• Psalm 104: Oh, Rejoice in All Your Works

    Psalm 104: Oh, Rejoice in All Your Works

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    https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/kimbrough-psalm_104.mp3

    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.

  • Psalm 132: Arise, O King of Grace, Arise (O Savior, Come)

    Psalm 132: Arise, O King of Grace, Arise (O Savior, Come)

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    [audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/psalm_132-o_savior_come.mp3"][/audio]

    Psalm 132 is not only one of the Psalms of Ascent, it is also one of the lectionary Psalms used in Advent. Isaac Watts teases out Christological imagery from the Psalm in a way that makes it a perfect Advent song, especially paired with the chorus, “O Savior Come.” However, it is not so Advent-specific that it can’t be used throughout the year, especially on Christ the King Sunday.

    PowerPoint slides for congregational singing are available from Digital Songs & Hymns.

  • Psalm 149: Let God's People Sing a New Song

    Psalm 149: Let God’s People Sing a New Song

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    https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/psalm149-let_gods_people.mp3

    As the Psalter ends, it erupts into a chorus of Hallelujahs and Praise the Lords, naming a plethora of instruments that should be used to make the praise even more glorious. This song follows suit, with strings, brass, harpsichord, flute, accordion, and saxophone all joining in. Of course, you don’t need all the instruments featured on the recording; you lead this with a worship band, guitar, or the piano accompaniment that’s available below.

    The song was featured on the Cardiphonia album The Songs of the Psalter, Vol 5.1, part of a series that covers the entire Psalter.

  • Psalm 4: I Rest in You

    Psalm 4: I Rest in You

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    [embed]http://musicblog.gregscheer.com/psalm_004-i_rest_in_you.mp3[/embed]

    Psalm 4 is the lament of someone whose honor has been impugned. You can hear the theme of shame and honor recurring throughout. Ultimately, though, the Psalmist chooses to rest in the Lord. It reminds me of what Richard Foster says in The Celebration of Discipline—I believe in the section on silence—about not speaking in defense of yourself, but simply allowing your reputation to stand on its own. This lack of control is frightening, especially when your name is at stake, but ultimately we can’t control what others think of us. In this song, the lyrics and music turn the Psalm from an indignant defense (“Break their teeth, O Lord”) into a quiet prayer in the night. 

  • Psalm 40: Patiently

    Psalm 40: Patiently

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    [embed]http://musicblog.gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/patiently_COS.mp3[/embed]

    This meditative rendering of Psalm 40 won the 2017 Church of the Servant New Psalm Contest. You can read the whole story below.

  • Psalm 46: O Lord of All, You Are Our Home

    Psalm 46: O Lord of All, You Are Our Home

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    [embed]http://musicblog.gregscheer.com/psalm_046-o_lord_of_all.mp3[/embed]

    Psalm 46 offers comfort and hope in times of trouble. It doesn’t promise that we won’t experience hardship, but that God will be with us in those times.

    In Martin Luther’s famous setting of Psalm 46, “A Mighty Fortress,” he focused on themes of strength and battle. In my setting, I highlight the Psalm’s images of God as a refuge–God’s stable presence among us in a chaotic world–concluding each verse with an affirmation of hope: “The Lord of all is with us.”

  • Psalm 55: Oh, That I Had Wings

    Psalm 55: Oh, That I Had Wings

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    [embed]http://musicblog.gregscheer.com/psalm_055-oh_that_i_had_wings.mp3[/embed]

    Psalm 55 is the plea of someone who has been betrayed and attacked by a former friend. Understandably, the Psalmist wants to beat a hasty retreat: “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest.” Given the urgency of the Psalm, I wrote a tune that comes in short, breathless bursts, with harmonic twists and turns.

  • Psalm 65: We Praise You, God, in Silence and Singing

    Psalm 65: We Praise You, God, in Silence and Singing

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    https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/psalm_065-rehearsal.mp3

    Bethany Cok and Josh Parks asked me to compose music for their wedding, and they chose Psalm 65 as the song’s text. It was a great choice: Psalm 65 is a Psalm of thanksgiving that was likely written for one of the harvest festivals; its focus on entering God’s house, keeping vows, and God’s blessing make it a beautiful fit for a wedding.

    This song is mentioned in Greg’s podcast, “Thanksgiving Brainstorms.”

    Score and parts for piano, voice, violins, viola, and cello. Purchase price allows you to print as many copies as you need for your ensemble.

  • Psalm 78: People Of The Lord

    Psalm 78: People Of The Lord

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    [audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/people_of_the_lord-cantor_and_choir.mp3"][/audio]

    Who would have thought that a Genevan Psalter-style setting of Psalm 78 in 7/8 time would become my biggest hit? After it won the Calvin09 hymn contest, the song was translated into a half dozen languages and sung from Switzerland to Brazil. It is included in a number hymnals, including the Presbyterian Glory to God and CRC/RCA Lift Up Your Hearts. Your church can get in on the fun, too, by downloading the music here at www.gregscheer.com.

    Read the whole story of the song here: People of the Lord

  • Psalm 84: Blessed Beyond Measure

    Psalm 84: Blessed Beyond Measure

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    [embed]http://musicblog.gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/psalm084-blessed_-beyond_measure.mp3[/embed]

    Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, MN commissioned this song and choral anthem for their centennial celebration. Their choice of Psalm 84 is perfect for such an event: the Psalm is full of wide-eyed wonder about God’s temple, but also trust in God’s presence on the journey of life. What a beautiful theme for a church that has journeyed for 100 years and is looking to its future!

    The song is what I often call a “blender.” That is, a song that can live comfortably in both traditional and contemporary settings: think “In Christ Alone,” “There Is a Redeemer,” etc. This demo leans toward the contemporary with guitars and drums, but the choral arrangement leans more traditional. Ultimately, I think it will be right at home in both Trinity’s weekly traditional and contemporary services.