“How shall we sing that majesty?” Finding the right hymn for the right moment

Here is the text of a Paper I was invited to write and deliver concerning the theology of choosing hymns for an act of worship... Introduction At the two local churches to which I minister, a regular visiting preacher is an Anglican Lay Reader. She’s well-liked by both congregations for her clear voice and homely style: there’s a comfortable sense that when she comes to lead worship, you know…

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2026/02/11/how-shall-we-sing-that-majesty-finding-the-right-hymn-for-the-right-moment/

A Collect (prayer) for MLK Day

Martin Luther King Jr was born on 15 January 1929; and since the 1980s this has been marked by a USA federal holiday on the third Monday of January, commonly known as MLK Day. Almighty God,you who, by the promised outpouring of your Spirit,have enlivened your people in every agewith visions and dreams:grant us boldness…

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2026/01/15/a-collect-prayer-for-mlk-day/

Hymn: At the closing of the old year’s calendar

A hymn for the first Sunday of a new year, set to the tune "The leaving of Liverpool" (Irish traditional). Scripture references: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 8:10, 38-39; Psalm 139:16. At the closing of the old year's calendar and the turning over of the new, it's a time, my God, to bring my highest praise for the love that knows me through-and-through.

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2026/01/03/hymn-at-the-closing-of-the-old-years-calendar/

Hymn: See! Now a branch is rising

See! Now a branch is rising, all by our Lord's decree: longed-for revitalising of Jesse's noble tree. On him God's Spirit rests: with wisdom, might, and knowledge shall he be ever-blest. Neither beguiled by vision, nor swayed by siren-call; righteous in each decision, tender to those in thrall, his judgment shall be true: with faithfulness apparelled, justice he shall renew.

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2025/12/04/hymn-see-now-a-branch-is-rising/

Hymn for Stir-Up Sunday

The Sunday before Advent begins is sometimes known as Stir-Up Sunday. Traditionally it's a time to start preparing the Christmas Pudding, with each person in the household taking a turn in stirring the mixture. Here's a hymn for the occasion... The tune is "Morning Light" ("Stand up! Stand up for Jesus"); verse 3 is a paraphrase of the Collect (set prayer) for the day.

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2025/11/20/hymn-for-stir-up-sunday/

Advent Candle Hymn: Excitement’s in the air

For use 'progressively' during Advent: beginning with the Refrain plus one verse only on Advent Sunday, and adding a further verse on each subsequent Sunday. Suggestion: have the whole congregation sing the Refrain (bold italic type) each time, with the Verse/s (regular type) sung by a soloist, semichorus or choir. Tune: "Walking in the air" (Howard Blake)

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2025/11/18/advent-candle-hymn-excitements-in-the-air/

Hymn: He leads the way

Set to a catchy sea-shanty tune, it's recommended to teach this song as you go along! 'Instructions' in bulleted italics, solo lines in normal type, congregational words in bold... The whole song alternates: 1 line solo, 1 line congregational refrain. Start by teaching the single-line refrain: He leads the way; we'll follow him home. But the first few times we'll sing that refrain to…

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2025/09/14/hymn-he-leads-the-way/

Hymn: Strong is the Voice

Strong is the Voice that summons worlds to be; strong is the Word that sets the prisoner free; strong is the Whisper of our unity: this is the power of God in Trinity. [SOLO (text from Psalm 136:1-3, 5-6, 24):] O give thanks to the Sovereign God, who has made the heav'ns and spread the earth; who has rescued us from our foes, …

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2025/04/30/hymn-strong-is-the-voice/

Lift eyes, heart, and voice: a 60 second sermon

O give thanks to the LORD, call on God's name,    make known God's deeds among the peoples.Sing to God, sing praises to God,    tell of all God's wonderful works.Glory in God's holy name;    let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.Seek the LORD, seek God's strength,    seek God's presence continually.(1 Chronicles 16:8-11) Our Bible reading gives us three principles for how to sing well in worship.

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2025/09/06/lift-eyes-heart-and-voice-a-60-second-sermon/

Hymn: Our Father up in heaven above

Our Father up in heaven above, your name deserves our highest love; your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven - heaven, heaven - your kingdom come, your will be doneon earth as it is in heaven. Now give to us, O Lord we pray,what's needed to get through this day;and the debts we owe, and the debts we're owed,

https://revdsgrant.wordpress.com/2022/06/20/hymn-our-father-up-in-heaven-above/