Hymn: Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated
We take our information on the origin of this “consecration
hymn” from the author’s manuscripts. She wrote: “I went for a little visit of
five days. There were ten persons in the house, some unconverted and
long-prayed-for, some converted but not rejoicing Christians. He gave me the
prayer, ‘Lord, give me all in this house!’ And [God] just did. The last night of my visit… I was too happy to sleep, and
passed most of the night in renewal of my own consecration, and thes little
couplets formed themselves and chimed in my heart one after another till they
finished with ‘Ever, only, all for
Thee.’”
Hymn: Lord of Light, Your Name Outshining
The Congregational (English) minister Howell Elvet Lewis
wrote this hymn in 1916. Lindajo McKim notes, “It was written to declare that
‘in doing God’s will, active co-operation is as much needed as humble
resignation.’” As we observe extravagant generosity today, let the refrain of
this hymn speak to your hearts and minds: “Abba, as in highest heaven, so on
earth your will be done.”
Prelude: HOLY MANNA
The tune HOLY MANNA first appeared as the setting for
“Brethren, We Have Met to Worship” in William Moore’s collection, The Columbian Harmony (1825). Paul Westermeyer
explains, “the tune’s name comes from this hymn, where the last two lines in
each of its five stanzas is some form of ‘holy manna will be shower’d all
around.’” The tune’s form is AABA, with the first musical phrase being repeated
twice more after its initial statement.
Offertory: Variations on MADRID
The tune MADRID is also called SPANISH HYMN or CHANT, as its
origins are found in a popular Spanish folk melody. The tune is easily sung,
with the first, second, and fourth lines all being identical, and the third
line having two repeated phrases. It is perhaps best known for being paired
with the hymn text, “Come, Christians, Join to Sing.” The language is clear and
simple, making it easy for children and adults alike to sing it with
understanding.
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