Lord, Speak To Me
Here's Richard Shephard's festival anthem appropriate for Choir Kickoff Sunday, Choir/Music Dedication, a service celebrating ministries, or any other festive ocassion. This anthem is based on Tallis' canon, is easy to learn, and incorporates Adult Choir, children's choirs of all ages, a few handbells, organ, and brass quintet (2 Trumpets in B-flat, Horn in F, 2 Trombones or Trombone + Tuba). Your choirs can learn it in one or two rehearsals (after the choir summer sabbatical). Easy and great fun! Text by the Victorian hymn writer Frances Havergal (altered).
Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone;
As you have sought us, let me seek
Your wayward children lost and lone.
O strengthen me, that while I stand
Firm on the rock, and strong in Thee,
I may stretch out a loving hand
And show your ways in word and deed.
O teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious things you do impart;
And send my words, that they may reach
The hidden depths of every heart.
O use me, Lord, use even me,
Though still a child, my gifts I bring;
Until Thy blessèd face I see,
In heavenly light, my God and King.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.