Great Is Thy Faithfulness - piano solo (early intermediate / moderately advanced)
Call to worship
All of us experience seasons of worry and struggle that could easily lead us to become discouraged. The motto for this year is a powerful reminder for us in these (and all) circumstances: “Do not be afraid, just believe.” Believe that our God is always there, always faithful. Lamentations 21 – 23 says “This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness”. Let's join now in singing of His great faithfulness.
H40, CH139 / Great Is Thy Faithfulness (could also be a strong opening/closing hymn option)
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death - Getty (listen / music attached)
- This could also be sung just by the choir in worship, or with a worship leader singing the verses and the congregation on the chorus
- If this is a song that your congregation knows well and sings with confidence, consider using it as the opening hymn, with a worship leader supporting the congregation.
O sing hallelujah! Our hope springs eternal...
CH620 / Under His Wings
Under His wings—what a refuge in sorrow! How the heart yearningly turns to His rest!
Often when earth has no balm for my healing, there I find comfort, and there I am blest.
Living Hope - Phil Wickham (listen / purchase)
In desperation I turned to heaven, and spoke Your name into the night.
Then, through the darkness, Your lovingkindness tore through the shadows of my soul.
The work is finished, the end is written. Jesus Christ, my living hope.
H174, CH712 / Be Still, My Soul
- For a more contemporary setting, see this arrangement, with chord chart and lead sheet
H172, CH151 / A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (opening option)
- Consider playing this Richard Kingsmore arrangement on the piano before the opening hymn (or at least a portion)
- For a more contemporary setting (especially if done in worship), see this arrangement by Matt Boswell
CH542 / My Life Is In You, Lord (response or acceptance option)
My life is in You, Lord; my strength is in You, Lord; my hope is in You, Lord!"
I Set My Hope on Jesus - Getty, Boswell, Papa (acceptance option; listen / purchase)
- Consider doing just a verse or two and the chorus for acceptance, or doing a verse for response and another verse for acceptance.
When this life of trials tests my faith, I set my hope on Jesus.
When the questions come and doubts remain, I set my hope on Jesus.
I set my hope on Jesus—My rock, my only trust.
CH567 / Nearer, Still Nearer (repentance option)
- See octavo here that could be used for the choir (maybe a shortened version); the accompaniment could also be used to support congregational singing.
Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring, naught as an off'ring to Jesus, my King—
Only my sinful, now contrite heart. Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me - CityAlight (repentance option; listen / purchase)
He is my joy, my righteousness and freedom, my steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace.
To this I hold; my hope is only Jesus...
H385 / O How Precious are the Moments (communion option)
- Consider a piano or organ solo with just the verse 1 lyrics included for reflection
O how precious are the moments in God's tabernacle here, where in oneness we're united, through the door of grace draw near...
He Will Hold Me Fast - Getty (communion option; listen / purchase)
When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast.
Those He saves are His delight, Christ will hold me fast.
For my life He bled and died, Christ will hold me fast.
Because He Lives, Amen - Matt Maher (closing or worship option; listen / purchase - congregation, choir)
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, every fear is gone.
I know He holds my life, my future, in His hands.
H15, CH147 / How Great Thou Art (closing option)
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation and take me home, what joy shall fill my heart...