I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

The Third Sunday in Lent
March 24, 2019

Today's anthem is an arrangement of a classic hymn. "I heard the voice of Jesus say" was written by Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), a prolific Scottish hymn poet and author. Several of his hymns are included in The Hymnal 1982, including "O love of God, how strong and true," which we will sing today. The tune, Kingsfold, is an English folk melody. Although it is certainly much older, it was first published in Lucy Broadwood's English Country Songs in 1903. It was paired with this text by Ralph Vaughan Williams in the English Hymnal 1906.

 A well-known author and clergyman, Bonar experienced deep sadness and grief, including the deaths of five of his young children. Imagine that profound sense of loss as you read his hopeful words:



I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto me and rest;
and in your weariness lay down your head upon my breast."
I came to Jesus as I was, so weary, worn, and sad;
I found in him a resting place, and he has made me glad.

 I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold, I freely give
the living water; thirsty one, stoop down and drink, and live."
I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life-giving stream;
my thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in him.

 I heard the voice of Jesus say, "I am this dark world's light;
look unto me, your morn shall rise, and all your day be bright."
I looked to Jesus, and I found in him my Star, my Sun;
and in that light of life I'll walk till pilgrim days are done.

 Listen to a recording here: I heard the voice of Jesus say

 For my anthem arrangement, I chose the gentle, pastoral sounds of the oboe and bells to create a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. By repeating the opening text at the end of the anthem, I emphasized Jesus' invitation to all to come and rest. That is an invitation I need to hear this Lent. What is Jesus' call to you during this holy season?

 Music for the Third Sunday in Lent
March 24, 2019

 Hymns
152   Kind Maker of the world, O hear   A la venue de Noel
455   O love of God, how strong and true   Dunedin
143   The glory of these forty days   Erhalt uns, Herr
327   Draw nigh and take the Body of the Lord   Palmer Church
471   We sing the praise of him who died   Breslau

 Service Music
Kyrie eleison, S-96   Franz Peter Schubert, arr. Richard Proulx
Psalm 63:1-8   Plainsong,Tone II
Prayers of the People, Form I, S-106
Sanctus, S-130   Schubert/Proulx
Agnus Dei, S-164   Schubert/Proulx

 Anthem
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say   -Kingsfold, English folk melody, arr. Marty Wheeler Burnett

 Organ Music
Wondrous Love   -Southern folk hymn, arr. David N. Johnson
Organ chorale: Aus tiefer Not   -Johann Pachelbel

Art: The Hand of God   -Yongsung Kim

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