Here’s a beautiful new hymn for Holy Week from Christopher Idle/Jubilate Hymns. One of the suggested tunes is the lovely folksong KELVINGROVE (which many congregations use for “The Summons” – Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?). You can find a full music score on the Jubilate website here. You will need to register for the site first, but registration (and all the resources on the site) are free.
When you prayed beneath the trees
When you prayed beneath the trees,
it was for me, O Lord;
when you cried upon your knees,
how could it be, O Lord?
When in blood and sweat and tears
you dismissed your final fears,
when you faced the soldiers' spears,
you stood for me, O Lord.
When their triumph looked complete,
it was for me, O Lord,
when it seemed like your defeat,
they could not see, O Lord!
When you faced the mob alone
you were silent as a stone,
and a tree became your throne;
you came for me, O Lord.
When you stumbled up the road,
you walked for me, O Lord,
when you took your deadly load,
that heavy tree, O Lord;
When they lifted you on high,
and they nailed you up to die,
and when darkness filled the sky,
it was for me, O Lord.
When you spoke with kingly power,
it was for me, O Lord,
in that dread and destined hour,
you made me free, O Lord;
earth and heaven heard you shout,
death and hell were put to rout,
for the grave could not hold out;
you are for me, O Lord.
— copyright © Christopher Idle/Jubilate Hymns (admin by Hope Publishing in North America). This is just one of many excellent resources available (free of charge) on The Jubilate Group website.
Use of this hymn is covered by your CCLI license. If you use it in worship, be sure to report it to CCLI.
For more worship resources for Good Friday, click on Good Friday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
