Verses for Voices
The Lord is great and to be praised, revered above all gods.
The Lord God made the heavens, which the other gods did not.
In joyful throng go majesty with honor in the lead.
Within the sanctuary strength and beauty both are seen.
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Photo by Kevia Tan on Unsplash
Tune: Aurora
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF-2010/TheLordIsRich-Aurora.pdf
Source: Psalm 96:4-6
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
Come, everybody, sing out a new song to God,
a song to rise from everyone on earth.
That loudly blesses God and shouts “Salvation!”
Sing out, make sure that everyone can hear.
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Photo by Junior Gabriel on Unsplash
Tune: Bede
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF-2010/PraiseToOurGod-Bede.pdf
Source: Psalm 96:1-3
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
Open up your ears and listen for the grace-filled word of God.
Don’t be like the generations who had sent their hearts on HARD.
—–
People who have seen God working, but whose hearts have gone astray;
Miss the rest that God has waiting, and the peace God sends their way.
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Photo by Mohammad Metri on Unsplash
Tune: Evening Prayer, Public Domain.
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF/SaviourBreathe-EveningPrayer.pdf
Source: Psalm 95:7b-11
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
Glow, God of Vengeance, Shine! Judge evil; wash the swine.
Halt wickedness’ advance and stifle ev’ry evil boast.
Our enemies are yours, each one a guilty cur.
They think that you don’t see, but of your watch we’re sure.
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It’s obvious to us, you’re always listening.
You never miss a trick. Each whisper you have heard.
Your eyes are always clear, and you have seen it all.
In disciplining nations you have made some fall.
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Your justice, it is pure; so punishment is sure;
and anyone who wastes your time just vanishes.
We’ve learned your righteous ways. That’s why we have been saved.
We know we’ll see your victory and praise your name.
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You stand for us against the evil all around.
If not we’d soon have slipped off of our moral ground.
Lord, you have held us up, through our unnumbered cares.
Our souls you have consoled and answered all our prayers.
—–
When ruled by wickedness, and under great duress,
we’ll strive to trust that you are just, and this will pass.
So help us to hold on; our strength is almost gone.
Repay them with what they deserve, and bring us home.
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Photo by Tyler Lastovich on Unsplash
Tune: Supplication
Source: Psalm 94
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
Robed in majesty and strongly girded everlastingly;
God’s enthroned above the world, established for eternity.
—–
Though the floods lift up their voices, roaring, surging, flowing free.
Yet the Lord is more majestic than the thunder of the sea.
—–
God’s decrees are sure and steady. Holiness befits God’s house.
Evermore, our Lord and sovereign, we will serve and keep our vows.
Photo by Ruthie Martin on Unsplash
Tune: Drakes Broughton
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/2012/Score/SeeUsLord-DrakesBroughton.pdf
Source: Psalm 93
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
Live with God most high,
sheltered and shadowed.
Abide near where the
Almighty is nearby.
Trust God as both your
refuge and fortress.
Under God’s wing it’s safe.
—–
Have no fear of the
terrors of night-time.
Nor of the arrow that
flies when it is light.
Nor of a plague that
sneaks up unannounced.
Under God’s wing it’s safe.
—–
Because you’ve made the
Lord your sure refuge,
and since the Most High
became your dwelling-place,
no evil nor scourge
will draw near to you.
Under God’s wing it’s safe.
—–
Angels will be on
guard all around you.
On their own hands they’ll
be busy bearing you.
You won’t be hurt while
stomping snakes and lions.
Under God’s wing it’s safe.
———-
Photo by alex zeng on Unsplash
Tune: Psalm 22
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/2014/Score/WhenWeAreTempted-Psalm22.pdf
Source: Psalm 91
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
It is good to give God thanks; singing praises ev’ry day.
Tell of steadfast love by night, Tell of gladness and delight.
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Awesome are the works of God. We can scarcely understand.
Though the wicked sprout like grass, evil doing, too, will pass.
—–
Planted in the courts of God, we will flourish as we age.
Bearing fruit of righteousness, full of sap at ev’ry stage.
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Photo by Aubrey Odom on Unsplash
Tune: Alcester
Score: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/pdf/a/l/c/Alcester.pdf
Source: Psalm 92
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
E’re mountains were brought forth, and e’re God gave birth to earth,
there has been but one dwelling where humankind is nursed.
Time’s nothing, space a figment; they’re in a flowing stream.
Each flourishes and fades just like a brief and passing dream.
—–
In light divine our secrets and sin are evident.
God’s anger in response surely seems fair recompense.
Though many live to seventy, some make it full four-score.
It’s soon enough years fly away and we are seen no more.
—–
We trust God’s love is steadfast; God’s anger we ignore.
Though grateful for our days, we’re still greedy and want more.
So teach us how to count them, that wisdom we may gain,
and satisfy us daily, and free us from our pain.
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We need to see your work, God; our children know your power.
O rest your favor on us, in ev’ry day and hour.
May labor of our hearts and hands not merely disappear.
Please prosper it to generations far and also near.
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Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash
Tune: Thornbury
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF/ThyHandOGod-Thornbury.pdf
Source: Psalm 90
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
When the holy ones assemble, praise is raised to God.
No one in the heavens holds a torch unto the Lord.
In that council God is feared, the great and awesome mas-ter.
If you asked them, “Who is greater?” no one would reply.
_____
God of hosts, who is as mighty as you are, O Lord?
Faithfulness surrounds you God. You rule the raging sea.
You can still the rising waves; you’re stronger than all dan-gers.
Enemies don’t stand a chance you scatter them abroad.
_____
All the heavens and the earth belong, O Lord, to you.
Everything created and what’s re-created, too.
There’s no place unknown to y-ou; mountains, valleys praise your name.
You are mighty, strong to save, and worthy of our praise.
_____
Righteousness and justice are the hallmarks of your rule.
Steadfast love and faithfulness belong, O Lord, to you.
Happy are all people who walk in your light, O God, each day.
In your love we live securely, shielded all the way.
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Photo by Birmingham Museums Trust on Unsplash
Tune: Jeshurun
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/Score_PDF-2010/NoneIsLikeJeshurun-Jeshurun.pdf
Source: Psalm 89:5-18
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
I’ll sing God’s love forever more;
proclaim God’s faithfulness;
declare their sureness on the earth
and firmness to the stars.
The covenant that’s sworn with all
God chooses does not change.
God’s people live in confidence
through this and ev’ry age.
__________
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Tune: Bovina
Score: https://www.smallchurchmusic.com/2014/Score/AmidTheThronging-Bovina.pdf
Source: Psalm 89:1-4
Text: © David Alexander, 2020
Aboksu 