I have already blogged this song, here, but I am reposting to put it in its context with the rest of the collection, Pilgrims of Hope, from Willow. Buy the sheet music and other bundles here.
Gina Ogilvie, who more often writes music, provided the text for this fine song for Eucharist, which is set by Michael Harvey.
1 Called to the sanctuary we come bringing the gifts that we offer.
This sacred moment is blessed, our spirits unified.
Standing at the altar with off’rings of our hearts,
Together in this holy place, bread and wine the symbols
The mystery that’s created and in your love we find grace.
Refrain
Here at the table, in the presence of our God.
We bring our hopes, our dreams and our fears,
In this communion love draws near.
2 Turning to you now in wonder, Ignited by your love,
Lives that are broken are mended, our voices raise in song
Standing at the altar with off’rings of our hearts,
Together in this holy place, bread and wine the symbols
The mystery that’s created and in your love we find grace.
I am continuing to look at Willow’s new collection, Pilgrims of Hope, which you can, and should, purchase in various bundles and forms at Willow.
The talented people Willow have called on for this album are truly astonishing. This song for example is a fruitful collaboration between theologian songwriters, Toni Janke and Maeve Haeney.
It is an invocation of the Holy Spirit, an invitation to walk in “thin places”and a prayer for wisdom that would be a creative choice for Pentecost and liturgies with wisdom readings.
I love what they have done here with the modulation for “on this sacred ground”, suddenly arresting you out of Chronos into Kairos time.
Their recording below is sublime and the right key for a solo or duet perhaps, but for an assembly I would bring it from Ab down to F as a matter of charity.
Band in a Box did not have a didgeridoo option, oddly enough, so I chose to look for a David Bridie vibe in my backing.
Ancient ways, open paths, Grounded firm, growing fast. There’s no moving forward without looking back. We acknowledge the future has a past: On this sacred ground.
Ancient ways, open paths, Grounded firm, growing fast. There’s no moving forward without looking back. We acknowledge the future has a past: On this sacred ground. On this sacred ground. On this sacred ground.
Our Elders are dreaming dreams, And our children speak words of truth. And our young people have visions Of all in living in a world that tastes of justice, and fairness, and wholeness, and healing.
A ground that is groaning in need of your Spirit. Living Breath, we pray. Breathe through us today.
Ancient ways, open paths, Grounded firm, growing fast. There’s no moving forward without looking back. We acknowledge the future has a past: On this sacred ground. On this sacred ground.
Lord, lead us and guide us, Sustain us and teach us new ways to be. We are one with creation, The Dreaming, the Spirit, throughout history.
Though we know we are just passing through this place, Give us the courage, the wisdom and grace, Living Breath, we pray. Breathe through us today.
If anyone doesn’t know the Australian composer, David Bridie, known for his soundtrack work and the bands My Friend the Chocolate Cake and Not Drowning Waving, here is a sample, giving a view of the land from the point of view of European explorers seeing the ground as anything but sacred:
The second song in Willow’s collection, Pilgrims of Hope, is the fruit of a collaboration at a workshop last year that brought together Australian songwriters for a weekend, that included experiments in composing together.
I had a few unsuccessful goes at backings for this one. These first attempts don’t have the melody edited properly – BIAB is great for copy and pasting, but I didn’t go back and fix the melodic variations on these attempts:
Then I realised it is more 2/2 than 4/4 and got something more usable.
1 Broken we come with dreams in our hearts, Searching for truth and longing for peace, Troubled and torn by the weight of the world, Into your light, we are called.
Chorus
Put your hope in Love forever more. Put your hope in Love forever more. Put your hope in one another, our sister, our brother. Put your hope in Love forever more.
2 Eyes open wide, God’s goodness we seek, Looking for signs of hope in our midst. Be strong and be filled, with Spirit outpoured, Into your light, we are called.
Chorus
Final Chorus
Put your hope in, put your hope in, Love forever more. Put your hope in, Put your hope in, Love forever more. Put your hope in one another, our sister, our brother. Put your hope in Love forever more.
The first song in the Willow collection, Pilgrims of Hope, is “Fan the Flames of Hope,” with a healing text by lyricist, Monica O’Brien and set by the well known music director and composer Michael Harvey.
Having looked ahead, the texts in this collection have inspiration from the themes of the Jubilee, but will have relevance beyond 2025, and this is no exception. The words are solace and wisdom in uncertain times and a mission call nonetheless, to be a new creation in Christ.
The only problem with having such a talented composer, obviously on piano, is the switch to Ab for the guitar solo, then Db with the key change, so us poor feeble guitarists are suddenly up the fretboard playing Db barre chords. Therefore, in routine parish use, no key change and stay in C – save the marvellous production number for special occasions!
It is anthemic indeed and can be played as big as you like, but I have played and sung it on guitar alone and it works fine for me (until the key change).
The sheet music for the whole collection is available to download for less than $A30, along with other useful bundles, at Willow. Physical copies are also available, which is much appreciated.
The wonderful professional recording on YouTube below lets you know what it can sound like. I like the challenge of pitting Band in a Box against real musicianship and revel in glorious failure. I didn’t let BIAB fudge the guitar solo this time – I was good boy and entered the notes. I even slowed down at end.
Sing along to learn the song to see if you can use it in your liturgies, and enjoy using music that was written this millenium – last year actually.
1 Darkness falls away in the healing light of Christ, Guiding our footsteps on the path of love and grace. Differences are honoured, Judgement falls away, Hope becomes the doorway to a brand new day.
Chorus
Let us fan the flame of hope To shine throughout our nation. Stir in us a vision to become a new creation. Fan the flame of hope, As we turn toward the Light. Jesus is our reason To fan the flame of hope.
2 Drawing close to you We find strength to carry on, Clinging to your promise to be with us always. Broken hearts are mended as they find new strength in you. Christ, you are the doorway To peace breaking through.
This is a ten song music collection from Willow Publishing for the Jubilee Year of Hope and beyond by Australian composers. I had a bit part in one of the compositions.
It can be purchased from Willow. There are also details there on how to get limited edition physical copies if that is what is preferred.
I’ll be looking at each of the songs over the next couple of weeks. I have enjoyed looking at the music and the YouTube clips and am impressed by the variety of songs presented, which will suit schools and parishes in many liturgical circumstances. They certainly cover the themes of the Jubilee year, but in a timeless way that promises a long shelf life in the Australian church for these songs.
From the website:
In this remarkable Year of Jubilee, we are blessed to present the Pilgrims of Hope Music Collection for Parishes & Schools, a vibrant anthology of ten original compositions by celebrated and emerging Australian sacred music composers. This collection embodies Pope Francis’s vision that “the joy of the Gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus,” offering fresh musical expressions of faith that resonate across generations and cultures.
The collection’s strength lies in its diversity and accessibility. From a jubilant anthem to contemporary arrangements that engage worshippers in prayer and praise. Each piece has been crafted with congregational singing in mind.
The lyrics throughout the collection are carefully aligned with the themes of the Jubilee Year, exploring hope, renewal, and communal joy. As Pope Francis reminds us, “Hope opens new horizons, making us capable of dreaming what is not even imaginable.” These songs give voice to that dream, providing parishes and schools with fresh ways to express their faith through music.
Whether used in liturgical celebrations, school Masses, or community gatherings, this collection offers something for every setting and occasion. The arrangements are designed to be adaptable, allowing both skilled musicians and developing music ministries to bring these songs to life in their communities.
The collection features songs by the following established and emerging artists living in dioceses around Australia: Lauren Bierer, Gen Bryant, Kallie Deegan, Beth Doherty, Timothy Hart, Michael Harvey, Maeve Louise Heaney, Toni Janke, Steph Jorna, Danielle Anne Lynch, Geoffrey Madden, Brigid McNally, Monica O’Brien, Gina Ogilvie, Patricia Smith, Ashen Warnakulasooriya and Trisha Watts.
The Pilgrims of Hope Music Collection for Parishes and Schools offers something for every setting and occasion.
Bundle: The bundle includes the music book, the recordings, and the presentation slides for the lyrics.
Music Book: The arrangements are designed to be adaptable, allowing both skilled musicians and developing music ministries to bring these songs to life in their communities .
Recordings: The recordings have been professionally recorded.
Presentation Slides: The slides display the lyrics for each song in an easy-to-read format with a font size of 40 points with a choice of a black background with white text and a white background with black text.
Physical Music Book: For a limited time, the Music Book is available in printed book format. Orders must be placed at this link: bit.ly/4asqmn8
Titles:
Fan The Flame Of Hope – Music: Michael Harvey. Lyrics: Monica O’Brien. Hope In Love – Lauren Bierer, Kallie Deegan, Timothy Hart, Danielle Anne Lynch, Trisha Watts. On This Sacred Ground – Maeve Louise Heaney, Toni Janke. Here At The Table – Music: Michael Harvey. Lyrics: Gina Ogilvie. To The Table We Are Called – Music: Michael Harvey. Lyrics: Monica O’Brien. All the Hungry, Come – Beth Doherty. Holy Spirit Of The Great South Land – Patricia Smith. Hold Us Close – Music: Gina Ogilvie. Lyrics: Monica O’Brien. Be Hope! – Music: Gen Bryant. Lyrics: Gen Bryant, Steph Jorna, Geoffrey Madden, Brigid McNally. Hope Is Alive! – Music: Gen Bryant & Ashen Warnakulasooriya. Lyrics: Gen Bryant.
Funeral songs should either be set to a familar tune to allow participation or designed as a solo as this one would be. He recounts the occasion that led to the writing of the song in the clip below.
Verse 1 There are no more tears to cry, our streams have now run dry. We’re out of words to say, we’ve said our sad goodbye. As we close our eyes we remember a life one of gentleness and grace. A child of faith called to the Father’s house who showed to us God’s face.
Chorus For you are home, Precious child of our God. You are home, humble servant of the Lord. God’s faithful one called to eternal life, From this day we know that you are home.
Verse 2 Through the sadness and pain we find comfort in belief Knowing God has made a place where there will be no more grief Within the Father’s arms you’ll forever be, loved for all eternity. A child of God with heaven’s angels and saints who showed us how to be.
Chorus
Verse 3 Beloved child of God held in hearts with tenderness Shared with us such joy through life’s preciousness Lord this special one you have shared with us such a gift for us each day Remembered as we are gathered here as we join as one to pray
This is an anti-slavery song inspired by the life of St Josephine Bakhita’s life. The text is based on Luke 4;18-19 and Galations 5:1. It has application within a theme of social justice and as a teaching point in schools.
It sounds more like a country song to me and that’s how my backing turned out.
Chorus
We sing for freedom, we sing for justice, We sing for mercy, we sing for peace. We sing for freedom to bring them home. They are God’s children no one’s to own. They are God’s children no one’s to own.
Verse 1 Stolen from home, taken away. Sold into slavery living in fear. Days of suffering of endless tears. Living in misery through the years.
Chorus
Verse 2 Jesus is here we feel his love. No longer captive our time has come. Where darkness lived now we can see There is a future where we are free.
Chorus
Verse 3 We are the voice for those without. The many lost in fear and doubt. In the voice of Jesus we all shout, Calling for freedom calling for hope.
If yesterday’s song from John Burland was a catchy pop Marian “hymn”, this is a pop earworm with lyrics for Gifts, Eucharist, Advent or maybe even Lent. Much of what is now considered traditional hymnody was derived from the pop music of its day, so I’m not going to decry the pop idiom if it is what works in your school or assembly.
It is from his collection All Are Welcome Here and the sheet music is available for $A20 at his website. All his music is inexpensive, he has deals for school licences, he makes video clips so you know what it is meant to sound like and even has backing tracks to sing along with. It’s a thoughtful and sensible approach for schools and many of the songs will work in the parish as well.
His backing track didn’t stop me making mine, which leans even more into classic pop.
Chorus Love came to earth through the gift of your son. Jesus’ life poured out for us. Through his body and blood we’re given life anew. No greater love than the Lord our God’s. No greater love than the Lord our God’s.
Verse 1 I stumble and fall on my way to you Lord Though my heart is willing I so often fail. When darkness comes your love keeps guiding me on Your gift of sacrifice, given for me.
Pre-Chorus One name above all Throughout every nation.
Chorus
Verse 2 I hear you Lord and I follow your way. Let me be your hands and feet every day. Walking in faith I will live by your Word Giving voice to others so they can be heard.
Pre-Chorus Chorus
No greater love, no greater love, there is no greater love.
Last Chorus
Love came to earth through the gift of your son. Jesus’ life poured out for us. Through his body and blood we’re given life anew. No greater love than the Lord our God’s. x2
It is a catchy pop song, so different from many songs on this topic, and would suit Advent at schools especially. I can usually tell when Advent is coming because Mangan’s “Mary Said Yes” gets a lot of hits here, and this is for older young people and maybe older people who wish they were young still.
I made a backing.
1 An angel sent to Nazareth With a message from the Holy One. Mary you are favoured the Lord is with you You will bear God’s only Son and great will be his name. For nothing is impossible with the Lord our God.
Chorus I place my trust in you O God, In your mercy, in your glory & might. My spirit sings with joy O God In wonder every nation will sing.
God reigns God reigns God reigns
2 Yes, to you O God above I’ll live within your love To care for Him the Promised One As the mother of your Son.
Chorus
Bridge I am the servant of the Lord May it be done to me According to your word God reigns God reigns God reigns God reigns
The text is based on scripture from Isaiah 43:15 and Revelation 4:8, 15:4.
My backing is slow burn P&W style. Burland is more subtle. I slowed my backing down from 97 to 92 bpm – it was just a little fast I thought.
Chorus Holy, Holy Holy Lord is your name Holy, Holy Holy Lord is your name
Verse 1 Lord we come before you to praise your Holy name. Your faithful people we’re gathered to proclaim By your cross and resurrection You came to set us free. Jesus Christ our Saviour Gave us life on Calvary.
Chorus
Verse 2 Lord God of glory the earth marvels at your deeds. Your world of wonder provides everything we need. Through your love we find redemption We’re saved and we are free. The God of our Salvation Has revealed the mystery.
I've worked my way through the As One Voice books and other collections making backings on Band in a Box to help me (& you if you're interested) learn new songs for church. This is aimed at churches and musicians that own the collections but haven't exploited them fully. If you don't have them they are certainly worth buying. This site is educational, nonprofit and designed to enhance the commercial prospects of songwriters. This site does not distribute copyrighted sheet music.
Disclaimer
Any opinions expressed here are personal views and not the responsibility of any Church.
All music backings posted are created by myself and the intention is for them to be used to learn the songs. If any copyright holder wishes me to cease publicising and promoting their wares and directing people to where sheet music can be legally purchased please let me know.
Mason’s “Mass of Glory and Praise”
To access my backings for Paul Mason's mass go to Feb 2011 in the archive.
