I’m not sure if this song is much use outside of a Marist Brothers context, as you probably have to know who Marcellin Champagnat was. That’s a pity as it is sprightly pop tune of merit written by Marist brother Michael Herry.
The sheet music is available for free in the collection, “God of Surprises.” You can hear a performance of the song at the same site.
Refrain
Fan into a flame the love of God; follow Marcellin’s dream.
Hearing now the call, “Come follow me”. Live the dream today.
1 God’s gift is lost on the timid of heart;
For those shamed by standing with Christ.
But the Spirit of God will embolden your heart
To live the light of Christ.
2 Why leave your boats lying moored by the shore,
All safe and secure at their rest.
Instead set your sails for the waters far and deep,
And there put down your nets.
3 I am the vine and the branches are:
Remain in my life ev’ry day.
With a song in your heart, build me kingdom on earth,
This is a song especially for Trinity Sunday by Michael Herry, that is also a more general hymn of praise. The tune is French traditional but I’d be glad if someone could identify the melody beyond that.
The sheet music is available for free at Marist Music, where you can listen to his version.
1 O God of the moon and stars, you sing your song in our hearts;
Receive our worship and praise, O loving presence, all our days.
2 O Godhead three in one, O Father, Spirit and Son,
Your loves flows over to human kind; our lives with you now one.
Bridge 1
In flaming bush, and pillar of cloud you revealed your name.
Now through your Word in Jesus Christ we acclaim your reign.
3 We gather here as one, and pray with Jesus your Son,
O Abba, Father, O love eternal since dawn of time begun.
Bridge 2
We hold in trust the presence of Jesus, your Word made flesh,
Answering now his invitation to life afresh.
4 O Godhead, three in one, O Father, Spirit and Son,
Your love flows over to human kind; our lives with you now one.
I’m still in Michael Herry‘s collection, “God of Surprises” and have come to what he describes as a song for world youth. It is an exhortation to evangelise by deed sung from the point of view of Jesus.
This is Michael Herry‘s fine take on the Beatitudes (Luke 6:17, 20-26).
The chorus is metrical in Eb and the verses are chant style in B. It is a good example of his unconventional yet memorable melodies. I’m still trying to figure out how he manages the key change back into the refrain with a sneaky sustained chord.
The sheet music is available in the collection “God of Surprises” at Marist Music where you can also hear the song.
Normally I won’t touch chant in BIAB but I found if I slowed down the verses and made the notes triplets, it fitted well enough.
Chorus
Blest are they who know their need of God,
Those whose eyes can see beyond horizons.
Blest are they who mourn at what they see,
Yet who strive in in hope for all that can be.
1 Happy are you who are poor; yours is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy are you now hungry; you shall have food in abundance.
2 Happy are you who weep now; your hearts will be filled with laughter.
Happy are you who mourn now; know that your joy will be full.
3 Happy are you now rejected; when held to account for my name.
Rejoice when that day comes, for your reward will be great in heaven.
I've worked my way through the As One Voice books and other collections making backings on Band in a Box to help me (& you if you're interested) learn new songs for church. This is aimed at churches and musicians that own the collections but haven't exploited them fully. If you don't have them they are certainly worth buying. This site is educational, nonprofit and designed to enhance the commercial prospects of songwriters. This site does not distribute copyrighted sheet music.
Disclaimer
Any opinions expressed here are personal views and not the responsibility of any Church.
All music backings posted are created by myself and the intention is for them to be used to learn the songs. If any copyright holder wishes me to cease publicising and promoting their wares and directing people to where sheet music can be legally purchased please let me know.
Mason’s “Mass of Glory and Praise”
To access my backings for Paul Mason's mass go to Feb 2011 in the archive.