This week’s time of worship is a Songs of Praise, led by Ramanee Bengough. Music continues to be a comfort to me and many people, and I have received great feedback from people who have accessed our online times of worship and enjoyed the music we have brought together.
Today, I’m going to share with you some of my favourite songs and hymns of praise. Some have been included on our website over the past six months, and a few new ones which I hope you enjoy.
Opening music
One of the symbols we have seen everywhere this year is the rainbow. It’s always been a Christian sign of hope, and became a national sign of hope and support.
Enjoy this performance of “Somewhere over the Rainbow”, played on the oboe by Hazel Bengough.
Lord I trust thee, Handel
Sung by Grimsby Minister Choir
I spent ten years singing in an Anglican church choir, and have many favourite anthems, including this one – sung in lockdown by members of Grimsby Minister Choir. It is sung in English, and the words are:
Lord, I trust thee, I adore thee.
Ah! thou friend of man, restore me!
On thy loving grace relying,
For the bread of life I’m sighing.
Quench my thirst and let my hunger cease,
Fill my heart with joy and endless peace.
When the breath of life has left me,
May my soul be blended with thee.
Guide me O thou great Jehovah
This is a hymn which is frequently heard on the radio, and one we chose for our wedding. I love the musical harmonies, and the amazing words, including “I am weak but thou art mighty, hold me in thy powerful hand”. This reminds me that wherever I am, God is alongside me, holding my tiny hand in his.
It’s performed here at St Asaph Cathedral for BBC Songs of Praise.
As the deer pants for the water
Ed Muirhead performs this beautful hymn for us, based on the words of Pslam 42.
“You alone are my hearts desire, and I long to worship you“
He has made me glad
I love this a lively combination of “He has made me glad” with “Every time I feel the spirit” recorded for BBC Songs of Praise at Reading Town Hall, and find it very uplifting.
In Christ Alone
We used this recording on Palm Sunday back in April, and it’s performed by Aled Jones & Russell Watson. I saw them in concert about a year ago, and was delighted that they included several hymns during the evening.
“Here in the power of Christ, I’ll stand”
How great thou art
Our final hymn takes us from Creation via the Cross to Christ’s return – old fashioned but true words – How great thou art.
“Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art!”
Grace
We normally say the words of the Grace to each other. We say them now to whoever is with us, and to everyone we have thought about during this time of worship.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all, now and evermore. Amen.
Closing music
We close with Toccata by Widor, a lovely big organ piece, played by Bill Mclean on our church organ.
Notices
Our Bible Study series on John’s gospel starts on Tuesday 8th September at 7.30pm. Find out more.
If you are interested in using Zoom to have an “after church coffee & chat” on the weeks that we are not in church, please contact administrator@logies.org.