| Description: | Earlier today I had the joy to hear a recording of Jessye Norman singing “Simple Gifts”. That brought to mind two things: First, the fact that I live near Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (hence, all but two of the pictures in the video), and, second, a medley I made for my parishioners to sing during Mass (“Simple Gifts” & “Take My Life”). Both the words and music in each of the hymns blend to form a unified theological message and a memorable medley. I hope you find it to be a blessing!
By the way, you’ll definitely want to use headphones – the sound of this pipe organ is amazing!! (Be sure to start the volume low.) The words for today’s hymn are below, in case you want to sing along! :)
“Simple Gifts” &
“Take My Life and Let It Be”
Tunes: Simple Gifts
& Messiah
’Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free,
’tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
and when we find ourselves in the place just right,
’twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
to turn, turn will be our delight
’til by turning, turning we come round right.
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in ceaseless praise.
Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for thee.
When true simplicity is gained,
to bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed,
to turn, turn will be our delight
’til by turning, turning we come round right.
Take my voice, and let me sing always, only, for my King.
Take my lips, and let them be filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold,
take my intellect, and use every power as thou shalt choose.
When true simplicity is gained,
(continued in the comments)... |
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