Hymns, songs and carols

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The church's music today is a gloriously wide, rich and continuous spectrum both of musical styles and of literary types; the text of a particular item might tempt us to label it (say) a "hymn", but a modern music style partnering it might suggest "worship song".

The material here generally uses substantial, structured texts. But the music is across a wide range of styles. So to circumvent misplaced preconceptions, labels such as "hymn" and "worship song" are generally avoided.

See also:

The settings include the text, sometimes by other copyright owners. Some have kindly agreed for their material to be available here; in such cases the PDF link is an intermediate stepping-stone which asks you to note, accept and abide by their copyright.

Text Score Audio Example Occasions Comments
Texts by David Lee (1956– )
Alleluia! Acclaim the Lord on high!         (Embargoed until early summer 2026.)
Based on Psalm 146.
Alleluia! O my soul, praise the Lord         (Embargoed until early summer 2026.)
Based on Psalm 146.
Come let us sing for joy to the Lord PDF     From Psalm 95
God indeed is my deliverer PDF     From Isaiah 12: 2-6, and coloured with the liturgical (also Isaiah) Sanctus (Holy, holy, holy) text.

(Fuller Theological Seminary: song-search prize-winner.)
Great and wonderful are your deeds and works PDF MP3[1]

Video[1] 		  From Revelation 15: 3-4. Published:
  • Spring Harvest 2004 songbook[2]
  • Praise! Trust[3]
How lovely is your dwelling place PDF     From Psalm 84
I give you thanks PDF     From Psalm 138. Subconscious borrowing from Rachmaninov who had in turn…
Let the peoples praise you (God of mercy) PDF     From Psalm 67
O magnify the Lord with me (I will bless the Lord at all times) PDF     From Psalm 34
You were in the form of God PDF     From Philippians 2: 5-11. Published: Worship Live, Stainer & Bell, Autumn 2003
Texts by Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926–2024)
As in that upper room PDF   Communion  
As water to the thirsty PDF   General, communion  
Be present, Spirit of the Lord PDF   Pentecost Tune style: classical.
Be present, Spirit of the Lord PDF Video[4] Pentecost Tune style: jazz.
Be with me through this day PDF   Morning Simple, three-part.
Be with us, Lord, who seek your aid PDF     Simple, two-part echo/canon.
Bless the Lord as day departs PDF   Evening Tune may be used classically or as a song.
Choirs of angels, tell abroad PDF   Christmas  
Come and see where Jesus lay PDF (E♭/G♭)

PDF (D/F) 		 (E♭/G♭)
 (D/F) 		  Easter Either congregational or solo/group introit.
Come now with awe PDF   Christmas, Epiphany Written because a suggested Finlandia pairing seems unconvincing. There is also a choir setting of this text to a different tune.
Come worship God Most High PDF   General Based on the Te Deum
Down from the windows, the windows of heaven PDF   General  
From the night of ages waking PDF Video[1] Easter, general Setting written for St. Paul's, Haswell, Co. Durham: church extension.
Give thanks to God on high PDF   Dedication, saints days  
God is King! The Lord is reigning PDF     Based on Psalm 93.
Here is the centre PDF   Christmas, Epiphany  
Here on the threshold of a new beginning PDF   Renewal; anniversary; dedication For Revd. Stephanie Watson and parishes of Chilton and Cornforth, Co. Durham.
How shall we sing salvation's song? PDF   Social justice.  
How silent waits the listening earth PDF   Christmas  
In our darkness light has shone, Alleluia! PDF   Christmas Optional descant.
O God of our salvation PDF     Published: Praise! Trust[3]
O God whose thoughts are not as ours PDF     Descant included.
Our God and Father bless PDF     Tune: Pelaw Wood. Based on Benedictus. Published: Psalms for All Seasons[5]
Rejoice in God, my heart PDF     Based on Psalm 111
Soft the evening shadows fall PDF MIDI   Christmas Optional double descants. Published: The Carol Book[6]
The heavens are singing PDF     Based on Isaiah 44 and 55
The light of glory breaks PDF   Christmas  
This day above all days PDF   Easter, general  
To Christ our King PDF Video[1]   Setting written to celebrate the marriage of Mark Pritchard and Jan Bigland.
We believe in God the Father PDF Video[1] Common Worship metrical (8.7 8.7 D) version of the creed. This setting, with optional descant, has a music-group bias. Tune: Hill Meadows. Was scheduled for publication in Music for Common Worship, RSCM, Autumn 2000.
We believe in God the Father PDF   See comments above. SATB, with optional descant. Tune: Finchale Priory. Tune in top 16 of St. Paul's Cathedral Millennium Hymn Competition, 1999.
With all who in this hallowed place PDF   Dedication, renewal Tune: Nevilles Cross. Commissioned by St John's Church, Nevilles Cross, Durham, for centenary (1996). Published in
  • High Days and Holy Days.[7]
  • Wesley Music for the Millennium.[8]
Texts by Brian Wren (1936– )
Christ is risen! via email     Easter.  
Ever-journeying Friend PDF   Meeting for worship; commitment, baptism, confirmation. Trinity. Setting written to celebrate the baptism of Daniel Lee.
To Christ our hearts now given via email   Meeting for worship; moving on, departure. Setting written to mark the move of Revd. Michael Rusk from Durham to Leicester.
We are your people PDF      
Texts by Christopher Idle (1938– )
As Jesus rested PDF      
Find rest, my soul, in God alone PDF      
God of all human history PDF      
Lord, you sometimes speak in wonders PDF      
One in Christ and must we fight each other? PDF   Christian unity; ecumenism.  
Powerful for making us wise to salvation PDF   Scripture; Bible  
So this is the day when his God does not answer PDF   Good Friday  
Thanks be to God for his grace beyond speech PDF      
The Lord called Moses PDF      
When Jesus led his chosen three PDF   Transfiguration  
Texts by Martin Leckebusch (1962– )
As we meet in your presence PDF   Dedication, mission, preaching, Bible Words and music written for the re-ordering of St. John's, Nevilles Cross.
Christ is our freedom PDF   Baptism Setting written to celebrate the baptism of Jamie Song.
Come, wounded healer PDF   Good Friday.  
For riches of salvation PDF      
How are we to sing our songs to you? PDF   Trouble, sorrow, lament, terrorism, natural disaster. Has been used in response to Asian tsunami of December 2004 and during services following the London bombings of July 2005. Published:
The faithful prophets shared PDF      
When anxious thoughts assail my mind PDF   From Psalm 13. Published:
You have won me with a love PDF   "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength." Setting written to celebrate the wedding of Ken Chamberlain and Anne Ridley.
Texts by Sylvia Dunstan (1955–1993)
Blest are the innocents PDF   Holy Innocents; after a tragedy.  
Go to the world! PDF      
Texts by Kate Bluett
Behold! The night is dark (Advent Journey) PDF   Advent  
Beneath the surface there's a seed (The ages-endless love of God) PDF   Hope  
Did Eve hold Abel thus? (Pietà) PDF   Good Friday  
Lord, you give by your good measure PDF   Harvest  
O Jesus, you have called us PDF   Commitment, confirmation, service  
O Father, grower of the vine PDF     Based directly on John 15:1-8 ("I am the true vine...")
Say when will you restore us, Lord? (Ascension) PDF   Ascension Although we tend to view the Ascension as glorious, what might the disciples at the event have thought? This unusual text is deeply rooted in Acts 1:1–11, taking as its basis their uncertainty, bewilderment and sense of abandonment.
The night is now far gone PDF     First Sunday of Advent.
Though no one can say when it's coming (Already drawing near) PDF   Advent, Eucharist  
Though the mountains quake and tremble PDF     Based on Psalm 46.

Winner of ALCM 40th anniversary contest for a new hymn, 2026.
We are your flock and lift our voice PDF     Based on Psalm 95.
We work the soil PDF   Workplace and worship  
When horse and chariot sink into the sea (Hosanna!) PDF   Palm Sunday  
When I am in the dark (Emmaus) PDF      
You, who walked the city streets and highways PDF      
Texts by Rosalind Brown (1953– )
O God of feast and festival PDF   Eucharist, hospitality, service.  
Texts by Michael Sadgrove (1950– )
Great Lord and God Score

Words/tune 		  Marriage. Tune: Archery Rise. Published:
  • Durham Sings![10]
Texts by Richard of Chichester (1197–1253)
Day by day, dear Lord PDF   Video   Tune: Lindors. Published:
  • Singing the Faith[11]
Texts by Reginald Heber (1783–1826)
Holy, holy, holy! PDF     Trinity, General For churches who prefer the music of hymns to be "re-tuned" in modern styles
Texts by George Herbert (1593–1633)
Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life (The Call) PDF   General  
Texts by Walter Chalmers Smith (1824–1908)
Earth was waiting, spent and restless PDF   Advent, Christmas, Candlemas. Tune: Travail. An unusually dark Christmas text; a useful antidote to some simplistic saccharine carols.

Published: Sing a New Song, MWF, 2008
Texts by Andrew Pratt (1948– )
In the beginning God played with the planets PDF Video Creation; environment. Published:
  • Singing the Faith[11]
  • Sound Bytes[12]
  • Whatever Name or Creed[13]
Long ago God spoke to people PDF   Celebrating Old Testament history. Published:
  • Sound Bytes[12]
  • Whatever Name or Creed[13]
Love inspired the anger PDF      
We come by many different paths PDF   Diversity, unity. Written for St. John's and St. Margaret's, Durham.
We see the eyes of Mary shine PDF   Christmas. Published: More than Hymns.[14]
What if the Babel consequence       Churches, computers and I.T. Written for Revd. Stoker Wilson as Durham Diocesan I.T. Adviser.
Texts by Michael Perry (1942–1996)
Be gracious to me, Lord PDF     From Psalm 57. Tune flexible for leading traditionally (organ, SATB) or with music-group.
Texts by Marjorie Dobson (1940– )
A rich young man came seeking     Video[15]   Tune: Redhills. Published: Singing the Faith[11]
Lord, you call us to your service PDF      
Texts by Stephen P. Starke (1955– )
Jesus, greatest at the table PDF   Service.  
Texts by Herman G. Stuempfle (1923–2007)
When the bonds of love are breaking PDF   Service.  
Texts by Bruce Wittmaier
Come, O Christians, join in singing PDF      
Texts by Gareth Hill (1956– )
As the world turns PDF   Prayer; healing.  
The desolate Messiah dies PDF   Passiontide; Good Friday; Easter. Tune: Whinney Hill. Published: Singing the Faith[11]
Texts by Ann Phillips (1930–2023)
Into a world of dark PDF   Creation.  
Texts by Shirley Erena Murray (1931–2020)
Child of joy and peace PDF      
How small a spark PDF      
Leftover people in leftover places PDF      
Texts by Marnie Barrell (1952– )
We do not hope to ease our minds PDF      
Texts by John Brownlie (1857–1925)
My hope is firmly set PDF   From an ancient Eastern Orthodox hymn. My hope/love/peace/joy.  
Texts by Douglas Galbraith (1940– )
The God who sings PDF      
Texts by Chris Porteous (1935–2018)
Jesus, our Lord and King, keep us from sin PDF      
Texts by John Bennett (1920–1991)
So free, so bright PDF   Pentecost  
Mark how the stars PDF   Christmas  
Texts by Isaac Watts (1674–1748)
Bless, O my soul, the living God PDF     Psalm 103. Tune: Wharton Park; published in In Melody and Songs.[16]
From deep distress and troubled thought PDF     Psalm 130. Tune: Coniscliffe; published in In Melody and Songs.[16]
O bless the Lord, my soul PDF     Psalm 103. Tune: Kingsgate Bridge; published in In Melody and Songs.[16]
Your mercies fill the earth, O Lord PDF     Psalm 119. Tune: Clayport Gate; published in In Melody and Songs.[16]
Texts by Charles Wesley (1707–1788)
Author of life divine PDF   Communion  
Come, thou long-expected Jesus PDF     Advent, general. Tune: Hill Meadows published in Wesley Music for the Millennium.[8] A brighter, more positive, tune than the more usual Cross of Jesus.
He loved, and gave himself for me PDF     Passiontide, Holy Week, Good Friday Tune: Consicliffe published in Wesley Music for the Millennium.[8]
I know that my Redeemer lives PDF      
Jesus, the name high over all PDF       Tune: Whitwell published in Wesley Music for the Millennium.[8]
O for a heart to praise my God PDF     Forgiveness, grace. Tune: Nevilles Cross published in Wesley Music for the Millennium.[8]
Thou, Lord, art rich in grace to all PDF       Tune: Nevilles Cross published in Wesley Music for the Millennium.[8]
Texts by Martin Luther (1483–1546)
May God bestow on us his grace PDF Video[17]   Tune: Elvet Banks published in Lutheran Service Book.[18]
To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord PDF Video[17]   Tune: Elvet Banks published in Lutheran Service Book.[18]

[1] Recording courtesy of Sam and Paula Denyer, St. Cuthbert's, Wells, Somerset

[2] Spring Harvest songbook, 2004, Spring Harvest, ISBN 978-1899-788484

[3] Praise! Online Resources, Praise Trust

[4] Recording gladly provided by First United Methodist Church of Midland, Michigan, USA

[5] Psalms for All Seasons, 2012, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, ISBN 978-1-59255-444-7

[6] The Carol Book, 2005, RSCM, ISBN 979-0570180639

[7] High Days and Holy Days, 2007, Canterbury Press, ISBN 978-1-85311-819-7

[8] Wesley Music for the Millennium, 2000, Charles Wesley Heritage Centre

[9] First Flight Feathers: The Best of Worship Live, 2023, Sacristy Press, ISBN 978-1-78959-285-6

[10] Durham Sings! Durham's contribution to English Hymnody, 2009, Friends of Durham Cathedral, ISBN 978-0-9544825-1-0

[11] Singing the Faith, 2011, Methodist Church, ISBN 978-184825067-3

[12] Sound Bytes, 1999, Stainer & Bell, ISBN 978-085249856-9

[13] Whatever Name or Creed, 2002, Stainer & Bell, ISBN 978-0-85249-874-3

[14] More than Hymns, 2015, Stainer & Bell, ISBN 978-0-85249-944-3

[15] Recording courtesy of Victoria Methodist Church, Bristol

[16] In Melody and Songs: Hymns from the Psalm Versions of Isaac Watts, 2014, Darcey Press, ISBN 978-1889079592

[17] Recording courtesy of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, USA

[18] Lutheran Service Book, 2006, Concordia Publishing House (LCMS), ISBN 978-0-7586-1217-5