This is meant to be a trawl through the digital archive at Willow but for some reason, having sorted things alphabetically, I’m getting a lot of Patrica Smith in a row.
This is from John 15:4-17 and has some competition as a setting, but stands up well with a gentle, memorable and singable tune.
The sheet music is at Willow, but I couldn’t get a grasp on what her arrangement was. I decided to do 2 verses then the chorus and 2 verses and the chorus again. Once again note how she adds nothing more than necessary to the text and keeps things simple enough for all ages.
As usual there is nothing to listen to at Willow to get an idea what the songwriter had in mind. That said, you can at least sing along to my BIAB backing to learn it, then do the best way that suits you.
1 I give you a new commandment,
To love each other as I love you.
To give your life for one another
Is to love as I have loved you.
2 You did not choose me, no, you were chosen
To be my presence in all the world.
To bear great fruit that lasts forever,
You must love as I have loved you
Chorus
You will abide in me, abide in me,
Abide in me, and I will abide in you.
3 You are my friends, you are disciples.
Take up you cross now, and follow me.
Be one with me in heart and spirit,
And love as I have loved you.
4 All you who love me, keep my commandments,
And love will fill you, my kingdom come.
You will have life in all its fullness,
If you love as I have loved you.
Chorus
Abide in me.
© 2021 P A Smith. Published by Willow Publishing.