LiturgyTools.net: Hymns for the Ascension of the Lord - Year A (18 or 21 May 2023)

A selection of free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free) hymns and songs, based on themes from the Roman Catholic lectionary for the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Year A.

"Free-to-use" means the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing. Many such hymns are old/traditional - but where possible a variety of styles / genres are included.

Seasonal Note

In some countries, the Ascension is celebrated on a Sunday, while in others it is a mid-week feast and the 7th Sunday of Easter is also observed. See your local liturgical calendar for details.

Ascension, Year C

6th Sunday of Easter, Year A

7th Sunday of Easter, Year A
OR
Pentecost Sunday, Year A

Ascension, Year B

Readings

First: Acts 1:1-11 - Paul recalls that Jesus said "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you" - and as he said this he was lifted up and a cloud took him from their sight.

Psalm: 46 - God goes up with shouts of joy, the Lord goes up with trumpet blast / All peoples clap your hands / God goes up with shouts of joy / God is king of all the earth.

Second: Ephesians 1: 17-23 - May God give you a spirit of Wisdom and perception ... God raised him from the dead, and bid him sit at the right far above every soverignty, authority, power or dominion ... the head of the church, which is hid body.

Gospel: Matthew 28: 19-20 - The apostles meet Jesus on the mountain, he sends them to make disciples of all the nations.

Themes

Christ's ascension to his kingdom.

Free-use artwork

See lectionary art for this Sunday for suggested pictures and art-works based on today's readings.

Free-use hymns

A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing

All Creatures of our God and King

All Hail the Power of Jesus Name

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus

At the Name of Jesus (esp verse 4)

Crown Him with Many Crowns

Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise

Look Ye Saints the Sight Is Glorious

Lord Enthroned in Heavenly Splendour

O Splendour of God’s Glory Bright

Psalm 46 - Music for Mass setting

Rejoice the Lord is King

See the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph

Sing We Triumphant Hymns of Praise

The Head that Once was Crowned with Thorns

We Walk by Faith

Hymns that may still be copyright

Be Not Afraid - Dufford

Christ is Here - Walker

Clap Your Hands all Ye Nations - Bell

Do Not Stand and Stare in Wonder - Wood

Go Make of All Disciples - Adler

Go Tell Everyone - Dale/Richards

Jesus Christ, Yesterday, Today and Forever - Toolan

Let His Name Be Lifted Up - Scheer

One Sacrifice of Christ - Modlin / Feduccia

Praise Him as He Mounts the Skies - Quinn

Send Down the Fire - Haugen

The Fullness of God - Andersen

The Saviour Leaves - Bell / Iona

Suggestions about other free-to-use hymns that could be included are welcome: leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.