This quiet ballad uses I Kings 19:11-13 and events from Jesus’ ministry to reflect on hearing the still, small voice of the Lord in our world today. The song can be effectively led by a praise team or sung as an anthem by choir.
Charles Wesley’s hymn “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” is a timeless text that has been forever in search of a timeless tune. This choral setting brings out the pathos of the text, an urgent prayer in time of need. The anthem is scored for SATB Choir and Piano and can be purchased from GIA Music.
I love this hymn so much that I included it in an episode of the Greg Scheer Music Podcast as well as a Lent hymn series that explored a different musical setting of “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” every week.
Most Christmas songs are all joy and confidence: Shepherds overwhelmed by angelic songs; Wisemen led by navigational stars. But if your life is at all like mine, those moments are rare. Instead, life is often accompanied by a soundtrack of doubt, missteps, and loss. “Jesus, Be Enough” asks the question: Is Jesus a sufficient gift even when Christmas miracles don’t occur? Will we trust God even when our prayers seem to go unanswered? It is a Christmas carol for the rest of us. [Above is a demo of the choral anthem and below is a version with guitar and cello.]
In 2019, Church of the Servant commissioned me to arrange a lovely Magnificat by Keur Moussa. The Keur Moussa community, which is something like the Taizé of Senegal, has developed its own style of singing that combines the beautiful austerity of Catholic chant with the insistent rhythms of West Africa. Trying to remain in the spirit of the original piece, this arrangement is complex, but not flashy; exciting, but still mesmerizing.
Arrangement for SATB choir, flute, strings, guitar, mbira, shakers, dumbek, and drum set. Purchase price includes full score, all instrumental parts, and permission to make multiple copies for choir.
This anthem was commissioned for the 2001 inauguration of Dr. Bruce Murphy as president of Northwestern College in Iowa. The lyrics are adapted from Psalm 67— a perfect Psalm of thanksgiving for a fall worship ceremony in the heartland of America.
Note that this piece is for advanced choir, brass quintet, organ, and percussion. It is challenging, but exhilarating.
The verses of this song celebrate the crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and return of Christ–each being a reason to sing “Let His Name Be Lifted Up” in the chorus!
What started its life as a hymn of unity based on Ephesians 4 soon became an anthem for SATB Choir, Organ, and Brass, commissioned by River Road Presbyterian Church in honor of their retiring music direction, and my friend, Larry Heath.
PowerPoint slides for congregational singing are available from Digital Songs & Hymns.
Wendell Kimbrough’s setting of Mary’s Song captures the wonder, fear, and obedience of Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message. The song is a perfect fit for Advent, Christmas, and Lessons and Carols services. The choral arrangement places the choir alongside folk instruments, which is a lovely marriage for those who lead blended worship.
Listen to this new recording of the children’s choir anthem produced by Carey Luce and Carlos Colón:
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this song was written for Bellefield Presbyterian Church’s pianist, Jeff Stehle. The lyrics remind us that the “rain” we experience in our lives may be exactly what is needed for us to grow–an idea which took on new meaning when Jeff was diagnosed with cancer. Though he’s in remission, I’d ask that you would say a quick prayer on his behalf when you play this song-just think of it as royalties paid in prayers!
