GodSongs.net

The Temple of the Living God

2026-09-20T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn about Jesus Christ and the church on earth.

The words were written by English Anglican-raised, United Reformed Church minister, community health worker and hymn writer Michael Forster (1946-2023), and first published by Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England in 1993.

With meter 7676 D, it is set to the tune ELLACOMBE -composer unknown, from the Gesangbuch der Herzogl. Hofkapelle, Würtemberg, 1784.

Tama Ngākau Mārie

2026-09-20T08:41:26.768-07:00

This is a Māori-language hymn of peace and consolation. The title translates as Son of a peaceful heart.

The author is unknown. Some commentators believe it is a free paraphrase of the hymn Jesus, Meek and Gentle by George Rundle Prynne (1818-1903). (Ref)

The song is often sung at funerals or commemoration services. It is often said that it was and was adopted by the Māori Battalion serving with the New Zealand forces in World War II, and sung while they were burying their dead overseas, especially in Europe and North Africa - but this has not been confirmed from any external sources.

Widely known by New Zealanders from many cultures, the song is often used on ceremonial and ritual occasions.

If you have any information about the author, translator, composer or early publications, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Seek the Lord while He May be Found (O'Connor)

2026-09-19T17:59:11.930-07:00

This is a hymn about seeking / searching for God. It is based on Isaiah 55:6-9 - and is one of many songs with this title.

It was written by American Roman Catholic priest, theologian, composer and founder-member of the St Louis Jesuits (Robert) Roc O'Connor (b 1949).

Originally published in 1975 in the Earthen Vessels collection, it was later included in the Glory and Praise compilation recording released by North American Liturgy Resources in 1980 (ref), and in accompanying song-books. It is also in several later St Louis Jesuit compilations. Sheet music is still available from OCP (links below)

The original song had non-inclusive language in almost all verses: it has been revised by O'Connor in later publications.

It doesn't appear to have been covered by any other musicians, but YouTube recordings suggest that it is still known and used by a variety of churches.

The hymn is set to an unnamed tune, also by O'Connor. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of E, the first few notes are B BB B BAG A. Publications in the 1990s suggested performing it vigorously, with a quaver measure of 104, but many people have treated it more gently.

You Are Strong, You Are Holy

2026-09-19T05:36:09.818-07:00

This is a hymn of praise to God, about the call to discipleship.

It was written by United Church of Canada hymn-writer, minister and prison chaplain Sylvia G. Dunstan (1955-1993), and first published by in 1991.

With meter 8.6.8.7 with refrain, tunes it is set to include:

JUSTICE by Paul A Tate - published 20 years after the initial release:
This jaunty American-Celtic style tune has a 2/2 time signature. In the key of Em, the first few notes of the chorus melody are EE c_ BA B A with accompanying chords Am / Em.

If you have any information about the tune which they song was originally set to, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Autumn Days

2026-09-16T18:24:53.844-07:00

This is a children's song, about thankfulness and the season of autumn.

It was written by English Roman-Catholic convert, physiotherapist, and later teacher and hymn-writer Estelle White (1925-2011) in the 1960s / 70s, and so marvels at some of the things which were recent inventions then but are not regarded as out-of-the-ordinary today.

The song was published in the BBC's children's hymn book The Complete Come and Praise - and this is the only sheet music that has been found.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by White. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of C, the first few notes are c cc B BB A A AG.

Who Are These Like Stars Appearing

2026-09-13T06:03:32.694-07:00

This is a hymn about people who remained faithful until Christ's second coming. The words are based on, Wer sind die vor Gottes Throne, written in German by Heinrich Theobald Schenk in1719, which is turn is based on Revelation 7:3–17.

It is sometimes called Who Are They Like Stars Appearing, and is especially suitable for All Saints and All Souls.

It was translated by English academic's daughter and hymn-translator, Frances Elizabeth Cox (1812-1897). A Spanish translation, Quiénes son los que ceñidos has been madeby Juan Bautista Cabrera Ivars.

With meter 8.7.8.7.7.7, tunes it has been set to include:

ALL SAINTS (Darmstadt), composer unknown, from Geistriches Gesangbuch, Darmstadt, 1698;Würtemberger Gesangbuch, 1711 - the most-commonly-used tune. It is sometimes attributed to William H. Monk (1823–1889), who made some adaptations tot the tune.

One Love Released

2026-09-10T12:56:21.107-07:00

This is a gentle folk-style Eucharistic hymn.

It was written by American Roman Catholic church-musicians and composers Kevin Keil and Robert H. Frenze, and originally published in 1999 by OCP.

It is set to an unnamed tune: the chorus is adapted to the traditional tune O WALY WALY. This tune is well-known as "The Water is Wide" but has been used for many hymns.

The tune has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes are C F G A_ A_.

Water of Life (Have you heard the raindrops)

2026-09-05T04:34:10.915-07:00

This children's hymn is about water, as it is experienced in the world and as something essential for life.

It was written by English music and mathematics teacher, Church of England organist and choirmaster Christian Strover (1932-2020).

It was published in the BBC's children's / school hymnal, Come and Praise - and this is the only located sheet music for the song.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Stover. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes of the melody are AA AA G G FF FF G G with accompanying chords F / C / F.>

Welcome Holy Spirit

2026-09-01T01:10:02.028-07:00

This short worship chorus is an invitation to / invocation of the Holy Spirit.

The music and words (possibly originally not in English) were written by Norwegian pastor Pastor Hilde Bedsvaag. Some patterns in the tune are reminiscent of Joe South's 1968 song Games People Play, although it is not a direct copy.

The song was made popular in English-speaking countries by worship leader Mark Condon, who recorded it with The Sanctuary Choir in the album "Lord, We Give You Glory", and copyright was registered in 1992.

It is set to an unnamed tune. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Eb, the first few notes of the melody are GF FE EE_ GF FE FF_

Send Forth Your Spirit O Lord (O my soul arise) - Nazareth

2026-08-28T17:36:25.232-07:00

This is a folk-style hymn of petition for the coming of the Holy Spirit, especially suitable for Pentecost or Confirmation. The words are based Psalm 104.

It was written by Indian Roman Catholic priest, musician, liturgist and composer, Aniceto Nazareth (1938-2021), and first published in 1986. Later publications include:

Songs of the Spirit Volume 3 - Songs and hymns of renewal, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England,1987
Catholic Hymns Old and New, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England, 2009 - this book is still in-print and is the best source of sheet music for the song.

It was initially set to an unnamed tune, also by Nazareth. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are D B BB A B G_ with accompanying chords D / G B7 / Em. One alternative tune has been found - shown in a video below, composer is unknown.

Lord Send Out Your Spirit and Renew the Face of the Earth - Zsigray

2026-08-28T13:01:54.323-07:00

This is a folk-style hymn of petition for the coming of the Holy Spirit, especially suitable for Pentecost or Confirmation. The words are very directly based Psalm 104.

It was composed by American Roman Catholic folk-musician and composer, Joe Zsigray (1953-2014), and first published by North American Liturgy Resources in 1979. Later it was included in the Glory and Praise collections.

It is set to an unnamed tune by Zsigray. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are B ABA G_ E D DD E G AGF G_A_ with accompanying chords G / D / Em / D / C / D / G / D. Sheet music is still available from OCP (link below).

Each verse has a different melody, so the song is often used a responsorial psalm with a cantor doing the verses.

Melchizedek Alleluia (Sing his message loud and clear)

2026-08-27T17:05:27.790-07:00

This is a short praise song.

It was originally for use as a Gospel acclamation in a Catholic folk-style Mass, so although there are a number of verses, only one of them would be sung, sandwiched between the chorus. However it can be sung as a standalone hymn, and some people now do this.

It was written by American Roman Catholic, Roger Smith, who at the time was a Deacon of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, and had served as leader of a Houston, Texas area singing group called "The Living Spirit." (ref)

The song was included in a 1974 album, "A Song in my Heart", by Roger Smith with the Living Spirit (ref) North American Liturgy Resources label. Copyright was registered in 1975 by North American Liturgy Resources / New Dawn Music. Later it was include in Glory and Praise Volume 2 (ref) and in Songs of the Spirit Volume 3, published in 1987 by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in England.

The idea and the first line appears to have been borrowed (perhaps unintentionally / unknowingly) from a hymn by S. Trevor Francis (1834-1925) - ref.

No current sources of sheet music have been located. The melody lines can be seen here. Books it was published in may be found in second-hand shops or via Amazon / eBay etc.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Smith. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are GG G G, GG G G AA AG F G_ with accompanying chords G / C / D7 / G

Let There be Love Shared Among Us

2026-08-25T16:49:05.102-07:00

This is a folk-style hymn of encouragement, which is popular for weddings, and for church services or worship events focused on love, peace and fellowship.

It was written by English evangelical singer / song-writer Dave Bilbrough (b 1955).

It can be adapted / extended as required: it has been published with "peace" as a second verse, and other verses which have been suggested include love, hope, joy, faith. Some people choose to alternate between "brotherly" and "sisterly" in the 3rd-last line.

It is set to an unnamed tune by Bilbrough. This has a 6/8 time signature, and in the key of F the first few notes are ABc d_ B_ AAG with accompanying chords F / Bb / Gm.

We Will Serve the Lord (Cooney)

2026-08-24T16:12:05.360-07:00

This is a soft-rock style hymn about serving God. It was is inspired by Joshua 24:15,

The song uses very blunt language to describe aspects of the human condition, and is possibly too blunt for it to be suitable in some liturgical contexts: Later in life, the author later described it as

very macho [trying] to conjure the spirit of Joshua and the tribe at Shechem with its martial cadences
"Simple Choices for Pastoral Musicians" by Rory Cooney, © 1997

It was written by American Roman Catholic composer and liturgical musician Rory Cooney (b 1952) in 1985 and first released in 1986 by North American Liturgy Resources.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Cooney. This has a 2/4 time signature. In the key of Fm, the first few notes are C FFF AG GFEF F with accompanying chords Fm Db Bb Fm.

Christians let us Love one Another

2026-08-22T05:19:12.315-07:00

This is a hymn about the Eucharist and its call to love and serve. The refrain is based on I John 4:17.

The song was first published in 1973, and is still available today from OCP (link below).

Verses 1 and 5 were written by Italian-American Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, theologian and educator Armand Michael Nigro (1928-2019).
Verses 2-4 were written by (at-the-time?) religious sister of the Holy Names and music teacher Claudia Foltz SNJM. If you have any more information about her, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

With meter 98.98.98, it was written for, and almost-always sung to the tune PICARDY - a French carol from the 17th century, composer unknown, most-commonly recognised as the tune for Let all Mortal Flesh keep Silence.

Peace Perfect Peace (is the gift of Christ our Lord)

2026-08-18T03:32:49.370-07:00

This is a short meditative, folk-style hymn about peace. It can have additional verses (hope, faith, joy, love etc) added as required. The first line is sometimes quoted as "Peace, perfect peace, is the gift of Christ the Lord".

It was written by English Roman Catholic liturgical musician and publisher Kevin Mayhew (1942-2021). First published in the 20th Century Folk Hymnal Volume 1 in 1974, it has been included in many other collections since. The only known sources of sheet music are hymnals that it is in: these include Catholic Hymns Old and New, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England 2009 (and likely all earlier editions), and Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, McCrimmon Publications England, 1994 and 2012 editions.

The text has meter 11.11.10.11.

The song is set to an un-named tune, also by Mayhew. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of A, the first few notes are C_ C E D _ D F E E D B, C with accompanying chords A / D / E / A.

It is not at all related to the hymn Peace Perfect Peace hymn by Edward Bickerseth (1875).

These Alone Are Enough

2026-08-16T17:37:39.143-07:00

This is a hymn about dedication and giving your whole self to God. The words are based on the Suscipe of Ignatius of Loyola, which is also known as the ‘Take, Lord and Receive’ prayer. It may be appropriate for mission-commitment ceremonies, and for funerals.

The song was written by American pastoral musician, composer and at-the-time Roman Catholic priest, Daniel (Dan) L Schutte (b 1947), and first published by OCP in 2004.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Schutte. Moving between 4/4 and 2/4 time signatures, in the key of C, the first few notes of the melody are CD | E G G EG | A G | G__ with accompanying chords G / C / G / Am / F / Gsus4.

Come Into my Heart

2026-08-14T09:43:04.603-07:00

This is a gentle, reflective song of petition for God's presence.

It was written by American Roman Catholic musician, vocalist and music-director / worship-director, Jim Cowan (b 1952), and first published by International Liturgy Publications, USA in 1990.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Cowan. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Y, the first few notes of the melody are D_ D E F_ D_ / B_ G F_ D E_ with accompanying chords D / A / Bm / G / D / Asus.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Buy downloadable sheet music from ILP

Examples

Singer with piano

Small group live in a church service, with guitar and keyboard

Choir with piano, professional recording

Singer with guitar

Instrumental - piano

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Come into my heart; come into my heart;
come into my heart Lord; come into my heart.

Come into my life, Come into my life
Come into my life, Lord: Come into my life.

Cleanse me from my sins, Cleanse me from my sins,
Cleanse me from my sins, Lord, Cleanse me from my sins.

I give my life to you, I give my life to you,
I give my life to you, Lord, I give my life to you.

Take all that I am. Take all that I am.
Take all that I am, Lord, Take all that I am.

I will follow you. Yes, I will follow you.
I will follow you, Lord. I will follow you.

I surrender all, I surrender all,
I surrender all, Lord, I surrender all.

Come into my heart; come into my heart;
come into my heart Lord; come into my heart.

See more ...

Image adapted from PublicDomainPictures - CC0

Christ has no Body now but Yours - St Theresa's Prayer

2026-08-12T17:09:32.999-07:00

This hymn expresses the idea that Christians are called to compassionately express Christ's love here on earth.

There is a text, often called known as St Theresa's Prayer, that is attributed to 16th century Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church and Saint, Teresa of Avila. The full and supposedly original text is:

Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours, Yours are the eyes through which is to look out Christ’s compassion to the world; Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good; Yours are the hands with which he is to bless men now.

However Teresa did not speak or write English. At the very least, there was one translator involved. Maybe several. The identify of this person, and so the copyright status of the text, is unknown.

To add to the confusion, some people doubt that Teresa wrote anything which expressed the general sentiment at all. Others refer to 19th century writings / sermons by Methodist minister Mark Guy Pearse (1842-1930), and Quaker medical missionary Sarah Elizabeth Rowntree (dates unknown) which express the text as prose in several forms (source).

All that said:

American Roman Catholic singer-songwriter and monk John Michael Talbot (b. 1954) composed a setting of the text, with only very minor variations, which was first published by Birdwing Music in 1982. Sheet music for this has not been located.
There are many other settings of the text to different tunes, eg by David Ogham, Steve Warner, Ephrem Feely, Liam - and others. Many version of the sheet music are available - and the tunes vary between composers.
Some people believe the words have no place in Catholic prayer, because Christ rse again and ascended, and is present in the Eucharist, while others take the text in the context of being sent forth to love and serve the Lord.

There is Nothing Told

2026-08-11T16:26:14.015-07:00

This is a hymn about Mary, the mother of Jesus. The words are based on a French-language hymn, "Une femme dont on n'a rien dit" written by Roman Catholic (Jesuit) priest Didier Rimaud (1922-2003).

The verses describe Mary's role in the key events in Jesus' life, while the chorus affirms that she is "nam[ed] ... happy and blessed". This makes it suitable for pretty much any Marian feast, eg Mother of God, Lourdes, Annunciation, Visitation, Mother of the Church, Sorrows, Assumption, Immaculate Conception.

The song was translated to English by American Roman Catholic Jesuit priest, Christopher Willcock SJ (b 1947), and first published by OCP in 1988.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Willcock. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes of the melody are DE F A GFED E F z FA B F GFED B,_ with accompanying chords D / G / D7 / F#m / Bm / Em / G.

Gaze Upon the Lord

2026-08-10T17:11:05.955-07:00

This hymn about looking at the Body of Christ, which can be used for Eucharistic Adoration. It is a setting of a phrase from a prayer attributed to Clare of Assisi

The song was composed by Irish, Roman Catholic, Poor Clare sister Briege O'Hare OSC.

No published sheet music has been found, but a sound file can be downloaded from iTunes using the link below, and a simple lead sheet (link below) has been put together by a community which regularly uses the song.

A reader of this website has commented that the tune is in Common time, and is described as adagio. In the key of C, the melody starts on E above root note "C", and the first few notes are EEDD DC FFEC D EGGG AGFE D CC.

Behold Among Men

2026-08-09T05:09:32.663-07:00

This is a processional hymn about the presence of God among humankind. The words are based on Revelation 21:3 “Behold, God’s dwelling is with the human race. He will dwell with them and they will be his people, and God himself will always be with them.” An alternative title is Behold Among Us.

It was written by French Roman Catholic Spiritan (Holy Ghost) priest and composer Lucien Deiss CSSp (1921-2007) in the 1960s. It did not become widely used in the 1960/70s. But recent YouTube videos show a resurgence of use among English-speaking churches, especially in Africa and Asia, in the 21st century.

Hymn books were it was published include:

Peoples Mass Book (Complete Daily Missal Ed.), World Library of Sacred Music, Cincinnati, USA in 1964.
We Celebrate with Song,J. S. Paluch Co., Chicago, USA, in 1976

Both of these books are long-since out of print, and no further published versions have been found.

The hymn is set to an unnamed tune, also by Deiss. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are G B AB d d_ | E E d B A A_

Here Comes Jesus (see him walking on the water)

2026-08-06T13:04:27.942-07:00

This is a short folk-style praise chorus about Jesus walking on the water. It is based on Matthew 14:22-33.

The author and composer are unknown: The chorus was used in the Jesus and charismatic movements in the 1970s / 80s, and was incorporated in several longer songs:

One with verses 2-5 written by Cordelia Spitzer and the tune arranged by William J. Floyd - 1971
Another with three verses written by Sonny Salsbury and published in Sing'n'Celebrate in 1971

Both of these publications acknowledge the tune and words of the chorus as "traditional".

If you have any information about the original chorus, especially who wrote and the origin of the tune, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Listen, let your Heart Keep Seeking | Listen to the Spirit Calling You

2026-08-03T17:50:43.193-07:00

This is a gentle hymn which invites listening to the voice of God and the call of the Holy Spirit, especially in creation.

It was written by Indian Roman Catholic priest, musician, liturgist and composer, Aniceto Nazareth (1938-2021), and first published by Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England in 1984. It was later included in Songs of the Spirit Volume 3 - Songs and hymns of renewal also published by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in 1987 - and 2nd-hand copies of this book are the only known source of sheet music for the song.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Nazareth. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Em the first few notes of the melody are B B_ GA B c B B A.

I Will Lift My Eyes to the Mountains (It is time for me to move)

2026-08-01T17:47:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn for times of transition. The lyrics are (loosely) based on Psalm 121 and inspired also by the writings of Thomas Merton and a 10th century Celtic poem.

It was written by Cuban-American Roman Catholic theologian and composer, Tony Alonso (b 1980), and released on the 1st of January 2014, published by GIA Publications. So far it is not included in many hymnals, but sheet music is has been published in various arrangements by GIA.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Alonso, which has a 2/2 time signature. In the key of C, the first few notes are ED C_ C E G A_.