Our opening hymn on Sunday is #149 – Eternal Lord of Love, behold your Church.
This contemporary text picks up the message of John’s Gospel:
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit,”
and the emphasis on the Father’s glory. Listen here.
The Sequence Hymn (between the Epistle and the Gospel) is #628, Help Us, O Lord to learn.
Sung to the tune, St Ethelwald, this hymn picks up the theme of the First Reading with the line,
“Help us, O Lord, to learn the truths your word imparts: to study, that your laws may be inscribed upon on our hearts.”
Our Offertory song, Glorify Thy Name,
reflects the Gospel where Jesus says,
“Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say—‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.”
Someone remarked that the Sanctus we are using in Lent is unfamiliar.
True! This wonderful arrangement by Peter Scholtes captures a sense of majesty and mystery. You can listen to a version here, but be aware that I rewrote the lyrics of the opening repeat to include the Benedictus qui venit: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Do not worry, we will be back to the familiar Schubert Sanctus for Palm Sunday and Easter!
For our closing hymn, we will reprise Lift High the Cross which was our closing hymn last week.
This marvelous hymn for Passion tide reinforces Jesus’ words from John 12:
“I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
Join us on Sundays and sing glorify God in song!