I’m continuing to look for songs at Willow that were written after the close of the canon (AOV 1, 2, NG) with merit and liturgical uses.
Peter Grant’s song “A Song of Offering” certainly fits that bill for the Procession of the Gifts. It is described at AOV as a simple song written for school masses but, like Michael Mangan’s songs, is by no means only suitable there. I’ve blogged some overly complex songs recently that exclude participation by the assembly and I much prefer a singable memorable tune like Peter’s to hymns that require a choir or a cantor. The final note gave me a choice so I picked the median note. The text is really very challenging as a call to service at any age.
Peter does have a song in CWB II that we started using recently (“Christ Light Shining in the Darkness”) and one in AOV (“Communion Song”). I’ve also blogged his songs “A Christmas Lullaby” and “I Will Follow You”. He also wrote the “Mass for a Pilgrim People”. I think he needs to be regarded as a major Australian liturgical composer alongside Brian Boniwell, Leo Watt, Paul Mason, Amanda McKenna, Monica O’Brien, Gina Ogilvie, Trisha Watts, Michael Mangan etc etc etc.
You can buy the sheet music at Willow Publications. Peter has granted permission for his lyrics to be reproduced here, so sing along with the backing to learn the song.
1. Jesus we offer ourselves to you today;
Our minds, our bodies, our hearts our souls.
2. Take all we are, Lord, all that we offer now,
And make us wholly transformed in you.
Refrain
We want to give ourselves completely as you gave yourself for us;
But our gifts seem so unworthy in the shadow of the cross!
3. Still, Lord, we come to you, bearing our humble gifts:
Bread of our faith in you, wine of our love.
Refrain
Verse 3
Wine of our love… wine of our love.
© 2014 Peter Grant