Monica Brown’s habit of starting her titles with the indefinite article has bagged her the first two slots in my miscellaneous church music folder. We used to sing this song a lot, and I have no idea why we haven’t used it lately, as it is a very pretty song that sings easily, even with the key change into the fourth verse. Perhaps it is hard for an Assembly to enthusiastically sing “oohs”.
It is a subtle and very usable Eucharist song, showing she is definitely not just a children’s songwriter.
Again, you can go to her Emmaus website and scroll down to “A Special Collection” where you can listen to a sample and buy the sheet music or CD.
My backing is a little faster than she does it and is little altered from a backing I made many years ago. I have no idea where the introduction in my backing came from, but I don’t think Monica Brown can be blamed for it.
1. God grant to me a heart that remembers,
The life in the seed that is buried in dark night.
All the mystery You have revealed to me
In the tapestry of my life, a remembering heart. ooh
2. God grant to me a heart that is faithful,
As the word is made flesh in the breaking of bread.
The call You speak to me, the song You sing in me
The desire for You, my God, a faithful heart. ooh
3. God grant to me a heart that is grateful,
As the blind one who now sees, sings in praise of Your name.
The gift You give to me, the life You free in me,
All the goodness You bestow, a grateful heart.
4. God grant to me a heart that truly loves,
As the one who surrendered His life for His friends.
That I may dare to be more true to You
In the face of all who need, a loving heart ooh.
© Monica Brown and Emmaus Productions 1991.