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.
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!
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!
William Walsham How is best known as the author of “For All the Saints,” but he wrote almost a hundred other hymns, including “O One with God the Father.” It is a powerful Epiphany text that begins with the theme of Colossians 1:15, “The Son is the image of the invisible God.” Surprisingly few hymns address the oneness of the Father and Son, so it is also appropriate when focusing on the theme “We believe in Jesus Christ his only Son” from the Apostles’ Creed.
Looking for a song to celebrate and encourage intergenerational worship? This setting of Psalm 145:1-7 was one of the winning songs of the CRC sesquicentennial hymn contest. Since then it has been included in three hymnals, recorded on a CD, sung at weddings, and used as a theme song for church dedications and education programs. One young person said this: I love this song. It has given me greater understanding of what a healthy church and Godly community looks like and has inspired me to be open to learning from the “last” generation.
Commissioned to be sung at the graduation ceremony of Western Theological Seminary, this song captures the exuberance and gratitude of Psalm 103 in an upbeat gospel style. This Psalm is traditionally sung as a thanksgiving song at the conclusion of communion–indeed, Western still uses it regularly in their chapel’s communion–but it also works well as a general song of praise of choral offertory.
Above is an MP3 of Finale playing back the choral score. Starting at 17:23 in the video below is the anthem being sung as part of Calvin University’s chapel.
Wendell Kimbrough’s setting of Psalm 104 won the COS New Psalm Contest in 2014. Since then, I’ve arranged this song for strings, brass, and choir. These arrangements bring out a whole new majestic side to the song.
Rubem Amorese and Toninho Zemuner write beautiful congregational songs in their native Portuguese. Their song on Psalm 125, “Proteçao,” is a beautiful testament to the protection that surrounds God’s people.
