Showing 21–25 of 25 results
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Psalm 73: You, O God, Are Mine
https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/psalm_073-you-o_god_are_mine.mp3
Linda Bonney Olin’s Psalm settings are always singable distillations of the original Psalm–direct and heartfelt. Psalm 73 is a challenge because it is a prayer of envy and complaint: “Why do I keep myself pure when I can see the wicked thriving all around me?” The Psalmist answers the question by the end of the Psalm, saying, essentially, “My reward is a life spent close to God.” Linda turns this into the repeated refrain: “You, O God, are mine.” Beautiful.
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Psalm 75: Your Love Enfolds Each Yearning Heart
https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/psalm_075-your_love_enfolds.mp3
This warm jazz ballad of Psalm 75 uses Michael Morgan’s metrical setting of the Psalm. One of the things I love about Morgan’s writing is that he doesn’t shy away from difficult sections like, “In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs,” but he somehow finds a way to place it in the context of a tender, loving God who wants the best for us.
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Psalm 89: The Sky Belongs to You
https://musicblog.gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/Psalm_089-the_sky_belongs_to_you-morgan.mp3
The lyrics for this song are the work of Michael Morgan, who wrote them for the Timeless Psalter to the tune of TOULON. While that tune’s rugged beauty portrays the regal aspects of Psalm 89:1-8 well, I thought there was room for a more gentle interpretation.
This leadsheet is a free download. If you sing this song in your church please report its use to CCLI or OneLicense.
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Thank You, Lord
[audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/thank_you_lord-piano.mp3"][/audio]
Like many Black Gospel songs, the beauty of this is that it focuses on one thing (thanksgiving) while allowing for lots of flexibility. The lead singer can improvise new verses in the moment (“Been so good,” “Saved my soul,” etc); the Just Add People! piano arrangement is equally flexible, with an optional modulation and chord symbols for guitar, bass, and other instruments.Piano accompaniment for congregational singing.
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You Are the Resurrection
[audio mp3="https://gregscheer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/you_are_the_resurrection.mp3"][/audio]“You Are the Resurrection” is an infectious Easter chorus in bossa nova style. It is part of the Red Crearte “Common Song for Easter” project, with composers from all over the world contributing songs.
Feel free to dance along with the Simon, Theo, and me in the video below:
PowerPoint slides for congregational singing are available from Digital Songs & Hymns.
This leadsheet is a free download. If you sing this song in your church please report its use to CCLI or OneLicense.