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Writer's pictureIain McLarty

Proper 20C / 15th Sunday after Pentecost

Updated: Oct 4, 2022


You can find a YouTube playlist here with many of the songs suggested below.



Gathering


The Epistle calls for prayers to be offered for all and says that God desires everyone to be saved so you could begin with songs which focus on this theme of inclusivity with well known songs such as In Christ there is no east or west (CH 624 / MP 329), Jesus calls us here to meet him (CH 510), Here in this place / Gather us in (CH 623), Let us build a house (CH 198) and For everyone born a place at the table (CH 685). Two less well known songs to consider are One church, one voice (Satellite) and All are welcome (OCP) which have easy but catchy choruses which congregations should pick up quickly, the latter being a great alternative to “Let us build a house”.



Word


Today’s psalm is challenging and there aren’t many options for singing it. Your honour is defiled (Grace) is sung to Leoni which gives a suitable tone and is the best option for singing the full psalm. Remember not, O God (PFAS 79B / Grace) sets verses 8,9 and 13 and so could be suited to being sung after a reading of verses 1-7. How long O Lord (link) is a good option for singing responsorially.



Response


The Gospel focus on money and wealth is always challenging to find songs related to but some options include God and money (link) sung to St Columba (Erin) which directly links to v13, Blessed are you the poor ones (GIA) and Inspired by love and anger (CH 253) whose optional v3 can link well. You could also take the more general theme of giving yourself entirely to God with songs such as Take my life, Lord, let it be (CH 502 / MP 624), I will offer up my life (CH 503 / MP 990), Cast down, O God, the idols (Hymnary) or the short chants Humbly in your sight (CH 496) and We will take what you offer (WGRG) which would be simple to learn in parts.


The first part of the Epistle could lead you to songs of prayer for others such as For the world and all its people (CH 262), Pray for a world where every child (CH 265), Lord, for the years (CH 159 / MP 428) or Lord you hear the cry (Lord have mercy) (Resound). The second part could suggest songs which focus on Christ’s giving himself as a ransom for all such as What kind of King (This is Jesus) (Resound), How deep the Father’s love for us (CH 549 / MP 988 / Townend) and Amazing grace (CH 555 / MP 31) or it’s popular Chris Tomlin version Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (MP 1151 / CCLI).


The first question in v.22 of the Old Testament has an obvious link to There is a balm in Gilead (WGRG / Hymnary) but do of course be careful with the idea that this gives an easy answer to that question and the others asked here and Well of tears (OCP) sticks more to the questioning. God of Jeremiah (Hope) and God weeps at love withheld (CH 168) are some of the few songs which picks up the idea of God’s weeping, mourning or grieving which is a powerful image in this passage. You could also look at songs of lament and Sometimes our only song is weeping (GIA) is a great option here, heartbreakingly set to a traditional spiritual, while settings of psalms could also link well such as How long, O Lord, will you forget (CH 7).



Sending


You could end with the theme from the Gospel of going into the world devoting your whole life to God with options including classic hymns such as Almighty Father of all things that be (CH 497), Moved by the Gospel, let us move (CH 247) and I, the Lord of sea and sky (CH 251), Now we are nourished by Jesus our Lord (WGRG) which is set to a fabulous Korean hymn tune, or worship songs such as as Goodness of God (CCLI) and Build my life (CCLI).


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