BECOME KNOWN | Healing Hands Worship Series, week 3
July 15, 2018

Often, the selections are congregational songs chosen from the week’s Hymn Suggestions, with notes on key, tempo, and instrumentation, along with some practical and creative considerations in singing. However, this week’s selections are pointed more toward the specific passage from Mark 6:13-16, and thus are not found in the “Hymn Suggestions” for the week.

Healer of Our Every Ill

Source: The Faith We Sing, 2213
Recommended Key: D
Tempo: 84-92 bpm
Instrumentation: Piano, organ, or guitar
Notes: We recommend the use of this hymn as a theme throughout the entire “Healing Hands” series. Marty Haugen has created a hymn in which the text and tune are both comforting. For the first four weeks, sing the refrain, one stanza each week, and the refrain. On the final week, sing the entire hymn. This will teach the hymn to the congregation over time and closely tie it to the theme of the series.

There Is Power

Source: CCLI #7026322 »
Recommended Key: B♭
Tempo: 80 bpm
Instrumentation: Piano, guitar, or full band
Notes: If you are in a setting with a band or modern worship music style, we recommend the use of this hymn as a theme throughout the entire “Healing Hands” series. Singing this every week will help the congregation learn and sing with vigor by the last week. The recommended key is a bit lower than the original setting to accommodate for congregational singing.

Famous One

Source: CCLI #3599431 »
Recommended Key: E♭–F
Tempo: 56-64 bpm (dotted half note)
Instrumentation: Full band, guitar, or piano
Notes: This short song by Chris Tomlin offers the idea of Jesus’ fame in a song form. The message this week is about Jesus having “become known” by rulers in power. As we prepare to offer ourselves to become known as a people marked by love, we first encounter Jesus as the one known for his healing and mercy.

Jesus, Name Above All Names

Source: The Faith We Sing, 2071
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 54-60 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ, piano, and/or guitar or full band
Notes: This simple chorus focuses on the name of Jesus and offers other names for Jesus as well: “Beautiful Savior,” “glorious Lord,” “Emmanuel,” “God is with us,” “blessed Redeemer,” “living Word.” Because of this, the song could easily be used as a short cyclic song that can support meditative worship settings well.

They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love

Source: The Faith We Sing, 2223
Recommended Key: Em–Fm
Tempo: 92-136 bpm (quarter note)
Instrumentation: Organ, piano, solo guitar, strings, or any band ensemble (rock, jazz, etc.)
Notes: I would wager this is one of the most widely sung works across worship styles throughout the church. The unity expressed in the text and the immediately recognizable tune make this a congregational favorite, even across generational lines. As indicated in the tempo suggestion above, it is possible to sing this in a variety of ways, whether slow or fast, and across genres. Experiment with the accompaniment, and be encouraged to sing boldly!

We Are God’s People

Source: The Faith We Sing, 2220
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 94-100 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: Set to a tune from Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 1 in C minor, this bold text proclaims our identity as people of God. When we stand with one another, we can become known and God can work through us to bring transformation to the world. The first three phrases are easily singable, but the closing two phrases are more difficult. It is easy to choose a tempo based upon the opening phrases, but be sure to instead choose a tempo that helps the congregation navigate the melodic contour of the last two phrases.
Resources: History of Hymns: "We are God's People" »

Glorious Is the Name of Jesus

Source: Zion Still Sings, 25
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 80 bpm (eighth note)
Instrumentation: Organ, piano, or rhythm section
Notes: A great selection for choir and congregation, this song offers praise to Jesus’ name. The tempo should be quite slow, and the accompaniment can be enlivened by a pianist familiar with improvisation and the addition of additional harmonies to support the choral singing.
Resources: Watch the YouTube video »

Mighty to Save

Source: Worship & Song, 3038
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 64-72 bpm
Instrumentation: Full band, piano, or guitar
Notes: This work from the Hillsong catalog is easily singable and widely known. When leading congregational singing, be sure to make eye contact with the congregation! The rhythm and contour of the verses can sometimes make this feel like a solo, but the congregation needs to be engaged by the worship leader. The refrain is powerful as a statement of praise to Jesus, the Lord of all creation.

Go to the World

Source: Worship & Song, 3158
Recommended Key: G
Tempo: 96-104 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ, brass
Notes: Each phrase of this hymn of sending begins with the words, “Go to the world!”, which means it should be sung with confidence and a spirit of hope. We are a sent people who are called to “preach the cross where Christ’s renews life’s worth.” The SINE NOMINE tune is a bold choice to support this hymn. Additional harmonizations, a lower key, and descants (vocal/instrumental) are included in the Music Supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal.