My Cry Ascends Print Music
Following are Psalm and Hymn settings written with congregational singing in mind. Most of these are strictly lead sheets with chords, but some songs have added parts. The CD, My Cry Ascends, that has recorded versions of these songs sung by Nathan Clark George, Michael Card, Steve Green, Wes King, Bruce Carroll, Katy Snow and others will be available in the next few weeks.
This spirited melody conveys the ascription of “Glory!” for the Lord who rides the waters of the flood. This was an immediate favorite with our congregation.
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The inspiration for this setting of Psalm 91 came from the lyrics of the 19th century Scottish hymn writer, James Montgomery. Although originally composed as a duet, the music has translated easily into a congregational declaration of God’s protection and deliverance. When my daughter was an infant and awake in the night, I sang this song countless times with the hopes of instilling the comfort of God’s salvation.
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Isaac Watts wrote this text in 1707 for his Hymns and Spiritual Songs. This new setting originated from a desire to explore the emotional connection to the text in a manner that highlighted the need for and the work of redemption. We’ve used this as a regular communion hymn as well as for our Good Friday song service.
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Psalm 32 was the favorite Psalm of Augustine of which he wrote “Intelligentia prima est ut te noris peccatorem” (“The beginning of understanding is to know thyself a sinner”). Martin Luther also considered Psalm 32 to be one of the four best Psalms. This lyrical setting is by Isaac Watts from 1719. The tune is derived from a Southern Harmony melody of William Walker.
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Thomas Moore, the accomplished Irish poet, singer and songwriter, wrote this text as part of his Sacred Songs in 1816. The invitation to “Come to the Feast of love” makes this a favorite communion song for its tender reminder of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and the comfort that only Christ can bring.
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I was immediately drawn to the idea of God’s commandments being our “happy choice”—what a picture of Law and Grace and a heart to obey! The first verse also effectively works as a response to Confession.
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As a Psalm paraphrase, Martin Luther’s version of Psalm 130 is unusual in that it is much longer than the Psalm itself. Luther explores the Messianic context and implications of this penitential Psalm in a didactic manner that enables him to not only present the content of the original but to instruct and extend our knowledge of it in a musical sermon. As one of my favorite Psalms, I am particularly fond of this musical setting which is intended to explore the need of the sinner with an appropriate assurance of waiting on God in His timing.
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I discovered this text while looking for a theologically grounded hymn for a missions conference. It is a wonderful reminder of the promise that the glory of God and knowledge of Him will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea.
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I adapted this melody from Southern Harmony for this setting of a text concerned with confession and assurance and deliverance.
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Isaac Watts wrote this versification of Psalm 68. It is a strong reminder of God’s victorious defeating of the hosts of hell and the preservation of His people. The melody reinforces the thematic element of His Kingly reign and defense of the saints.
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I wrote this setting of Psalm 111 to reflect the thanksgiving and praise of the original text. We used this as the Psalm of Month one November as a Biblical reminder of the wondrous works of the Lord.
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The Irish hymn writer and pastor, John S.B. Monsell, delighted in congregational singing. He wrote, “We sing, but not as we should sing to Him who is the Chief among the ten thousand, the altogether lovely!” This simple text and tune reminds us of the rest we have in our dear Savior.
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As a prayer of distress and a cry for mercy, these lyrics move through withering grief into the firm assurance that God is on His throne and knows the hour in which He will send the assured aid. The reflective sorrow of the melody also develops into a declaration of God’s unfailing love.
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Scottish hymn writer, James Montgomery, provided this lyric setting of Psalm 103. The melody is adapted from Southern Harmony and provides a musical counterpoint to the joyous lyrics. This is a particular favorite of my six year-old daughter.
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This prayer of Synesius of Cyrene (c. 375-430) begins every stanza with an invocation for the aid and attention of Christ that moves from the confession of sin to the glorious hope of eternal life. I adapted and adjusted Damon’s 1579 melody to more closely match the emotional content of the lyrics.
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The modal melody of this Psalm highlights the Messianic text by reminding us of the gentleness and meekness of the coming of Christ and the joy, fruitfulness and blessing of the Incarnation.
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I am interested in the CD when it is available.
On a recent sleepless night listening to the samples and reading your notes was a blessed comfortand repose. It also stoked my anticipation of the release of the final CD.
Beautiful!
Do you have your music available in SATB?
Thanks, Mike
Mike: I do have some of these in SATB. In addition, I have a drawer full of choral music I have not yet posted. If there is something you’re interested in particularly from the above list, you can contact me at: GreyfriarsPress at gmail dot com.
Thank you!
Greg – I would likewise be very interested in SATB versions of these – or other works.
For the Kingdom,
James
Greg, thanks for making the samples available. I love this music and I am already thinking of who all I want to share it with. I thank God for using you in this way.
What is the copyright status on this music. If I wanted to buy a song for my congregation to sing, do I need to buy enough copies for everyone or is it ok to copy the music once I’ve bought it?
Thanks!
Matt:
All you need to purchase for your congregation is one copy. The other copies, usage, printing, etc is covered by your church’s CCLI license. Thanks for the question.
Greg
i have really enjoyed the sound snippets but when can i purchase cd in australia?
Dear Roland: I’m not sure if you can order from Ligonier or not. The CD is also available for download on various sites such as store.compasscinema.com or amazon.com. I hope that this helps. Blessings, Greg
Can you download the music above or is it only snail mail through paypal?
Scott:
Actually downloading is the only option. Please let me know if you have further questions.
Blessings!
how? I ordered, paid with paypal and can’t find a link to download? My music director, Jan Scholten did the same thing and she couldn’t find it either. Any ideas?