Fan the Flame of Hope

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.

Chorus

Solo

Chorus (Key change)

© 2024 Michael Harvey and Monica O’Brien

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Pilgrims of Hope: Music Collection for Parishes and Schools

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.

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You Are Home (for Rebecca)

The last song in John Burland‘s All Are Welcome Here is this funeral song.

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

Chorus

© 2018 John Burland

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We Sing for Freedom

I’m still working through John Burland‘s album, All Are Welcome Here.

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.

Chorus
© 2018 John Burland

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Love Came to Earth

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

No greater love than the Lord our God’s.

No greater love than the Lord our God’s.

© 2019 John Burland

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God Reigns

This is a Marian song from John Burland from the collection, All Are Welcome Here.

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

Chorus

©2018 John Burland

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Holy Lord Is Your Name

This is a song a praise from John Burland‘s collection All Are Welcome Here.

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.

Chorus

Instrumental Bridge

Chorus

Key Change: Chorus x2

Holy Lord is your name

© 2018 John Burland

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Firm in the Faith

I’m looking at John Burland‘s 2019 album, All Are Welcome Here. This one is based on 1 Cor 16:13 and was co-written with Gary Pinto.

The sheet music is available at his website. I see it more in schools and masses for young people than general use.

Burland’s version is guitar pop, but for some reason I have gone synth-pop. I did these backings a while ago, so the backings are often a surprise to me too.

Verse 1
We walk by Faith
Surrounded by your grace.
Your light it guides our way,
The hope that we’re embraced
…Jesus.

Chorus
Planted firm in the Faith.
Built up we won’t be shaken.
Jesus we are yours today.
We walk side by side,
Together our lives entwined Lord
Jesus, be with us today.

Verse 2
You’re my Saviour,
Your Cross it bears my name.
Your Kingdom now shall reign
And everyone proclaim…your name Jesus.

Chorus
Bridge
Built on the rock and firm in Jesus Christ
We proclaim your Word throughout the world

Chorus x2 (Key change)
© 2011 John Burland & Gary Pinto

This is a Gary Pinto’s version:

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Lord Bless Me On This Day

This is a sung prayer and reflection from John Burland‘s album All Are Welcome Here. It is a quiet meditative piece. John’s text is set with music from himself and Stephen Leiweke.

Chorus
Lord bless me on this day.
Guide me in your way.
Calm my mind to be.
Let my eyes now see.
Surround me,
Surround me,
Surround me with Your love.

Verse 1
When I wander far from you
Be with me O Lord.
When I don’t know what to do
Be with me O Lord.
Verse 2
When I need to trust in You
Be with me O Lord.
When I doubt my faith in You
Be with me O Lord.
Verse 3
When I’m weary from the day
Be with me O Lord.
When I haven’t lived Your way
Be with me O Lord.
© 2019 John Burland, Stephen Leiweke

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All Are Welcome Here

This is a gathering song, and the title song, from John Burland‘s collection, All Are Welcome Here.

The text is based on Roman 15:7 and the words of Pope Francis.

If your assembly feels its spirituality on its feet this is a fine pop song to get things going, but it might find a place at schools and outside mass as well.

My backing is how I felt it, that is, with too much sax, but listen to John’s version to get how it was intended.

Verse 1
Come brother,
Come sister,
Lay down your burden here.
The hungry,
The thirsty,
Will have no need to fear.

Verse 2
Come brother,
Come sister,
You will find shelter here.
The hoping,
The searching,
Will know the Lord is near.

Chorus
All are welcome here in the house of the Lord.
There is a home that’s waiting just for you.
All are welcome here in the house of the Lord.
There is a home that’s waiting just for you.

Verse 3
Come brother,
Come sister,
You will not be alone.
The frightened,
The damaged,
The Lord will guide you home.

Chorus

Bridge
There will be no one left behind.
Seek and you’ll find.
The Lord is calling out… calling out to you.

Chorus

© 2019 John Burland

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