Hymns by the 'father of English hymnody' Isaac Watts, New Zealand hymn writer Jocelyn Marshall and composer of contemplative chants, Margaret Rizza feature in this episode. And find out which hymn became so popular it got its own monument.
A church fresco depicting a unicorn in Elmelunde Church, Denmark Photo: Allie Caulfield, Creative Commons
SONG: KA WAIATA
Artist: 1996 New Zealand National Youth Choir, Karen Grylls (dir)
Words/Music: Trad arr Richard Puanaki
Recording: Trust MMT 2016
Ka waiata ki a Maria
Hine i whakaae
Whakameatia mai
Te whare tangata.
Hine pūrotu
Hine ngākau
Hine rangimārie
Ko Te Whaea
Ko te whaea
O te ao
SONG: GOD OF AGES
Artist: Viva Voce, John Rosser (dir), Michael Bell (organ)
Words/Music: J Marshall/C Marshall
Recording: NZ Hymnbook Trust 9413000
God of ages, times and seasons,
light that shines through all that lives,
yours the spirit which empowers,
yours the caring heart that gives
confidence to face the future,
strengthens faith when courage wanes,
challenges to new endeavours,
when we doubt, our hope sustains.
God of galaxies and planets
far beyond all human thought,
centuries, like pages turning,
are within your keeping brought.
You, the past that makes our present,
you the future still concealed,
yours the sacrificial giving,
boundless love through Christ revealed.
God, Creator, Holy Spirit,
Word made flesh in Christ, your Son
whose example we would follow
so that all might be as one –
ever loving, ever hopeful
of a world redeemed, restored;
people, by their faith united,
dedicated to their Lord.
God, the Alpha and Omega,
source of wisdom, life and breath,
you our highest motivation,
you the love that conquers death.
In past ages people sought you;
you are with us now as then.
In your hands we leave the future,
God, our ultimate Amen.
SONG: JESUS SHALL REIGN WHERE’ER THE SUN
Artist: St Michael’s Singers, Coventry, Paul Leddington Wright (dir), David Poulter (organ)
Words/Music: Watts/Anon arr Leddington Wright
Recording: Kingsway KMCD 582
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns:
the prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
Let every creature rise and bring
the highest honours to our king,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen.
SONG: GIVE TO OUR GOD IMMORTAL PRAISE
Artist: Coventry Singers
Words/Music: Watts/Harrison
Recording: Mission Praise
Give to our God immortal praise:
mercy and truth are all his ways;
wonders of grace to God belong;
repeat his mercies in your song.
Give to the Lord of lords renown;
the King of kings with glory crown:
his mercies ever shall endure,
when lords and kings are known no more.
He built the earth, he spread the sky,
and fixed the starry lights on high:
wonders of grace to God belong;
repeat his mercies in your song.
He sent His Son with power to save
from guilt and darkness and the grave;
wonders of grace to God belong;
repeat his mercies in your song.
SONG: IN THE LORD IS MY JOY AND SALVATION
Artist: St Thomas’ Music Group, Margaret Rizza (dir)
Words/Music: Margaret Rizza
Recording: Alliance Music 190892
In the Lord is my joy and salvation
He gives light to all his creation.
In the Lord is my joy and salvation,
He gives peace and true consolation.
SONG: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS
Artist: St Andrew’s Cathedral Choir, Sydney
Words/Music: Scrivens/Converse
Recording: Startel STARCD 1005
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.
SONG: LEAD US, HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US
Artist: Sheffield Cathedral Choir
Words/Music: Edmeston/Filitz
Recording: Priory PRCD 713
Lead us, heavenly father, lead us
o'er the world's tempestuous sea;
guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us,
for we have no help but thee;
yet possessing every blessing,
if our God our father be.
Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us;
all our weakness thou dost know;
thou didst tread this earth before us;
thou didst feel its keenest woe;
yet unfearing, persevering,
to thy passion thou didst go.
Spirit of our God, descending,
fill our hearts with heavenly joy;
love with every passion blending
pleasure that can never cloy;
thus provided, pardoned, guided,
nothing can our peace destroy.
SONG: ALL MY HOPE ON GOD IS FOUNDED
Artist: Massed choirs, Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, Karen Grylls (dir)
Words/Music: Neander trans Bridges/Howells
Recording: RNZ
All my hope on God is founded;
he doth still my trust renew,
me through change and chance he guideth,
only good and only true.
God unknown,
he alone
calls my heart to be his own.
Pride of man and earthly glory,
sword and crown betray his trust;
what with care and toil he buildeth,
tower and temple fall to dust.
But God's power,
hour by hour,
is my temple and my tower.
God's great goodness aye endureth,
deep his wisdom, passing thought:
splendour, light, and life attend him,
beauty springeth out of naught.
Evermore
from his store
new-born worlds rise and adore.
Daily doth th’almighty giver
bounteous gifts on us bestow;
his desire our soul delighteth,
pleasure leads us where we go.
Love doth stand
at his hand;
joy doth wait on his command.
Still from man to God eternal
sacrifice of praise be done,
high above all praises praising
for the gift of Christ, his son.
Christ doth call
one and all:
ye who follow shall not fall.
