Most are free-to-use (ie public domain or copyright-free), so the words can be copied and sung to at least one tune with no concerns about copyright or performance licensing - sometimes in a limited setting. Many of these hymns are old / traditional - but where possible a variety of styles and genres are included.
A small selection of hymns that are still copyright may also be included, if they are particularly relevant.
Readings
First: Isaiah 55:6-9 - The prophet tells people to seek the Lord, who is rich in forgiving. ... My ways are not your ways.Psalm 144 - The Lord is close to all who call him / I will bless you day after day / The Lord is kind and full of compassion / The Lord is just in all his ways.
Second: Philippians 1:20-24, 27 - Life to me is Christ ... avoid anything in your everyday lives that would be unworthy of the gospel of Christ.
Gospel: - Parable of the vineyard workers - the last shall be first and the first shall be last.
Themes
God's love for us. Generosity. God's ways vs human ways.In the northern hemisphere, harvest festival is around this time, and hymn suggestions from many sources are based on God's generosity from the earth. This theme is not universal, so it has not been included in the list below. You may want to consider the Harvest Festival hymn suggestions if it gratitude for the harvest is celebrated in your country.
Free-use artwork
Free-use hymns
- All my Hope On God is Founded - Robert Bridges (1844-1930)
- Amazing Grace
- At the Name of Jesus
- Attende Domine
- Blessed Assurance
- Blest are the Pure in Heart - John Keble (1792-1866)
- Christ From Whom All Blessings Flow - Wesley
- Day by Day Dear Lord - Richard of Chichester
- Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord - John Mason Neale (1818-1866)
- Firmly I Believe and Truly
- For me to Live is Christ, to Die is Gain - Keith White (pre 1970)
- For the Beauty of the Earth
- Forth in Thy Name O Lord I Go - Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
- God is Love His the Care
- Holy God we Praise Thy Name
- I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say - Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)
- I Sing the Mighty Power of God
- Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- In Christ there is no East or West - William A. Dunkerley (pseudonym John Oxenham, 1852-1941)
- Jesu, Lover of my Soul / Jesus, Lover of My Soul - Wesley - Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
- Lead us Heavenly Father Lead Us - James Edmeston (1791-1867)
- Now Thank we all our God
- O Breathe on Me O Breath of God - Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)
- O God of Earth and Altar
- O God of Love O King of Peace - H. W. (Henry Williams) Baker (1821-1877)
- O God Our Help in Ages Past - Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
- O Worship the King (all glorious above) - Grant
- Plenty Good Room - Unknown
- Praise my Soul the King of Heaven
- Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him - Composite: perhaps John Kempthorne (1775–1838), Richard Mant (1776-1848), Edward Osler (1798-1863)
- Praise to the Holiest in the Height
- Praise to the Lord the Almighty - Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878)
- Praise we our God with Joy - Frederick Oakeley (1802-1880)
- The Church's One Foundation - Samuel John Stone (1839–1900)
- The Head that Once Was Crowned With Thorns - Kelly
- The King of Love my Shepherd Is - George Herbert (1593-1633)
- The Lord's my Shepherd - Scottish Psalter translation
- The Name Of Jesus - Martin USA 1864-1914)
- There's a Wideness in God's Mercy (Souls of men, why will ye scatter) - Frederick W Faber ( (1814-1863)
- We Walk By Faith - Henry Alford (1810–1871) - the words are freee-use, but the best-known tune is not
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Hymns which may still be copyright
- 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord O my Soul) - Matt Redman (b. 1974)
- All are Welcome (Let us build a house) - Marty Haugen (b 1950)
- Among us and Before Us - Bell (b. 1949) / Maule (1958-2019)
- Canticle of the Sun (The heavens are telling) - Marty Haugen (b 1950)
- Come to Set us Free (come to make us your own) - Bernadette Farrell (b. 1957)
- Come to the Feast / Ven al Banquete - Bob Hurd, Jamie Cortez, Pia Moriarty
- For the Fruits of His Creation - Pratt Green (1903–2000)
- Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart - Henry Smith (b 1952)
- God Whose Giving Knows No Ending - Edwards
- I Call Your Name (Holy, Lord God almighty) - Israel Houghton, Ricardo Sanchez
- Little Things With Great Love - Audrey Assad, Isaac Wardell, and Madison Cunningham
- Lord For the Years Your Love Has Kept and Guided - Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926-2024)
- Mercy (endless as the sea) - Matt Redman (b. 1974) and Jonas Myrin
- Our Father we have Wandered - Kevin Nicholls ((1929-2006))
- Remember Your Mercy, Lord - Paul Inwood (b. 1947)
- Remember Your Mercies O Lord - various settings
- Seek the Lord while He May be Found - (Robert) Roc O'Connor (b 1949)
- Seek Ye First - Karen Lafferty (b. 1948)
- Sing a Joyful Song to the Lord - Jim Farrell
- Sing of the Lord's Goodness - Ernest Sands (1949-2016)
- Take my Hand Precious Lord - Dorsey
- The Cry of the Poor - John Foley (b. 1939)
- The Feast Meant for Everyone - Tom Booth, Sarah Hart
- The Same Love - Michael Rossback, Paul Baloche
- The Servant King (From heav'n You came helpless babe) - Graham Kendrick (b. 1950)
- This Day God Gives Me - James Quinn (1919-2010)
- Way Maker (You are Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper) - Osinachi Kalu Okoro-Egbu
- Within the Reign of God (Come now, the feast is spread) - Marty Haugen (b. 1950)
- You Are Strong! You Are Holy! - Sylvia G. Dunstan (1955-1993)
- Your Love Is Finer Than Life - Marty Haugen (b. 1950)
"Forth in thy Name O Lord I go" - Charles Wesley all about our daily labour.
ReplyDelete"In bread we bring you Lord" by Kevin Nichols, an offertory hymn that also is very much about our labours.