What? | TRANSITIONS WORSHIP SERIES

Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 96
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 104-112 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: The AABA’ form of this tune makes it very easy to teach if your congregation does not already know it. A descant, choral reharmonization, transposition to the key of G, and trumpet part is included in the Music Supplement to The United Methodist Hymnal.

Crags and Clay

Source: CCLI #6189422
Recommended Key: B♭ (congregational singing), B♭-D (band/praise team only)
Tempo: 66 bpm
Instrumentation: Solo guitar, piano, or band
Notes: Make note that there is a lead sheet for this on CCLI SongSelect, but if you are looking for a vocal score, there is not one available. Lowering the key will be required for congregational singing. Beautiful images of God’s presence amid imperfections are found throughout this song, and the ending contains text from Psalm 139:14.

I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry

Source: The Faith We Sing, 2051
Recommended Key: G
Tempo: 84-92 bpm
Instrumentation: Piano, guitar, organ, band, solo wind instrument
Notes: There are many possibilities for accompaniment with this song, including all instrumentation options listed above. This hymn gives a narrative of a life unfolding with a God who works in our lives from birth to death and beyond. This song comes from a folk tradition, so keep the accompaniment simple and light, with the melody gentle and lyrical.
Resources:

History of Hymns (Hawn) »
History of Hymns (Nance) »

Song of Zechariah

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 208
Recommended Key: A
Tempo: 100-108 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: This canticle is a combination of readings and sung response, in the same form as the Psalter contained in The United Methodist Hymnal. Have the accompanying instrument play the melody before the singing, or instruct the choir to sing through once to model the line. The tune is very familiar to many congregations, so singing it in worship should be very accessible. The Scripture text comes from Luke 1:68-79.

When Everything Falls

Source: CCLI #5490411
Recommended Key: B♭ (Congregational song), B♭ or C (band/praise team only)
Tempo: 72-80 bpm
Instrumentation: Piano, solo guitar, or band
Notes: This song speaks of the presence of God, especially in trying times. The rhythms, melody, and range can be quite challenging, so having a band and soloist or praise team without congregation would be a good option in this case.

Prayers of the People (The Faith We Sing)

Source: The Faith We Sing, 2201
Recommended Key: E♭
Tempo: 82-88 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ, piano, or solo guitar; winds or strings on melody
Notes: The congregation sings the refrain every time, with the concluding line begun by a leader (“Lord, in your mercy”) and the congregation responding (“Hear our prayer”). The accompaniment can either continue underneath the reading of the intercessions and spoken requests, or it can be silent during the intercessions. If silence is chosen, resetting the tonality for the leader may be necessary before singing.

Prayers of the People (The Brilliance)

Source: CCLI #7039048
Recommended Key: D
Tempo: 100-108 bpm
Instrumentation: Piano, organ, or guitar
Notes: This short song is intended to be sung as responses for intercessory prayer. Continue the rolling accompaniment underneath the spoken intercessions, and vary the responses between the A theme (“You hear us calling…”) and the B theme (“Lord, have mercy”).