbe Sr., 1792 | Come, ye disconsolate, where'er ye languish,
come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish.
Earth has no sorrows that Heav'n cannot heal.
Joy of the desolate, light of the straying,
hope of the penitent, fadeless and pure!
Here speaks the Comforter, tenderly saying,
"Earth has no sorrows that Heav'n cannot cure."
Here see the Bread of life; see waters flowing
forth from the throne of God, pure from above.
Come to the feast of love, come, ever knowing
earth has no sorrows but Heav'n can remove.
|
3 | v.1-2 Thomas Moore, 1816, alt.; v.3 Thomas Hastings, 1831 | 2021/05/15 | ||
| O little town of Bethlehem | ST. LOUIS | F major | 86.86.76.86 | Lewis H. Redner, 1874 | O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light;
the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
while mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wond'ring love.
O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth!
and praises sing to God the King, and peace to all the earth!
How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of the heav'ns.
No ear may hear his coming, but in this world of sin,
where meek souls will receive him still the dear Christ enters in.
O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray,
cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today!
We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell.
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Immanuel!
|
4 | Phillips Brooks, 1874 | 2021/01/12 | ||
| In our day of thanksgiving | ST. CATHERINE'S COURT | Beloved, God's chosen The works of the Lord are created in wisdom | D major | 13.12.13.11 | Richard Strutt, 1925 | In our day of thanksgiving
one psalm let us offer
for the saints who before us
have found the reward;
when the shadow of death
fell upon them, we sorrowed,
but now we rejoice
that they rest in the Lord
In the morning of life,
and at noon, and at evening,
they were gathered to heav'n
from our worship below;
but not before God's love
at the font and the altar,
had clothed them with grace
for the way they should go.
Common stones that have echoed
their praises are holy,
and the dust of the ground
where their feet have once trod;
yet in this place confessed
they were stargers and pilgrims,
and still they were seeking
the city of God.
Sing praise, then, and thanks
that God's love here has found them
whose journey is ended,
whose perils are past;
they believed in the light;
and its glory is round them,
where the clouds of earth’s
sorrows are lifted at last.
|
4 | William H. Draper, 1916 | 2021/03/29 | |
| What Child is this | GREENSLEEVES | E minor | 87.87.68.67 | traditional English melody | What Child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping,
whom angels greet with anthems sweet, while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!
Why lies he in such mean estate where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Wordmadeflesh, the babe, the son of Mary!
So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him.
The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him.
Raise, raise the song on high; the virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary!
|
3 | William C. Dix, ca. 1865 | 2021/01/12 | ||
| Epitaph of Seikilos | EPITAPH OF SEIKILOS | A mixolydian | irregular | Seikilos, ca. 1st-2nd c. | Hóson zêis, phaínou
mēdèn hólōs sù lupoû
pròs olígon ésti tò zên
tò télos ho khrónos apaiteî.
While you live, shine bright.
Let not grief sour your guest, Life,
staying with you, but for a while.
Soon will come due all demands of Time.
|
1 | Greek: Seikilos, ca. 1st-2nd c. tr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/03/21 | ||
| Come, O thou Traveler unknown | VERNON | D minor | 88.88.88 | American folk melody, 1805; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2018 | Come, O thou Traveler unknown, whom still, I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone, and I am left alone with thee.
With thee all night I mean to stay, and wrestle till the break of day.
I need not tell thee who I am, my misery and sin declare.
Thyself has called me by my name, look on thy hands and read it there.
But who, I ask thee, who art thou? Tell me thy name and tell me now.
In vain thou strugglest to get free;
I never will unloose my hold.
Art thou the Man that died for me?
The secret of thy love unfold.
Wrestling, I will not let thee go,
till I thy name, thy nature know.
Wilt thou not yet to me reveal
thy new, unutterable name?
Tell me, I still beseech thee, tell,
to know it now resolved I am.
Wrestling, I will not let thee go,
till I thy name, thy nature know.
'Tis all in vain to hold thy tongue
or touch the hollow of my thigh.
Though every sinew is unstrung,
out of my arms thou shalt not fly.
Wrestling, I will not let thee go,
till I thy name, thy nature know.
What though my shrinking flesh complain
and murmur to contend so long,
I rise superior to my pain;
when I am weak then I am strong,
and when my all of strength shall fail
I shall with the God-man prevail.
My strength is gone, my nature dies,
I sink beneath thy weighty hand,
faint to revive, and fall to rise.
I fall, and yet by faith AI stand,
I stand and will not let thee go,
till I thy name, thy nature know.
Yield to me now - for I am weak
but confident in self-despair!
Speak to my heart, in blessing speak,
be conquered by my instant prayer.
Speak, or thou never hence shalt move,
and tell me if thy name is Love.
'Tis Love! 'tis Love! thou diedst for me,
I hear thy whisper in my heart.
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
pure, universal Love thou art.
To me, to all, thy mercies move -
thy nature, and thy name is Love.
My prayer hath power with God;
the grace unspeakable I now receive!
Through faith I see thee face to face,
I see thee face to face, and live!
In vain I have not wept and strove -
thy nature, and thy name is Love.
Contented now upon my thigh
I halt, till life's short journey end.
All helplessness, all weakness I
on thee alone for strength depend,
nor have I power from thee to move.
Thy nature, and thy name is Love!
|
11 | Charles Wesley, 1742 | 2021/01/11 | ||
| Now all the woods are sleeping | O WELT, ICH MUSS DICH LASSEN | G major | 776.778 | Heinrich Isaac, 1539 | Now all the woods are sleeping,
the night and stillness creeping
o'er city, field, and beast;
but thou, my heart, awake be,
with pray'rful thanks, attend thee,
to dearest Treasures ere thou rest.
Why Sun, are you retreating,
and Moon, in dance, now leading
the ancient ballad, Night?
Reflecting rays, we glisten,
we laugh, and talk, and listen,
resounding, gentle notes of light.
Now obligation ceases,
this Night the tired releases
and bids you sleep begin:
My love, there comes a morrow
shall set thee free from sorrow,
and all the anxious toil within.
My loved ones, rest securely,
from ev'ry peril surely
protected be your heads;
may happy slumbers mend you,
and ev'ry care attend you,
as trusted souls watch o'er your beds.
|
4 | Paul Gerhardt, 1648 tr. and alt. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/01/16 | ||
| Take my life, and let it be | HENDON | Ask ye what great thing I know | G major | 77.77 extended | Henri Abraham César Malan, 1827; arr. Lowell Mason, 1841 | Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in ceaseless praise,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my intellect and use ev'ry pow'r as thou shalt choose.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee,
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.
Take my will and make it thine; it shall be no longer mine,
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.
|
5 | Frances R. Havergal, 1874 | 2021/03/09 | |
| Praise God (Doxology) | OLD HUNDREDTH | Let there be light | G major | LM | Louis Bourgeois, Genevan Psalter, 1551 | Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
praise God all creatures here below;
praise God above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen
Gloire à Dieu, notre Créateur;
Gloire à Christ, notre Rédempteur;
Gloire à l'Esprit, Consolateur!
Louange et gloire à Dieu Sauveur.
Amen
A la Divina Trinidad,
todo unidos alabad,
con alegria, y gratitud,
su amor y gracia celebrad.
Amen
Ehr sei dem Vater und dem Sohn
dem Heil'gen Geist in einem Thron,
der heiligen Dreieinigkeit,
sei Lob und Preis in Ewigkeit.
Amen
|
1 | Thomas Ken, A Manual of Prayers, 1695, alt. Spanish tr. anon.; French tr. anon.; German tr. anon. | 2021/03/30 | |
| When we walk with the Lord | TRUST AND OBEY | F major | 6.6.9 D with refrain | Daniel B. Towner, 1887 | When we walk with the Lord in the light of his word,
what a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will, he abides with us still,
and with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Ev'ry burden we bear, ev'ry sorrow we share,
all our toil he doth richly repay.
Even grief, pain, and loss as we carry a cross
will be blessed as we trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of his love,
until all on the altar we lay,
for the favor he shows, and the joy he bestows,
are for them who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at his feet,
or we'll walk by his side in the way.
What he says we will do, where he sends we will go,
never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
|
4 | John H. Sammis, 1887, alt. | 2021/04/24 | ||
| Loveliest of trees | ORIENTIS PARTIBUS | Bright those jewels | E-flat major | 77.77 | Pierre de Corbeil, harmonized Richard Redhead, 1853 | Loveliest of trees, the cherry now,
hung with bloom along the bough,
it stands about the woodland ride
wearing white for Eastertide.
Now of my threescore years and ten,
twenty will not come again.
And take from sev'nty springs a score,
leaving me just fifty more.
And since to look at things in bloom
fifty springs are little room,
about the woodlands I will go,
see the cherry hung with snow.
|
3 | A. E. Housman, 1896 | 2021/02/07 | |
| Bright those jewels | ORIENTIS PARTIBUS | Loveliest of trees | F major | 87.87 | Pierre de Corbeil, harmonized Richard Redhead, 1853 | Bright those jewels of the skies
which in sable darkness glow.
Brighter in compassion's eyes
are the silent tears which flow.
Sweet the fragrance from the fields
where abundant spices grow.
Sweeter far is that which yields
succor to the sick and low.
Grateful are those gentle dews
on the greening grass which fall.
Far more grateful what renews
comforts to the poor who call
|
3 | Hosea Ballou II, 1849 | 2021/03/22 | |
| The morning hangs a signal | MEIRIONYDD | The voice of God is calling O Jesus, we adore thee | D major | 76.76 D | William Lloyd, 1840 | The morning hangs a signal upon the mountain crest,
while all the sleeping valleys in silent darkness rest.
From peak to peak it flashes, it laughs along the sky,
till glory of the sunlight on all the land shall lie.
Above the generations the lonely prophets rise,
while truth flares as the daystar within their glowing eyes,
and other eyes, beholding, are kindled from that flame;
and dawn becomes the morning, when prophets love proclaim.
The soul has lifted moments, above the drift of days,
when life's great meaning breaketh in sunrise on our ways.
Behold the radiant token of truth above all fear;
night shall release its splendor that morning shall appear.
|
3 | William Channing Gannett (1768-1852), rev. | 2021/02/11 | |
| Fruit of the Whys | EXCELLENT QUESTION | F major | 11.11.11.11 with refrain | Kenan Schaefkofer, 2022 | The Whys as a fam'ly seem odd at first glance,
They're farmers attempting to kill all their plants.
When harvest day comes, after all that abuse,
the veggies surviving can really produce!
Oh, how do the Whys grow whatever they do?
An excellent question! Here's what they'll tell you:
We flood in the night and we burn in the day.
In evening and morning we're hacking away.
We suffer no beet leaf to stay past its prime,
or give tender stems just a little more time.
Yes, some will survive, but we know not yet which!
The ones that do, thrive, and have made us quite rich.
With respect to all farmers, regarding their crops,
too many collapse when the pampering stops!
The Whys sow with each seed a kernel of doubt.
They trust a few neighbors, but never a sprout,
cause folk round these parts grow the darndest of things,
but Whys plant a seed just to test what it brings!
Oh, how do the Whys grow whatever they do?
An excellent question! Here's what they'll tell you:
We flood in the night and we burn in the day.
In evening and morning we're hacking away.
We suffer no beet leaf to stay past its prime,
or give tender stems just a little more time.
Yes, some will survive, but we know not yet which!
The ones that do, thrive, and have made us quite rich.
With respect to all farmers, regarding their crops,
too many collapse when the pampering stops!
An oak tree, unyielding twohundred years back,
was finally felled after many a whack.
You might think it cold, but they shed not a tear.
The stump made a bed for new growth to appear!
Oh, how do the Whys grow whatever they do?
An excellent question! Here's what they'll tell you:
We flood in the night and we burn in the day.
In evening and morning we're hacking away.
We suffer no beet leaf to stay past its prime,
or give tender stems just a little more time.
Yes, some will survive, but we know not yet which!
The ones that do, thrive, and have made us quite rich.
With respect to all farmers, regarding their crops,
too many collapse when the pampering stops!
A guy once came by selling Magical Stalk™.
The Whys took one look and said, "That's just a rock!
Unliving, unkillable, won't give a yield.
It's not worth the space it would take in our field!"
Oh, how do the Whys grow whatever they do?
An excellent question! Here's what they'll tell you:
We flood in the night and we burn in the day.
In evening and morning we're hacking away.
We suffer no beet leaf to stay past its prime,
or give tender stems just a little more time.
Yes, some will survive, but we know not yet which!
The ones that do, thrive, and have made us quite rich.
With respect to all farmers, regarding their crops,
too many collapse when the pampering stops!
To be like the Whys, you must take things apart.
To challenge my story's a great place to start!
If this herbal analogy withers and dies,
I still think it's true you'll find truth in the Whys!
Oh, how do the Whys grow whatever they do?
An excellent question! Here's what they'll tell you:
We flood in the night and we burn in the day.
In evening and morning we're hacking away.
We suffer no beet leaf to stay past its prime,
or give tender stems just a little more time.
Yes, some will survive, but we know not yet which!
The ones that do, thrive, and have made us quite rich.
With respect to all farmers, regarding their crops,
too many collapse when the pampering stops!
|
5 | Kenan Schaefkofer, 2022 | 2022/05/12 | ||
| Heilig, Heilig, Heilig (Holy, Holy, Holy) | SANCTUS (Schubert) | E-flat major | 65.65 D | Franz Schubert, 1826 | Heilig, heilig, heilig, heilig ist der Herr!
Heilig, heilig, heilig, heilig ist nur er!
Er, der nie begonnen, or, der immer war,
ewig ist und waltet, sein wird immerdar.
Heilig, heilig, heilig, heilig ist der Herr!
Heilig, heilig, heilig, heilig ist nur er!
Allmacht, Wunder, Liebe, alles ringsumher!
Heilig, heilig, heilig, heilig ist der Herr!
Holy, holy, holy, holy is the Lord!
Holy, holy, holy, holy God alone!
God, without beginning, God, who always was,
ever be exalted, reign forevermore.
Holy, holy, holy, holy is the Lord!
Holy, holy, holy, holy God alone!
Mighty, wondrous, loving, omnipresent God,
holy, holy, holy, holy is the Lord!
|
2 | German; Johann P. Neumann, 1826; trans. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/03/08 | ||
| All things kind and beautiful | ROYAL OAK | All things bright and beautiful | G major | 76.76 with refrain | 17th cent. English Traditional; adapt. Martin Shaw, 1915 | All things kind and beautiful, all beings far and near,
all words wise and wonderful, are treasures we hold dear.
Each little flower blooming, each feather on a wing,
and bits of soulfilled stardust who hurt and heal and sing;
All things kind and beautiful, all beings far and near,
all words wise and wonderful, are treasures we hold dear.
Each tiny seed that opens, each leafing tow'r of wood,
each plan that leads to action, and yields a harvest good;
All things kind and beautiful, all beings far and near,
all words wise and wonderful, are treasures we hold dear.
Each planet in its wand'ring, that meets a child's gaze,
Each love thrown past all bound'ries, a lightcone tipped with praise;
|
3 | Kenan Schaefkofer, 2023 | 2023/12/10 | |
| Now is the time approaching | WEBB | A major | 76.76 | George James Webb, 1837 | Now is the time approaching,
by prophets long foretold,
when all shall dwell together,
secure and manifold.
Let war be learned no longer,
let strife and tumult cease,
all each a blessed garden,
to please the god of peace.
Let all that now divides us remove and pass away,
like mists of early morning
beneath the blaze of day.
Let all that now unites us
more sweet and lasting prove,
a closer bond of union, in blessed lands of love.
O longexpected dawning,
come with your cheering ray!
Yet shall the promise beckon
and lead us not astray.
O sweet anticipation!
It cheers the watchers on
to pray, and hope, and labor,
till all our work is done.
|
3 | Jane Laurie Borthwick, 1859, alt. | 2021/03/23 | ||
| Singer of Life | LACQUIPARLE | Wakantanka (Many and Great) | C minor | irregular | Plains Indian traditional, 1879 | Singer of Life, all flowers are songs, with petals do you write.
Singer of Life, you color the earth, dazzling the eye with birds red and bright.
Joy is for us! The flowers are spread! Singing is our delight!
Mortal are we, with all living things, with eagles in the sky.
Even all gold and jade will not last; singing alone, I know, cannot die.
Here in this house of springtime bestow songs that like birds can fly.
|
2 | From a Texcoco Nahuatl poem | 2021/03/08 | |
| Angels we have heard on high | GLORIA | F major | 77.77 with refrain | Traditional French carol, 1855 | Angels we have heard on high, singing sweetly through the night,
and the mountains in reply echoing their brave delight.
Gloria in excelsis Deo, gloria in excelsis Deo.
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see? What glad tidings did you hear?
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing.
Come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
See him in a manger laid whom the angels praise above.
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, while we raise our hearts in love.
|
4 | Nouveau Recueil de Cantiques, 1855 tr. anonymous, alt. Earl Marlatt, 1937 | 2021/01/11 | ||
| God be with you till we meet again | RANDOLPH | D major | 98.89 | Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906 | God be with you till we meet again;
loving counsels guide, uphold you,
may the Shepherd's care enfold you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
unseen wings, protecting, hide you,
daily manna still provide you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
when life's perils thick confound you,
put unfailing arms around you;
God be with you till we meet again.
God be with you till we meet again;
keep love's banner floating o'er you,
smite death's threat'ning wave before you;
God be with you till we meet again.
|
4 | Jeremiah E. Rankin, 1880, alt. | 2021/05/15 | ||
| Brethren, we have met to worship | HOLY MANNA | God, who stretched the spangled heavens All who hunger, gather gladly | A major | 87.87 D | The Columbian Harmony, 1825 | Brethren we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God.
Will you pray with all your power while we try to preach the word?
All is vain unless the Spirit of the holy One comes down.
Brethren pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Sisters, will you come and help us? Moses' sisters aided him.
Will you help the trembling mourners who are struggling hard with sin?
Tell them all about the Savior. Tell them that he will be found.
Sisters pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Is there here a trembling jailer, seeking grace and filled with fears?
Is there here a weeping Mary pouring forth a flood of tears?
Brethren join your cries to help them, sisters, let your prayers abound!
Pray, oh pray, that holy manna will be showered all around.
Let us love our God supremely, let us love each other too.
Let us love and pray for sinners till our God makes all things new.
Christ will call us home to heaven. At his table we'll sit down.
Christ will gird himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.
|
4 | The Columbian Harmony, 1825 | 2021/01/07 | |
| Abide with me | EVENTIDE | E-flat major | 10 10.10 10 | William H. Monk, 1861 | Abide with me; Fast falls the eventide,
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
|
4 | Henry F. Lyte, 1847 | 2021/01/16 | ||
| All praise to thee, my God | TALLIS' CANON | Calm soul of all things | G major | LM | Thomas Tallis, 1567 | All praise to thee, my God, this night, for all the blessings of the light.
Keep me, O keep me, King of kings, beneath thine own almighty wings.
Forgive me, Lord, for thy dear Son, the ill that I this day have done,
that with the world, myself, and thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.
O let my soul, on thee, repose, and with sweet sleep my eyelids close,
sleep that will me more vig'rous make to serve my God when I awake.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise God all creatures here below,
praise God above ye heav'nly host, praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
|
4 | Thomas Ken, 1695 | 2021/03/05 | |
| Hymn of Breaking Strain | BREAKING STRAIN | E minor | 76.76.76.76.6 | Leslie Fish, 1983; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | The careful textbooks measure
(Let all who build beware!)
the load, the shock, the pressure
material can bear.
So when a buckled girder
lets down a steel cascade,
the blame for loss, or murder
is on the maker laid.
the maker, not the made!
But in our daily dealing
with stone and steel, we find
the gods have no such feeling
of guilt for humankind.
To no set gauge they make us,
for no laid course prepare,
and presently o'ertake us
with loads we cannot bear:
Oh too merciless to bear.
The prudent textbooks give it
in tables at the end:
the stress that shears a rivet,
or makes a tiebar bend,
what traffic wrecks macadam,
what concrete should endure.
But we, of Eve and Adam
have no such lit'rature,
to warn us or make sure!
We only of Creation
(Oh, luckier bridge and rail)
abide the twin damnation:
To fail and know we fail.
Yet we— by which sole token
we know we once were gods—
take shame in being broken,
however great the odds.
the burden of the Odds.
Oh, veiled, secret Power,
whose paths we seek in vain,
be with us in our hour
of overthrow and pain;
that we— by which sure token
we know Thy ways are true—
because of being broken,
may rise and build anew.
stand up and build anew.
|
4 | Rudyard Kipling, 1935, alt. | 2021/05/15 | ||
| Help us to help each other, Lord | BALERMA | Come, humble sinner Oh, for a closer walk Come, Holy Spirit The Lord's my shepherd | A-flat major | CM | François H. Barthélémon, 1833 | Help us to help each other, Lord,
each other's cross to bear,
let all their friendly aid afford,
and feel another's care.
Up into thee, our living head,
let us in all things grow,
and by thy sacrifice be led
the fruits of love to show.
Touched by the lodestone of thy love
let all our hearts agree;
and ever toward each other move,
and ever move toward thee.
This is the bond of perfectness,
thy spotless charity.
O let us still, we pray, possess
the mind that was in thee.
|
4 | Charles Wesley, 1742 | 2021/01/09 | |
| This joyful Eastertide | VRUECHTEN | F major | 67.67 with refrain | Dutch traditional, David's Psalmen, 1685; arr. Charles Wood, 1902 | This joyful Eastertide, away with sin and sorrow!
My love, the crucified, hath sprung to life this morrow.
Had Christ, who once was slain, ne'er burst his threeday prison,
our faith had been in vain. But now hath Christ arisen,
arisen, arisen, arisen.
My flesh in hope shall rest and for a season slumber
till trumpets east to west shall wake the dead in number.
Had Christ, who once was slain, ne'er burst his threeday prison,
our faith had been in vain. But now hath Christ arisen,
arisen, arisen, arisen.
Death's flood hath lost its chill since Jesus crossed the river.
Lover of souls, from ill my passing soul deliver.
Had Christ, who once was slain, ne'er burst his threeday prison,
our faith had been in vain. But now hath Christ arisen,
arisen, arisen, arisen.
|
3 | George R. Woodward, 1894 | 2021/04/04 | ||
| Great is thy faithfulness | FAITHFULNESS | E-flat major | 11 10.11 10 with refrain | William M. Runyan, 1923 | Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Maker.
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not.
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness! Lord unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness! Lord unto me!
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow;
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is thy faithfulness! Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness! Lord unto me!
|
3 | Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923 | 2021/01/24 | ||
| Jesu, joy of our desiring | WERDE MUNTER | G major | 87.87.88.77 | Johann Schopp, 1642, harm. J. S. Bach, 1716 | Jesu, joy of our desiring, holy wisdom, love most bright,
drawn by thee, our souls aspiring soar to uncreated light.
Word of God, our flesh that fashioned, with the fire of life impassioned,
striving still to truth unknown, soaring, dying round thy throne.
Through the way, where hope is guiding, hark, what peaceful music rings,
where the flock, in thee confiding, drink of joy from deathless springs.
Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure. Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead thine own in the love of joys unknown.
|
2 | Martin Janus, 1665, trans. Robert Bridges, 1927 | 2021/03/04 | ||
| As I went down to the river to pray | AS I WENT DOWN TO THE RIVER TO PRAY | F major | irregular | African American Spiritual | As I went down to the river to pray,
studyin' about that good old way,
and who shall wear the starry crown,
good Lord, show me the way.
Oh, sisters, let's go down,
let's go down, come on down.
Oh, sisters, let's go down,
down to the river to pray.
Oh, brothers, …
Oh, children, …
Oh, sinners, …
|
4 | African American Spiritual | 2021/03/20 | ||
| Be thou my vision | SLANE | Lord of all hopefulness | E-flat major | 10.10.9.10 | Irish melody, 1909; arr. Martin Shaw, 1931 | Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
naught be all else to me save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
waking or sleeping thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, be thou my true word;
I ever with thee, and thou with me, Lord.
Thou my great Ma-ker, thy child may I be,
thou in me dwelling, and I one with thee.
Be thou my buckler, my sword for the fight.
Be thou my dignity, thou my delight,
thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tower.
Raise thou me heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;
thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and thou only, first in my heart,
high King of heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of heaven, when vict'ry is won
may I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'n's Sun!
Heart of my heart, whatever befall,
still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
|
5 | Ancient Irish, tr. Mary Elizabeth Byrne, 1905 | 2021/01/13 | |
| Love divine, all loves excelling | HYFRYDOL | Alleluia! Sing to Jesus Come, thou long-expected Jesus | F major | 87.87 D | Rowland H. Prichard ca. 1830; arr. Ralph Vaughn Williams, 1906 | Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav'n to earth come down,
fix in us Thy humble dwelling, all Thy faithful mercies crown!
Jesus, Thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love Thou art;
visit us with Thy salvation, enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe Thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast!
Let us all in Thee inherit, let us find the promised rest;
take away the love of sinning; Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all Thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never, nevermore Thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing, serve Thee as Thy hosts above;
pray, and praise Thee without ceasing, glory in Thy perfect love.
Finish, then, Thy new creation; Pure and spotless let us be;
let us see Thy great salvation perfectly restored in Thee;
changed from glory into glory, till in heav'n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before Thee, lost in wonder, love, and praise.
|
4 | Charles Wesley, 1747 | 2022/05/12 | |
| I to the hills will lift my eyes | DUNDEE | God moves in a mysterious way O God of Bethel, by whose hand Let saints on earth in concert sing O God, we praise thee; and confess Great God, how infinite art thou The people that in darkness sat | D major | CM | The CL. Psalmes of David, 1615 | I to the hills will lift my eyes. From whence shall come my aid?
My help is from the Lord alone, who heav'n and earth has made.
God will not let your foot be moved, your guardian never sleeps.
God's watchful and unslumb'ring care protects and safely keeps.
Your faithful keeper is the Lord, your shelter and your shade.
'Neath sun or moon, by day or night, you shall not be afraid.
From evil God will keep you safe, provide for all you need.
Your going out, your coming in, God will forever lead.
|
4 | The New Metrical Version of the Psalms, 1912, alt. | 2021/03/13 | |
| O sacred Head, now wounded | HERZLICH TUT MICH VERLANGEN | D major | 76.76 D | Hans L. Hassler, 1601; arr. J. S. Bach, 1729 | O sacred Head, now wounded,
with grief and shame weighed down,
now scornfully surrounded
with thorns, thine only crown!
O sacred Head, what glory,
what bliss till now was thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call thee mine.
What thou, my Lord, hast suffered
was all for sinners' gain.
Mine, mine was the transgression,
but thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior!
'Tis I deserve thy place.
Look on me with thy favor,
and grant to me thy grace.
What language shall I borrow
to thank thee, dearest Friend,
for this, thy dying sorrow,
thy pity without end?
Oh, make me thine forever,
and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never
outlive my love to thee.
Be near when I am dying,
oh, show thy cross to me,
and for my rescue, flying,
come, Lord, and set me free!
These eyes, new faith receiving,
from Jesus shall not move,
for one who dies believing
dies safely, through thy love.
|
4 | Paul Gerhardt, 1656; tr. James W. Alexander, 1861 | 2021/03/22 | ||
| O the deep, deep love of Jesus | EBENEZER | Jesus, tempted in the desert God hath spoken by his prophets Hear the turmoil of the nations Once to every soul and nation | E minor | 87.87.87.87 | Thomas John Williams, 1890 | O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all aroundme,
is the current of thy love;
leading onward, leading homeward,
to thy glorious rest above.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus!
Spread his praise from shore to shore!
How he loves us, ever loves us,
changes never, nevermore!
How he watches o'er his loved ones,
died to call them all his own;
how for them he's interceding,
watching o'er them from the throne!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
love of ev'ry love the best!
'Tis an ocean vast of blessing,
'tis a haven sweet of rest!
Oh, the deep, deep love of Jesus,
'tis a heav'n of heav'ns to me;
and it lifts me up to glory,
for it lifts me up to thee!
|
3 | S. Trevor Francis, 1890 | 2021/03/30 | |
| Be still and know | BE STILL AND KNOW | Receive our thanks | C major | 8.8.8 | Anonymous; arr. Anja and Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am God.
|
1 | Psalm 46:10 | 2021/03/30 | |
| Now, on land and sea descending | VESPER HYMN | E-flat major | 87.87.86.87 | John A. Stevenson, 1818 | Now, on land and sea descending, brings the night its peace profound.
Let our vesper hymn be blending with the holy calm around.
Jubilate! Jubilate! Jubilate! Amen!
Let our vesper hymn be blending with the holy calm around.
Soon as dies the sunset glory, stars of heav'n shine out above,
telling still the ancient story– their Creator's endless love.
Jubilate! Jubilate! Jubilate! Amen!
Telling still the ancient story– their Creator's endless love.
Now, our wants and burdens leaving to our God who cares for all,
cease we fearing, cease we grieving; touched by God our burdens fall.
Jubilate! Jubilate! Jubilate! Amen!
Cease we fearing, cease we grieving; touched by God our burdens fall.
As the darkness deepens o'er us, lo! Eternal stars arise.
Hope and faith and love rise glorious, shining in the Spirit's skies.
Jubilate! Jubilate! Jubilate! Amen!
Hope and faith and love rise glorious, shining in the Spirit's skies.
|
4 | Samuel Longfellow, 1859 | 2021/04/02 | ||
| Way way way | WAY WAY WAY | E major | irregular | traditional Ojibwe lullaby; transcr. Frences Densmore, 1913 | Way way way way way.
Way way way way way.
Way way way way way.
|
4 | Ojibwe traditional, 1913; Additional phrases suggested by Mark MacDonald | 2021/03/28 | ||
| We shall overcome | WE SHALL OVERCOME | C major | irregular | African-American Spiritual; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | We shall overcome,
we shall overcome,
we shall overcome someday!
O deep in my heart
I do believe
we shall overcome, someday!
We'll walk hand in hand ... some day!
We shall live in peace … some day!
We are not afraid … today!
God will see us through ... some day!
|
3 | African-American Spiritual | 2021/01/12 | ||
| Drinking alone in the moonlight | PLUM BLOSSOM | G major | 88.88.88.88 | 梅花三弄 (Plum Blossom Melodies); arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | One pot of wine amid the flowers
alone I pour, and none with me.
The cup I lift; the Moon invite;
who with my Shadow makes us three.
Though Moon dismiss my offered drink,
the Shadow does what I begin.
As one, the Shadow, Moon and I
rejoice, and watch the spring come in.
I sing: and wavers time the Moon.
I dance: the Shadow antics too.
Our joys we share while sober still.
When drunk, we part and bid adieu.
Of loveless outing this the pact,
sustaining us through cloudy day.
The next time that we meet shall be
beside yon distant milky way.
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2 | 李白 (Li Bai), 701-762 tr. W.J.B. Fletcher, 1919, alt. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/06/05 | ||
| Come, thou fount | NETTLETON | Summoned by the God who made us | D major | 87.87 D | American folk melody, 1813 | Come, Thou Fount of ev'ry blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of God’s unchanging love.
Here I raise my Ebenezer; here by Thy great help I’ve come;
And I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wand’ring from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood; }
O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wand’ring heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
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3 | Robert Robinson, 1759 | 2021/01/13 | |
| As the deer with eager yearning | GENEVA 42 (FREU DICH SEHR) | Comfort, comfort, O my people | F major | 87.87.77.88 | Louis Bourgeois, 1551; arr. Claude Goudimel, 1565 | As the deer with eager yearning
seeks the cooling watercourse,
so my soul with ardor burning
longs for God, its heav'nly source.
When shall I behold God's face?
When shall I receive God's grace?
When shall I, God's praises voicing,
come before our God rejoicing?
Day and night in grief and anguish
bitter tears have been my meat,
while my longing soul may languish
to partake of manna sweet.
O my soul, be not dismayed.
Trust in God, who is our aid.
Hope and joy God's love provides you,
'tis God's hand alone that guides you.
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2 | Based on Psalm 42, Christine T. Curtis, 1939, alt. | 2021/03/09 | |
| In the Rifted Rock (Wehrlos und verlassen) | RIFTED ROCK | E major | 87.87 with refrain | W. Warren Bentley, 1879 | In the rifted Rock I'm resting, safely sheltered, I abide.
There no foes nor storms assail me, while within the cleft I hide.
Now I'm resting, sweetly resting, in the cleft once made for me.
Jesus, blessed Rock of ages, I will hide myself in thee.
Long pursued by sin and Satan, weary, sad, I longed for rest.
Then I found this heav'nly shelter, opened in my Savior's breast.
Now I'm resting, sweetly resting, in the cleft once made for me.
Jesus, blessed Rock of ages, I will hide myself in thee.
Wehrlos und verlassen sehnt sich oft mein Herz nach stiller Ruh';
doch du deckest mit dem Fittich deiner Liebe sanft mich zu.
Unter deinem sanften Fittich find' ich Frieden, Trost und Ruh';
denn du schirmest mich so freundlich, schützest mich und deckst mich zu.
Drückt mich Kummer, Müh' und Sorge, meine Zuflucht bist nur du,
rettest mich aus allen Ängsten, tröstest mich und deckst mich zu.
Unter deinem sanften Fittich find' ich Frieden, Trost und Ruh';
denn du schirmest mich so freundlich, schützest mich und deckst mich zu.
Peace which passeth understanding,
joy the world can never give,
now in Jesus, I am finding;
in his smiles of love I live.
In the rifted Rock I'll hide me,
till the storms of life are past
all secure in this blest refuge,
heeding not the fiercest blast.
Sicher bin ich und geborgen,
denn bei dir ist süße Ruh';
mag es auch im Leben stürmen,
Herr, dein Fittich deckt mich zu.
Kommt dann meine letzte Stunde,
geh' ich ein zur ew'gen Ruh';
und du deckst mit deinen Flügeln
ewiglich dein Kindlein zu.
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4 | English; Mary Dagworthy James, 1878; German; Carl Röhl, 1895 | 2021/03/12 | ||
| Grant us, God, the grace of giving | STUTTGART | Come, thou long-expected Jesus May we each take joy in giving | G major | 87.87 | Henry J. Gauntlett, 1861 | Grant us, God, the grace of giving with a spirit large and free
that ourselves and all our living we may offer unto thee.
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1 | Robert Murray, 1880, alt. | 2021/03/14 | |
| Come, my Way, my Truth, my Light | THE CALL | E-flat major | 77.77 | Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1911 | Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life:
such a way as gives me breath;
such a truth as ends all strife;
such a life as killeth death.
Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength:
such a light as shows a feast;
such a feast as mends in length;
such a strength as makes his guest.
Come my Joy, my Love, my Heart:
such a joy as none can move;
such a love as none can part;
such a heart as joys in love.
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3 | George Herbert, 1633 | 2021/01/16 | ||
| On Jordan's Stormy Banks | BOUND FOR THE PROMISED LAND | E minor | CM with refrain | American traditional, Southern Harmony, 1835; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | On Jordan's stormy banks I stand and cast a wishful eye
to Canaan's fair and happy land where my possessions lie.
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
There gen'rous fruits that never fail on trees immortal grow.
There rocks and hills and brooks and vales with milk and honey flow.
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
All o'er those wide extended plains shines one eternnal day.
There God the sun forever reigns, and scatters night away.
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
Filled with delight, my raptured soul can here no longer stay.
Though Jordan's waves around me roll, fearless I'd launch away.
I'm bound for the promised land, I'm bound for the promised land;
O who will come and go with me? I'm bound for the promised land.
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4 | Samuel Stennett, 1787 | 2021/04/23 | ||
| O love, how deep, how broad | DEO GRACIAS | O wondrous type! O vision fair A hymn of glory let us sing Sing we triumphant hymns Forth in the peace of Christ we go | D minor | LM | English Traditional, 15th c.; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2017 | O love, how deep, how broad, how high! It fills the heart with ecstasy,
that God, the Son of God, should take our mortal form for mortals' sake.
For us he was baptized and bore his holy fast, and hungered sore.
For us temptation sharp he knew, for us the tempter overthrew.
For us he prayed, for us he taught. for us his daily works he wrought,
by words and signs and actions thus still seeking not himself but us.
For us to wicked hands betrayed, scourged, mocked, in purple robe arrayed,
he bore the shameful cross and death, for us at length gave up his breath.
Eternal glory to our God for love so deep, so high, so broad;
the Trinity whom we adore forever and forevermore.
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5 | Thomas a Kempis, 15th c. trans. Benjamin Webb 1851, alt. | 2021/03/04 | |
| Move in our midst | PINE GLEN | C major | 9.9.9.9 | Perry L. Huffaker, 1950 | Move in our midst, thou Spirit of God.
Go with us down from thy holy hill.
Walk with us through the storm and the calm.
Spirit of God, go thou with us still.
Touch thou our hands to lead us aright.
Guide us forever, show us thy way.
Transform our darkness into thy light.
Spirit of God, lead thou us today.
Strike from our feet the fetters that bind.
Lift from our lives the weight of our wrong.
Teach us to love with heart, soul, and mind.
Spirit of God, thy love makes us strong.
Kindle our hearts to burn with thy flame.
Raise up thy banners high in this hour.
Stir us to build new worlds in thy name.
Spirit of God, O send us thy pow'r!
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4 | Kenneth I. Morse, 1942 | 2021/04/24 | ||
| Religion fit to last | JESOUS AHATONHIA (adapted) | 'Twas in the moon of wintertime | G minor | 86.86.76.86 | French folk melody; arr. Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | A voice within cries out, distressed, to see you taste the fruit,
forbidden by your God and creed, respected since your youth:
"Prodigal, I'll fight in you, restore your faith to thrive.
I'll bring you back within the fold. Without you can't survive.
Without you can't survive!"
"You'd loose the bond of family!" your instinct diatribes.
Decide: Be shunned to wilderness, or rest in harmless lies.
Act against evolvéd traits? Your logic might agree,
but in your gut, you crave not truth, you crave community.
You crave community!
If earthly fears don't faze you, try a sample of Pascal:
A slim chance of unfathomed bliss is worth more than your all.
Walk along the Roman Road, elude eternal pain.
Salvation's path is markéd well, with brimstone in the drain,
with brimstone in the drain:
Step one: believe, O wretch, your life is worthless, justly lost,
and second: faith's your only hope, at seemingly no cost!
Third, since faith is proved by work, pay up in duties due:
Two hands on plow, and don't look back, for Brother's watching you.
Your God is watching you!
Heed not the sluggish, skeptic thought, the votes have all been cast.
Religions of today are the religions fit to last.
Members true through power, fear, or friendly company
rebuke again their wayward young, "Eat not from yonder tree."
"Eat not from yonder tree!"
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5 | Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/01/12 | |
| For the beauty of our earth | DIX | As with gladness men of old Praise to God, immortal praise God of mercy, God of grace | A major | 77.77.77 | Conrad Kocher, 1838 | For the beauty of our earth, for the glory of her skies,
for the love which from our birth over and around us lies:
Source of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the beauty of each hour of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flow'r, sun and moon and stars of light:
Source of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of ear and eye, for the heart and mind's delight,
For the 'me', 'myself', and 'I', conscious links to sound and sight:
Source of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
For the joy of human care, sibling, partner, parent, child,
friends we've lost and friends still here, for all selfless thoughts and mild:
Source of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
For thy Truth both harsh and kind, shadowed setter of our stage,
patterns sought by human mind, writ, revised from age to age,
Source of all, to thee we raise this our hymn of grateful praise.
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5 | Folliott S. Pierpoint, 1864, alt. v.5 Kenan Schaefkofer, 2021 | 2021/01/05 | |
| There's a wideness in God's mercy | WELLESLEY | B-flat major | 87.87 | Lizzie S. Tourjee, 1878 | There's a wideness in God's mercy
like the wideness of the sea.
There's a kindness in God's justice,
which is more than liberty.
There is welcome for the sinner,
and more graces for the good.
There is mercy with the Savior,
there is healing in his blood.
But we make God's love too narrow
by false limits of our own,
and we magnify its strictness
with a zeal God will not own.
For the love of God is broader
than the measures of the mind,
and the heart of the Eternal
is most wonderfully kind.
If our love were but more simple,
we should rest upon God's word,
and our lives would be illumined
by the presence of our Lord.
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5 | Frederick W. Faber, 1861 | 2021/05/13 |