I have decided to follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus,
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
The world behind me, the cross before me,
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow,
No turning back, no turning back.

4. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

 Background information

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.  

Forgive our sins as we forgive

1. “Forgive our sins as we forgive,”
You taught us, Lord, to pray;
But You alone can grant us grace
To live the words we say.

2. How can Your pardon reach and bless
The unforgiving heart
That broods on wrongs and will not let
Old bitterness depart?

3. In blazing light Your cross reveals
The truth we dimly knew:
How trifling others’ debts to us;
How great our debt to You!

4. Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls
And bid resentment cease;
Then, by Your mercy reconciled,
Our lives will spread Your peace.

Text: Rosamond E. Herklots (1905-1987).
Tune: DETROIT CM (Supplement to Kentucky Harmony, from The Sacred Harp, Philadelphia, 1844).

All because of Jesus

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

Hymn of Promise (Natalie Sleeth)

In the bulb there is a flower; in the seed, an apple tree;
In cocoons, a hidden promise: butterflies will soon be free!
In the cold and snow of winter there’s a spring that waits to be,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

There’s a song in every silence, seeking word and melody;
There’s a dawn in every darkness, bringing hope to you and me.
From the past will come the future; what it holds, a mystery,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

In our end is our beginning; in our time, infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life, eternity,
In our death, a resurrection; at the last, a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

Composer: Natalie Sleeth (1986)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

何處有仁 (泰澤 / Taizé)

《何處有仁》

何處有仁, 何處有愛;
何處有仁, 上主必常在。

See also the original Latin version: Ubi Caritas (Taizé)

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

1996 Carols from King's at King's College, Cambridge

The 1996 Carols from King's at King's College, Cambridge.

See also: King's College, Cambridge's Carols from King's from previous years.

The Choir of King's College, Cambridge's recent CD release: Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols

Well of Tears (Bob Dufford)

1. Is there no balm in Gilead,
no hand to heal this sorrow?
Are there no eyes to share this grief
and see beyond tomorrow?

2. Will no one come to hear this tale
and stand amid the ashes?
Can no one dry this well of tears,
or stay this wound within me?

Refrain

God above, hear our plea.
Turn your eyes of mercy here
to light our way.
Stay with us, Lord of all.
All we seek, all we've lost
we find in you.

3. How can I bear this memory,
and keep my soul from breaking?
How will I rise again each day
and greet a life worth living? (to Refrain)

4. Rivers will run and flowers grow,
and stars will steer their courses.
Springtime will come for me one day
when I have stayed this winter.

Composer: Bob Dufford

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

2013 Musical Celebration of Trinity Sunday

From the Cantus Mundi collection, the 2013 selection of hymns and songs from around the world celebrating Trinity Sunday:

African

• Uyai Mose/Come All You People (Zimbabwe/Bantu)

English

• Come, Thou Almighty King
• Come Great God of all the Ages
• Holy God We Praise Thy Name 
• Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
• O Trinity, Most Blessed Light 
• Saint Patrick's Breastplate (I Bind Unto Myself Today)
• Sing Praise to Our Creator (O Most Holy Trinity)
• We Believe in One True God 

German 

• Großer Gott, wir loben dich
• Wir glauben all' an einen Gott

Latin

• O Lux, Beata Trinitas (Mozarabic Chant)

Love Never Fails (David Haas)

1. If I speak with the tongues of the earth, if the angels fill my mouth,
yet do not have love, I am but a sound.
If I prophesy and understand all things, if mountains shake by my faith,
without love I am nothing at all.

Refrain:

Love is patient; love is kind. Love rejoices in the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things, it hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

2. If I give away everything I own, give my body to be burned,
yet do not have love, I gain nothing more. Prophecies will cease;
tongues will be silent. Knowledge will be no more, the partial pass away.

3. When I was a child, I talked, thought, and live like a child.
But now that I have grown, I have put these things aside.
My knowledge is imperfect now, then I'll know as I am known:
that faith, hope and love remain, and the greatest of these is love.

Composer: David Haas (2001)

 See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

God of Silence (Bukas Palad)

The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits
O Lord, I hear You calling tenderly
To You I come to gaze
At the beauty of Your face I cannot see

To rest in Your embrace I cannot feel
To dwell in Your love hurting but sweet
To be with You; to glimpse eternity

God of night, fount of all my delight.
Show Your light . . . that my heart, like Yours, burn bright.

Be still the torment of the night
Will not encumber you, if you believe
My child this darkness isn't emptiness
For here I mold your heart
Unto My image painfully you long to see

The self you yearn to be, but fear to know
The world from which you flee in Me find home
All these I give you, if you remain in Me

COUNTERPOINT:
I am ever here
My child, you need not fear
The dark will set you free
And bring your heart to Me

CODA:
The God of silence beckons me
To journey to my heart
Where He awaits me.

Setting: Bukas Palad (Philippines)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

One Thing I Ask (Hangad)

One thing I ask:
To dwell in the house of the Lord all my days,
To gaze on His goodness
And walk in His ways.

He will shelter me;
He will be my strength.
In the triumph that He brings me
I can hold my head high.

In His house I shall lift up my voice.
I will sing, I will praise the Lord.

Setting: Hangad (Philippines)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

All That I Am / Magnificat (David Haas)

Refrain:

All that I am sings of the God who brings new life to birth in me.
My spirit soars on the wings of my Lord.

1. My soul gives glory to the Lord, rejoicing in my saving God,
who looks upon me in my state, and all the world will call me blest;
For God works marvels in my sight, and holy, holy is God's name.

2. God's mercy is from age to age, on those who follow in fear;
Whose arm is power and strength, and scatters all the proud of heart;
Who casts the mighty from their thrones and raises up the lowly ones!

3. God fills the starving with good things, the rich are left with empty hands;
Protecting all the faithful ones, remembering Israel with mercy,
the promise known to those before and to their children for ever!

Composer: David Haas

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Yahweh, the Faithful one (Dan Schutte)

Refrain:
Yahweh's love will last forever,
His faithfulness till the end of time.
Yahweh is a loving God, Yahweh, the faithful one.

1. Have no fear for I am with you, I will be your shield.
Go now and leave your homeland.
For I will give your home (Refrain)

2. You shall be my chosen people and I will be your God.
I will bless your name forever and keep you from all harm. (Refrain)

3. Look up and see the heavens and count the stars if you can.
Your name will be even grearter, greater than all these stars. (Refrain)

Composer: Dan Schutte

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

How shall I sing to God (David Haas)

1 How shall I sing to God when life is filled with gladness,
loving and birth, wonder and worth?
I'll sing from the heart, thankfully receiving, joyful in believing.
This is my song, I'll sign it with love.

2 How shall I sing to God when life is filled with bleakness,
empty and chill, breaking my will?
I'll sing through my pain, angrily or aching, crying or complaining
This is my song, I'll sign it with love

3 How shall I sing to God and tell my Savior's story:
passover bread, life from the dead?
I'll sing with my life, witnessing and giving, risking and forgiving.
This is my song, I'll sign it with love.

Text: Brian Wren (1986)
Tune: David Haas

Come to Me (David Haas)

1. Ask and you shall receive
Seek and you shall find
Knock - it shall be opened
The goodness of the Lord.
For the one who asks, receives
The one who seeks shall find
The one who knocks will enter
And see the face of God.

Refrain:

Come to me all who weary
I will refresh you
Learn from me
My yoke is easy, my burden light.

2. See the birds in the sky,
They neither sow nor reap
And still our God cares for them
Will not the Lord care for you.
See the lilies in the field
They do not work or sleep
If they are clothed in splendor
God will provide for you. (Refrain)

3.Do not worry about your life
What to eat or wear
Is not your life for greater things
Is not your life for the Lord?
Seek the One who knows your need
And all things will be yours
Worry not of tomorrow
Let tomorrow find its way. (Refrain)

Composer: David Haas (1989)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Holy Darkness (Dan Schutte)

Refrain

Holy darkness, blessed night,
heaven's answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence,
we embrace your holy night.

1. I have tried you in fires of affliction;
I have taught your soul to grieve.
In the barren soil of your loneliness,
there I will plant my seed.

2. I have taught you the price of compassion;
you have stood before the grave.
Though my love can seem
like a raging storm,
this is the love that saves.

3. Were you there
when I raised up the mountains?
Can you guide the morning star?
Does the hawk take flight
when you give command?
Why do you doubt my pow'r?

4. In your deepest hour of darkness
I will give you wealth untold.
When the silence stills your spirit,
will my riches fill your soul.

5. As the watchman waits for morning,
and the bride awaits her groom,
so we wait to hear your footsteps
as we rest beneath your moon.

Inspired by St. John of the Cross (1542-1591)

Composer: Dan Schutte (1988)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.   

We worship you, most high

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

Sanctuary

Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary,
Pure and holy, tried and true.
And with thanksgiving, I'll be a living,
Sanctuary for you.

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

Love lifted me

1. I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain:

Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me!

2. All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling,
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.

3. Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.  

I am the bread of life (John Michael Talbot)

Refrain

I am the Bread of Life.
All who eat this Bread will never die.
I am God’s love revealed.
I am broken that you might be healed.

1. All who eat of this heavenly Bread,
all who drink this cup of the covenant:
you will live forever,
for I will raise you up.

2. No one who comes to me shall hunger again.
No one who believes shall ever thirst.
All that the Father draws shall come to me,
and I shall give them rest.

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

Come just as you are

Come just as you are
hear the spirit call
come just as you are
come and see
come receive
come and live forever

Life everlasting
strength for today
taste the living water
and never thirst again

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

Deep calls to deep

I call upon You, Lord
My spirit longs to touch You
And I feel You calling me
So I draw near
I’m reaching out my hands
I need the kiss of Your Presence
And I feel You reach for me
So I draw near

I offer You my love, as You love me so freely
And I’m laying down my life as I draw near
You have brought me to this place by Your grace and your mercy
And I want to see Your face as I draw near

Deep calls to deep as Your glory surrounds me
Break through to my heart, O River of God
Deep calls to deep as I fall into worship
Flood my whole being with Yourself
Deep River of God

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

He is Exalted (Twila Paris)

He is exalted the King is exalted on High
I will praise him
He is exalted forever exalted
And I will praise his name

He is the Lord
Forever his truth shall reign
Heaven and earth
Rejoice in his holy name
He is exalted the King is exalted on high

Composer: Twila Paris (b. 1958)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series.

Peace in the Valley (Thomas Dorsey)

1. Oh well, I'm tired and so weary
But I must go alone
Till the lord comes and calls, calls me away, oh yes
Well the morning's so bright
And the lamp is alight
And the night, night is as black as the sea, oh yes

Refrain:

There will be peace in the valley for me, some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
There'll be no sadness, no sorrow
No trouble, trouble I see
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me

 2. Well the bear will be gentle
And the wolves will be tame
And the lion shall lay down by the lamb, oh yes
And the beasts from the wild
Shall be lit by a child
And I'll be changed, changed from this creature that I am, oh yes

Background Information

Composer: Thomas A. Dorsey (1937)

主の祈り (テゼ / Taizé)

See the original version: Gospodi A / Господи A (Taizé)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

どんな暗闇も (テゼ / Taizé)

歌詞 (lyrics)：
どんな暗闇も主を見つめれば そう 主は聞き入れ支えてくださる どんな悩みも主を見つめれば

See also the original French version: Aucune ombre (Taizé)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

Aucune ombre (Taizé)

Aucune ombre ni trouble pour qui regarde Dieu.
Oui, aucune ombre ni trouble.
car Dieu l'écoute et le sauve.
Aucune ombre ni trouble pour qui regarde Dieu.

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

われらイエスを仰ぎ見る （テゼ / Taizé）

See also the original Latin version: Oculi nostri (Taizé)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

主よ注いでください (テゼ / Taizé)

See also the original version: Tu sei sorgente viva (Taizé)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

聖なる霊よ 心の光（テゼ / Taizé）

See also the original Latin version: Veni Lumen (Taizé)

Music: Jacques Berthier (English bio) (French bio)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English

2013 Musical Celebration of Pentecost: Come Holy Spirit

From the Cantus Mundi collection, the 2013 selection of hymns and songs from around the world celebrating Pentecost: "Come Holy Spirit":

Anglican/Episcopal:

• Breathe on me, Breath of God (TRENTHAM)
• Come Down, O Love Divine (DOWN AMPNEY)
• Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (Samuel Longfellow, music: Andrew Carter)
• Like the murmur of the Dove's Song (Carl P. Daw)
• Litany to the Holy Spirit (Peter Hurford)
• O Breathe on Me, O Breath of God (ST. COLUMBA)
• O Spirit of the Living God (MELCOMBE)
• Praise the Spirit in Creation (FINNIAN/JULION)

Catholic:

• By the waking of our Hearts (Ricky Manalo)
• Come Holy Ghost, Creator Blest
• Fire of God, Undying Flame
• Veni Creator Spiritus (plainchant) English version: Come Holy Ghost, Our Souls Inspire
• Veni Sancte Spiritus (plainchant, sequence for Pentecost)
• Sanctify - Come Holy Spirit (Annie Karto)
• Send us your Spirit (David Haas)
• Send down the fire (Marty Haugen)
• Spirit blowing through creation (Marty Haugen)
• Spirit of God in the Clear Running Water (Miriam Therese Winter)
• Wind upon the Waters (Marty Haugen)

Chinese

• 聖神 (Holy Spirit)

France:

• L'Esprit de Dieu repose sur moi 

Indonesia:

• Utuslah Rohmu, Ya Tuhan [Send us our Spirit, Lord]

Taizé:

• Atme in uns, Heiliger Geist
• Dominus Spiritus est  
• Tu amoris ignem
•  以你的愛火點燃我心靈
• 聖なる霊よ　愛の火を
• Tu sei sorgente viva
• 主よ注いでください
• Veni Creator Spiritus 
• Veni Creator Spiritus (Canon)
• Veni Lumen (Choral)
• 聖なる霊よ 心の光 
• Veni Lumen Cordium
• Veni Sancte Spiritus
• Vieni Spirito Creatore 

USA:

• Blessed Quietness
• Come Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove 
• Every Time I Feel the Spirit (African American Spiritual) 
• Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me
• Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
• Spirit of the Living God  (Gospel)
• Spirit Song (Praise )
• Sweet, Sweet Spirit (Doris Akers)

Grace Greater Than Our Sin

1. Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Refrain:

Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin!

2. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss;
grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

3. Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
brighter than snow you may be today.

4. Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive?

Composer:

Wonderful Words of Life

1. Sing them over again to me,
wonderful words of life;
let me more of their beauty see,
wonderful words of life;
words of life and beauty
teach me faith and duty.

Refrain:

Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
wonderful words of life.

2. Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
wonderful words of life;
sinner, list to the loving call,
wonderful words of life;
all so freely given,
wooing us to heaven.

3. Sweetly echo the gospel call,
wonderful words of life;
offer pardon and peace to all,
wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,
sanctify forever.

Composer: Philip P. Blss (1838-1876)

Whispering Hope

Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.

Refrain:

Whispering hope, oh, how welcome thy voice,
Making my heart in its sorrow rejoice.

2. If, in the dusk of the twilight,
Dim be the region afar,
Will not the deepening darkness
Brighten the glimmering star?
Then when the night is upon us,
Why should the heart sink away?
When the dark midnight is over,
Watch for the breaking of day.

3. Hope, as an anchor so steadfast,
Rends the dark veil for the soul,
Whither the Master has entered,
Robbing the grave of its goal;
Come then, oh, come, glad fruition,
Come to my sad weary heart;
Come, O Thou blest hope of glory,
Never, oh, never depart.

Composer: Septimus Winner (1868)

They'll know we are Christians

1. We are one in the Spirit
We are one in the Lord
We are one in the Spirit
We are one in the Lord
And we pray that all unity
May one day be restored

Refrain:

And they'll know we are Christians
By our love, By our love
Yes, they'll know we are Christians
By our love

2. We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
We will walk with each other
We will walk hand in hand
And together we'll spread the news
That God is in our land

3. We will work with each other
We will work side by side
We will work with each other
We will work side by side
And we'll guard each man's dignity
And save each man's pride

3. All praise to the Father
From whom all things come
And all praise to Christ Jesus His only son
And all praise to the Spirit
Who makes us one

Composer: Peter Scholtes (1966)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.   

Be Present at our Table, Lord

Be present at our table, Lord;
Be here and everywhere adored;
Thy creatures bless, and grant that we
May feast in paradise with Thee.

We thank Thee, Lord, for this our food,
For life and health and every good;
By Thine own hand may we be fed;
Give us each day our daily bread.

We thank Thee, Lord, for this our good,
But more because of Jesus’ blood;
Let manna to our souls be giv’n,
The Bread of Life sent down from Heav’n.

Text: John Cennick, 1718-1755
Tune: OLD HUNDREDTH LM

One Dark Night (John Michael Talbot)

One dark night
Fired with love's urgent longings
Ah, the sheer grace
In the darkness
I went out unseen
My house being all now still

In the darkness
Secured by love's secret ladder
Disguised
Oh, the sheer grace
In the darkness
And in my concealment
My house being all now still

On that glad night
In the secret, for no one saw me
Nor did I see any other thing at all
With no other light to guide me
Than the light burning in my heart

And this light guided me
More surely than the light of the noon
To where he lay waiting for me
Waiting for me
Him I knew so well
In a place where no one else appeared

Oh guiding night
A light more lovely than the dawn
A night that has united
Ever now
The Lover now with his beloved
Transforming two now into one

Upon my flowering breast
There he lay sleeping
Which I kept for him alone
And I embraced him
And I caressed him
In a breeze blowing from the forest

And when this breeze blew in from the forest
Blowing back our hair
He wounded my soul
With his gentle hand
Suspending all my senses

I abandoned, forgetting myself
Laying my face on my Beloved
All things ceasing, I went out from myself
To leave cares
Forgotten with the lilies of the field

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.    

May I Never Boast (John Michael Talbot)

May I never boast of anything
Save the cross of the Lord
The cross of Jesus Christ
Through it the world has been crucified to me
And I to the life of the world
Through the cross of Jesus Christ

Refrain:

All that matters now is one created anew
Peace and mercy on all
Who follow this rule of life
The Israel of God

Henceforth let no man trouble me
For I bear the marks of the Lord
The marks of Jesus Christ

(Refrain)

May I never boat of anything
Save the cross of the Lord

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.   

St. Theresa's Prayer (John Michael Talbot)

Christ has no body now but yours
no hands, no feet on earth but yours
Yours are the eyes through which He looks
with compassion on this world
yours are the feet with which He walks to do good
Yours are the hands,
with which He blesses all the world

Yours are the hands,
yours are the feet
yours are the eyes
You are His body

Christ has no body now but yours
no hands, no feet on earth but yours
Yours are the eyes through which He looks
with compassion on this world
Christ has no body now on earth
but yours

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.   

The Pleiades and Orion (John Michael Talbot)

He who created
The Pleiades and Orion
Turning darkness into
The light of the dawn
And darkens day into the night

Who calls from the waters
Renews the world in the falling rain
And who strides the height of creation
He is the Lord the God of Hosts by name

He formed the mountains
And created the wind
And through His Spirit
Declares His thoughts to men

He who created
The Pleiades and Orion
And who strides the height of creation
He is the Lord the God of Hosts by name

(Amos 5:8; 4:13)
 
Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

Adventure in God (John Michael Talbot)

That I might take my prey
Of this adventure in God
I had to fly so high
That I was lost from all sight

And through this adventure
I faltered in my flight
Yet Love had already flown so high
That I took my prey

When I ascended higher
My vision was dazzled
The most difficult conquest
Was achieved in this darkness

But since it was Love I was seeking
The leap that I made was blind
Yet Love had already flown so high
That I took my prey

The higher I ascended
In this so lofty seeking
The lower and more subdued
and abased I became

In a way so wonderful
My one flight past a thousand
For the hope of heaven's glory
Will always attain.

And this my only seeking
I have not been disappointed
For Love had already flown so high
That I took my prey

That I might take my prey
Of this adventure in God

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

Sunrise / All Creation Waits (John Michael Talbot)

Sunrise in the morning
Let all creation greet the dawn
And praise the Lord who created
Brother sun to open our eyes

For all of us would be blind
If not for the light of our Lord

For all of us would be blind
If not for the light of our Lord

ALL CREATION WAITS
(Romans 8:19)

All creation waits in the morning
All creation waits
For the sons of the Lord
For the Lord will pour forth His Spirit
To bring forth the daughters
And the sons of the Lord

The flowers bloom
And the water will be flowing
The rocks will shout
And the birds will sing to the Lord

Then all the world will sing in jubilation
Brother sun will shine
In the light of the Lord
Will shine in the light of the Lord
Will shine in the light of the Lord

Sunrise in the morning
Let all creation greet the new dawn

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.   

The Lilies of the Field (John Michael Talbot)

Consider the ravens
They do not sow and they do not reap
Yet God the Father provides for them
Yet upon the earth
These are among the smallest things

Consider how the lilies grow
They do not spin and they do not weave

But I tell you now not even Solomon
In all of his splendor was arrayed
Like any one of these

So seek ye first the kingdom of God
And the wealth of His righteousness
For wherever your treasure lies
There will you find your heart

Be not concerned for your life
Or your body
What to eat, what to wear
Or what you will do for tomorrow
Seek out instead His heavenly kingdom
And the rest upon the earth
In its own time will follow

So seek ye first the kingdom of god
And the wealth of His righteousness
For wherever your treasure lies
There will you find your heart

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

Speak, Lord (Tim Schoenbachler / Marienne Uszler)

Refrain:

Speak, Lord, I love to listen to your voice.
See, Lord, here I am.

1. My heart is silent, Lord. My soul is still,
waiting upon your voice. Tell me your will.
Empty, I place myself before your face.
Touch me now in the silence of faith.

2. Your word is life, O Lord, through all my days,
like a radiant light guiding my way.
Your law stands firm, O Lord, strong as a rock.
It endures through the night and the storm.

Based on Psalm 19

Composers: Tim Schoenbachler & Marienne Uszler

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

A Voice Cries Out (Michael Joncas)

Console my people, the ones dear to me
Speak to the heart of Jerusalem
The time of your mourning is ended now
the Lord of life will come

Refrain:

A voice cries out in the wilderness prepare a way for the Lord
A voice cries out in the wilderness make straight a highway for God

Every valley is made a plain every mountain is leveled
The glory of God shall be revealed and nations will sing your praise (Refrain)

A voice shouts 'cry', O what shall I cry ? All flesh is like grass and its flowers
The grass may wither the flowers may fade but the word of the lord is forever (Refrain)

Zion shout from the mountain top lift up your voice O Jerusalem
And say to the people of Gods own land behold behold your God (Refrain)

The lord will appear as a shepherd holding his lamb in his arms
Keeping his flock so close to his heart leading them all old and young (Refrain)

Composer: Michael Joncas

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth, changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o'er His loved ones, died to call them all His own;
How for them He intercedeth, watcheth o'er them from the throne!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus, love of every love the best!
'Tis an ocean full of blessing, 'tis a haven giving rest!
O the deep, deep love of Jesus, 'tis a heaven of heavens to me;
And it lifts me up to glory, for it lifts me up to Thee!

Background information

Text: Samuel Trevor Francis (1834-1925)
Tune: EBENEZER (Llaw lyfr Mo­li­ant, 1890)

Seperti yang Kau Ingini [As you wish]

Bukan dengan barang fana,
kau membayar dosaku
Dengan darah yang mahal,
tiada noda dan cela

Bukan dengan emas perak,
kau menebus diriku
Oleh segenap kasih,
dan pengorbananmu

Refrain:

Ku telah mati, dan tinggalkan,
cara hidupku yang lama,
semuanya sia-sia, dan tak berarti, lagi
Hidup ini, ku letakkan,
pada mesbahMu ya Tuhan,
jadilah padaku seperti, yang Kau ingini

English Translation:

Not with finite things
You paid for my sins
But with priceless blood
No stains and blemishes

Not with gold and silver
You ransomed my life
But by your love
and sacrifice

Refrain:
I have died and left behind,
my old ways of living,
all those are future and meaningless.
This life, I lay 
on your altar, my Lord
Make me, as you wish.

 See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series

Tuhanku, Gembalaku [My Lord, My Shepherd]

Paraphrase of Psalm 23

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

Cahaya Hidupku [Light of my Life]

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Hidup Cerah [Radiant Life]

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

Bapa, Engkau Sungguh Baik [Father, You are so Good]

Bapa, engkau sungguh baik
Kasih Mu melimpah di hidupku
Bapa ku berterima kasih
Berkat Mu hari ini yang Kau sediakan bagiku

Ku naikkan syukur ku buat hari yang Kau b’ri
Tak habis-habisnya kasih dan rahmat Mu
Selalu baru dan tak pernah terlambat pertolongan Mu
Besar setia Mu di sepanjang hidupku

English translation:

Father, you are so good
Your love overflows in my life
Father, I give you thanks
Your blessings today that you have prepared for me

I raise my thankfulness this day that you have given
Inexhaustible is your love and mercy
Your help is ever now and never late
You are always faithful all through my life

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series

Jesus bleibet meine Freude (J.S. Bach)

Jesus bleibet meine Freude,
meines Herzens Trost und Saft,
Jesus wehret allem Leide,
er ist meines Lebens Kraft,

meiner Augen Lust und Sonne,
meiner Seele Schatz und Wonne;
darum laß' ich Jesum nicht
aus dem Herzen und Gesicht.

See also the English version: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Background information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Jesu, joy of man's desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.

Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,
With the fire of life impassioned,
Striving still to truth unknown,
Soaring, dying round Thy throne.

Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.

Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.

See also the German original: Jesu, bleibet meine Freude

Background information

English text: Robert Bridges (1844-1930)
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)

Duduk diam di bawah kakimu [Sitting quietly by your feet]

Duduk diam di bawah kakiMu (Sitting quietly by your feet)
Itulah kerinduanku (That is what I wish to do)
Seperti Maria memilih yang terbaik (Like Mary who made the better choice)
Kuingin blajar dariMu Tuhan (I wish to learn from you, my Lord)

Refrain:

Glory, glory bagi Yesus Tuhan dan Rajaku (Glory, glory to Jesus, my Lord and King)
Glory, glory bagi Yesus Tuhan dan Rajaku

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

Holy is his name / Magnificat (John Michael Talbot)

1. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
and my spirit exalts in God my Savior.
For he has looked with mercy on my lowliness,
and my name will be forever exalted.
For the mighty God has done great things for me,
and his mercy will reach from age to age.

Refrain
And holy, holy, holy is his name.

2. He has mercy in ev’ry generation.
He has revealed his power and his glory.
He has cast down the mighty in their arrogance,
and has lifted up the meek and the lowly.
He has come to help his servant Israel;
he remembers his promise to our fathers.

Text: Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
Music: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.  

Jesus Prayer (John Michael Talbot)

Jesus, Savior, Son of God,
Have mercy on us.

Text: The Jesus Prayer

Music: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Come, worship the Lord (John Michael Talbot)

Refrain

Come, worship the Lord,
for we are his people,
the flock that he shepherds.
Alleluia.

1. Come, let us sing to the Lord,
and shout with joy to the rock who saves us.
Let us come with thanksgiving,
and sing joyful songs to the Lord. So

2. Come, let us bow down and worship,
bending the knee before the Lord our maker.
For we are his people,
we are the flock that he shepherds.

3. The Lord is God, the mighty God,
the great king o'er all other gods.
He hold his hands the depths of the earth
and the highest mountains as well.
He made the sea, it belongs now to him;
the dry land, too, was formed by his hand.

Paraphrase of Psalm 95

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Forever will I sing (John Michael Talbot)

Paraphrase of Psalm 89

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

I am the Good Shepherd (John Michael Talbot)

I am the Good Shepherd
You are My people
I am the Good Shepherd
And I call you by name
And I will lead you out
Into pastures of plenty
I am the good Shepherd
I am the Way

Paraphrase of Psalm 23

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Taste and See (John Michael Talbot)

Refrain:

Taste and see the goodness of the Lord
Let us taste the goodness of the Lord
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord
Let us taste the goodness of the Lord

1. I will bless the Lord
His praise be ever in my mouth
Let my soul glory in the Lord
The lowly will hear and be glad

2. Glorify the Lord with me
Together we’ll praise His name
I sought the Lord
And He answered me
Deliver me from my fears

3. Look to Him and be radiant with joy
And your face will not blush with shame
Afflicted men call out to Him
From all his distress he is saved

Paraphrase of Psalm 34

Composer: John Michael Talbot (b. 1954)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Sanctify - Come Holy Spirit (Annie Karto)

Composer: Annie Karto

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Sabda Tuhan [The Word of God] (Yustin Genohon)

Composer: Yustin Genohon

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Alma de Cristo [Anima Christi / Soul of Christ]

Alma de Cristo, santifícame.
Cuerpo de Cristo, sálvame.
Sangre de Cristo, embriágame.
Agua del costado de Cristo, lávame.
Pasión de Cristo, confórtame.
¡Oh, buen Jesús!, óyeme.
Dentro de tus llagas, escóndeme.
No permitas que me aparte de Ti.
Del maligno enemigo, defiéndeme.
En la hora de mi muerte, llámame.
Y mándame ir a Ti.
Para que con tus santos te alabe.
Por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.

Background information (Wikipedia)

Tuhan, Dikau Naungkan Hidupku [Lord, you are the shelter of my life]

Indahkan doaku
Bila hati mengarah padaMu
Limpahkan rahmatMu.

Refrain:

Aku slalu diincar bahaya
Sampai akhir nanti
Tuhanlah perisaiku

Tuhan semoga Dikau mendengar
Tangisan hatiku
Tangan kuangkat dihadapanMu
Pandanglah diriku

Jangan Kau pandng noda dihati
Dan salah hidupku
Namun pandanglah niatku ini
Didalam karyaku

Aku percaya akan karyaMu
Dikaulah bentengku
Bila Dikau menjaga hidupku
Amanlah hidupku

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Bapa kami [Our Father / The Lord's Prayer] (Roman Catholic)

Bapa kami yang ada di surga,
dimuliakanlah nama-Mu.
Datanglah kerajaan-Mu, jadilah kehendak-Mu,
di atas bumi seperti di dalam surga.
Berikanlah kami rezeki pada hari ini,
dan ampunilah kesalahan kami seperti kamipun mengampuni
yang bersalah kepada kami.
Dan janganlah masukkan kami ke dalam percobaan,
tetapi bebaskanlah kami dari yang jahat.
Amin

English (literal) translation:

Our Father in heaven
Hallowed be your name
May your kingdom come, may you will be done
On earth as in heaven
Give us today our daily sustenance
And forgive us our sins as we forgive those
Who have sinned against us
And do not bring us to the test
But deliver us from evil
Amen

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Utuslah RohMu, Ya Tuhan [Send us your Spirit, Lord]

Utuslah RohMu, ya Tuhan
Dan jadi baru seluruh muka bumi
Utuslah RohMu ya Tuhan
Dan jadi baru seluruh muka bumi
Allahku, NamaMu hendak kupuji
Engkau amat agung,
Berdandan sinar kebenaran

Utuslah RohMu, ya Tuhan
Dan jadi baru seluruh muka bumi
Ya Tuhan berselubungkan cahaya
Bagai jubah raja, Langit Kau pasang
Bagai kemah

Utuslah RohMu ya Tuhan
Dan jadi baru seluruh muka bumi
Firmanmu disampaikan oleh angin
Api yang berkobar, tunduk padaMu
Bagai hamba

Utuslah RohMu ya Tuhan
Dan jadi baru seluruh muka bumi

English translation:

Send us your spirit, Lord
And renew the face of the earth
Send us your spirit, Lord
And renew the face of the earth
My God, your name I shall praise
You are most high
Robed in a ray of truth

Send us your Spirit, Lord,
And renew the face of the earth
My God is covered in light
Like a king's robe, you cover the sky
like a tent.

Send us your Spirit, Lord
And renew the face of the earth
Your word is despatched by the wind
The fire, bow to you
like a slave.

Send us your Spirit, Lord
And renew the face of the earth.

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Kurangkai Mawar yang harum [I gather a bouquet of fragrant roses]

1. Kurangkai Mawar yang harum merbak (I gather a bouquet of fragrant roses)
Lambang kasihku padaMu Bunda (sign of my love to you, mother)

Refrain:

Ave, ave, ave Maria
Ave, ave, ave Maria

2. Salam engkau Bunda tak bercela (Hail you, mother without sin)
Yang dipercaya mengandung Putera (Who is believed to carry the Lord in your womb)

3. Diberkatilah Engkau Bundaku (Blessed are you, my mother)
Ditengah para wanita semua (in the midst of all women)

4. Pun buah rahimMu di Agungkan (Glorify the fruit of your womb)
Dan ditinggikan sebagai Tuhan (and exalt him as Lord)

Paraphrase of: Ave Maria, gratia plena (Hail Mary, Full of Grace)

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series. 

Ajarilah Kami, Tuhan, Bahasa Cinta Kasih [Teach us, Lord, the language of love]

1. Andaikan aku pahami bahasa semuanya,
Hanyalah bahasa cinta kunci setiap hati

Refrain: Ajarilah kami Tuhan, bahasa cinta kasih.

2. Andaikan aku lakukan yang luhur dan mulia.
Jika tanpa cinta kasih hampa dan tak berguna.

3. Andaikan aku dermakan segala harta miliki,
Hanya cintaku yang mampu membahagiakan orang.

4. Cinta itu lemah lembut, sabar dan murah hati,
tidak cari keuntungan, membahagiakan orang.

English translation:

1. If I were to understand all languages,
Only the language of love is the key to every heart.

Refrain: Teach us, Lord, the language of love

2. If I were to do all that is noble and glorious,
Without love it is empty and useless.

3. If I were to give away all that I own,
Only my love could bring happiness to people

4. Love is gentle, patient and generous
not looking for profit, brings happiness to people.

Paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Catholic series.

Hai Jiwaku [O My Soul]

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

Kau yang Terindah [You are most beautiful] (Robert & Lea Sutanto)

Kau yang terindah
Di dalam hidup ini
Tiada Allah Tuhan yang seperti Engkau
Besar perkasa penuh kemuliaan

Kau yang termanis
Di dalam hidup ini
Ku cinta Kau lebih dari segalanya
Besar kasih setiaMu kepadaku

Kusembah Kau ya Allahku
Kutinggikan lutut tak bertelut
Menyembah Yesus Tuhan rajaku.

English translation:

You are most beautiful
In this life
There is no God like you
Strong, mighty yet noble


You are the sweetest
In this life
I love you more than everything else
Great is your love for me

I worship you, O my God
I raise my knee and myself up
To worship you Jesus, my Lord and King

Composer: Robert & Lea Sutanto

See my other blog postings in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) series. 

Hening [Silence] (Chrisye)

Kala malam tiada berbintang
Tampak redup wajah rembulan
Hening sunyi sangat mencekam
Desir angin pun tanpa suara

Kutermenung menatap alam
Kepasrahan semakin dalam
Jagat raya dan seisinya
Lukisan segala kuasa

Kehidupan di alam semesta
Mengagumkan dan luar biasa
Semakin kurasa keagungan ini
Karya ciptamu Tuhan

Embun pagi dan rerumputan
Hijau daun dan warna bunga
Kicau burung yang hinggap di dahan
Matahari bersinar terang

Dan semua ini semakin kurasa
Sebagai nikmat yang telah kauberikan
Takkan kulangkahkan kakiku lagi
Tanpa bimbinganmu Tuhan

Kala malam tiada berbintang
Kutermenung menatap alam
Hening sunyi sangat mencekam
Kepasrahan semakin dalam

Embun pagi dan rerumputan
Matahari bersinar terang
Kicau burung yang hinggap di dahan
Lukisan segala kuasa

Kehidupan di alam semesta
Mengagumkan dan luar biasa
Semakin kurasa keagungan ini
Karya ciptamu Tuhan

Background Information (Wikipedia, in Bahasa Indonesia)

Composer: Chrisye  (1949-2007)

Bio in English and Bahasa Indonesia

God, U bent liefde (Taizé)

See also the original French version: Toi, tu nous aimes (Taizé)

See my other blog postings in the "Taizé" series of chants.

Official Taizé Community Website

Wikipedia information on the Taizé Community
- in French
- in English