for SATB chorus with assembly, organ, and oboe (or C inst.)

text and tune by Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus,
trans. Stephen Somerville, arr. by ZMH

St. Olaf Choral Series
Augsburg Fortress, 9781506465463

listen

Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song was created in 1961 by members of Les Petites Soeurs de Jésus (“The Little Sisters of Jesus”), a global contemplative order that “seeks to be a sign of love to people who are rejected.”* The hymn also has associations with L’Arche communities. It is both a promise to bear witness to the love of Christ, and a prayer for courage throughout life’s journey.

With its tender ritornello and graceful harmonies, this setting honors the gentle confidence of the source material. Assembly may join the chorus on stanzas 2 and 4.

Commissioned by St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Waukesha, WI, in honor of Rev. Kathy Boadwine and her 39 years or ordained ministry.

A JW Pepper Editors’ Choice selection.

*Paul Westermeyer, Hymnal Companion to Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2010).