featuring music by Phil Carver
who executes justice for the oppressed;
who gives food to the hungry."
Psalm 146:2b, 7 (NRSV)
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featuring music by Phil Carver |
"I will sing praises to my God all my life long,...
who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry." Psalm 146:2b, 7 (NRSV) |
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songs and anthems
This Web site is dedicated to music for worship in a contemporary style with themes of God's justice. Printed versions of each piece may be viewed and downloaded for free. Recorded demos will assist you in getting acquainted with the music. This material is available to your local church provided that it is not used for profit. Please include the entire copyright notice found on the music and the phrase, “Used with permission”, whenever using these resources. If you have interest in this music for other purposes, please contact JUSTICEpraise for additional information.
And send a note to JUSTICEpraise and tell about how you have used these materials.
Musical If you are unfamiliar with the music on this page,
there are three easy ways to find music to meet your needs.
a. Set familiar words to one of the musical settings on this Web site.
b. Set texts from the music on this Web site to familiar hymn tunes.
If you have questions, contact JUSTICEpraise for more details. |
Abre los Corazónes Ron Whitlatch wrote this Spanish language version of Open Up Our Hearts. The text expresses our desire as faithful Christians to serve God by serving others. Included on the Open Up Our Hearts CD, proceeds from the sale of the recording support Latino/Hispanic ministries in the Iowa Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Scriptures related to this piece include 1 John 3:18 and Micah 6:8. In worship this music may be used prior to the reading of scripture or at a time of dedication. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal SATB/Piano Listen: mp3 |
All Praise to God
This adaptation of the Charles Wesley hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing”, features a syncopated version of the tune (AMZON). A four-beat pattern (Common Meter) is substituted for the original three-beat pattern. The text is a complete reworking of Wesley’s poetry with attention to inclusive language. Scriptures related to this piece include Psalm 66:2, Psalm 119:172, Matthew 9:31, Luke 7:22, and Romans 6:22. The music is especially appropriate to open or close worship. |
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Chord Chart Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
And Are We Yet Alive
Using a well-loved text of the Wesleyan tradition, this lively arrangement transforms the music for a new generation, featuring cross rhythms and new harmonies. Scriptures related to the text include Genesis 46:30, Psalm 34:2, Mark 8:34, 2 Corinthians 7:5, Philippians 3:8, Colossians 3:2, 1 Timothy 3:11, Hebrews 7:25, James 1:12, and 1 Peter 1:5. Try this piece for opening worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet SATB/Band Listen: mp3 |
Bible Rap
Are you looking for a way to teach the books of the Bible to children and youth? This rap helps kids learn the names of all 66 books. And it's so much fun, they'll hardly notice! The opening and closing verses reinforce the centrality of God in scripture and the importance of sharing the Good News to the world. Scriptures related to this piece include Exodus 15:20-21, Psalm 66:1-4, Psalm 150, and Revelation 5:13. |
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Accompaniment Listen: Vocals Listen: Instrumental |
A Charge to Keep I Have
This adaptation of Charles Wesley's familiar hymn changes the meter from three to four beats per measure. Other texts with the same poetic pattern (66.86 or Short Meter) may be used with this arrangement. Well-known hymns such as "Blessed Be the Tie That Binds" and "And Are We Yet Alive" are two examples. Scriptures related to this piece include Leviticus 8:35, Isaiah 6:8, Isaiah 42:6, Ezekiel 48:11, Mark 6:7, and Galatians 5:13. This music is especially appropriate in worship as a response to the sermon. |
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Chord Chart Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies
The rising sun is used as a metaphor for Jesus shining God’s truth on the world in this Charles Wesley text. The accompaniment for the hymn in this arrangement diverges significantly from the original harmonic structure, but the melody remains intact and a new refrain is added. Scriptures related to this piece include Malachi 4:2, Luke 1:78, and Ephesians 5:14. This music is especially appropriate for the opening of worship on Sunday morning. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet SAT/Band Listen: mp3 |
Come as a Child
The refrain from this piece recalls Isaiah 11:6, "and a little child shall lead them." Each stanza in turn refers to the faith, hope, and love of 1 Corinthians 13:13. A soloist may sing the verses, but the congregation can easily join in on the refrain. The mood of the music is reflective, lending itself nicely to accompaniment by an acoustic guitar. The instrumental recording nests "Come as a Child" between two familiar children's hymns, "Jesus Loves Me" and "Jesus Loves the Little Children." |
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Chord Chart SAT/Piano Listen: mp3 |
Communion Setting
This music follows the basic pattern of the Great Thanksgiving found in The United Methodist Hymnal. Slight alterations of the text for the sake of inclusive language remain faithful to the original liturgy. If the celebrant is uncomfortable singing the solo lines in the preface (the opening section of the piece), the words may be spoken rather than sung. This technique, of course, is common to rap music. It’s also the solution Rex Harrison used in his portrayal of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. The recorded sample is of the Sanctus, "Holy, Holy, Holy." |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Communion Setting for Easter
This adaptation of the Great Thanksgiving uses music written by Palestrina. The piece may be sung with SATB choir (and optional organ or piano accompaniment). The music is also adapted for praise band with only slight modifications of the original harmonies. The recorded sample is of the Sanctus, "Holy, Holy, Holy." |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal SATB Listen: mp3 |
Directions for Singing
Here's a song just for fun. The text is adapted from the words of John Wesley. His instructions have served as a reminder for two centuries about how to sing the songs of our faith. They are reprinted in The United Methodist Hymnal on page vii. This music is written for SATB choir and harpsichord. Try this piece out with your choir for a little change of pace. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet SATB/Harpsichord Listen: mp3 |
The Face of Jesus
Based on a true story, the song recounts a chance encounter with a homeless man one wintry day in Houston, Texas. At first the narrator provides a lunch to the man as an act of charity. But upon reflection Jesus becomes real in the compassion exhibited by the homeless man toward the narrator. Scriptures related to this piece include Proverbs 4:18, Matthew 5:16, John 1:5, 2 Corinthians 4:6, and Philippians 2:15. |
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Chord Chart Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Gather In the Fruit of Your Labors
This three-part round was composed for the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Thanksgiving Ingathering in Iowa, which supports mission efforts around the world. The piece may be sung in unison with instrumentalists playing the canon, or parts may be assigned to various singers or sections of the choir to lead the congregation in a round. Scripture references for the piece include Exodus 23:16 and Micah 6:8. |
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Chord Chart Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Glimmers of Hope
Written for the 2008 meeting of the North Central Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church, the song celebrates the many and varied ministries of the Iowa Annual Conference. A video, for which this piece serves as a soundtrack, features disaster response recovery efforts following major tornadoes and flooding in Iowa. Scriptures related to this text include Amos 5:24, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 22:37-40, Mark 12:29-31, and Luke 10:27. Use this piece during the offering in worship (among other options). |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Slides Listen: mp3 |
New!
God Has Blessed Us with Creation
John Wesley's assertion about the stewardship of our lives to God, "gain all you can, save all you can, and give all you can", is the inspiration for this song. Scriptures related to this text include Genesis 1:31, Proverbs 17:17, Ecclesiastes 2:11, Malachi 3:16, Matthew 6:21, Matthew 25:14-30, Mark 12:41-44, and 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Sing this song during the offertory to emphasize how we dedicate our lives to God's mission in the world. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
God Is in You and Me
This piece reminds us that God's grace is known in the good deeds of people, even before they are conscious of their belief in God. This concept of prevenient (or "preventing") grace was taught by John Wesley, an early leader in the Methodist movement. Scriptures related to this text include John 3:21, Acts 4:29-30, Philippians 2:13, 1 Peter 2:9, and 2 Peter 3:18. This piece is a statement of faith, so it is especially useful in worship following the sermon as a song of commitment. |
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Chord Chart SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
God Is Our Refuge in the Storms
Inspired by the Martin Luther hymn, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God", the text returns to Psalm 46 with a modern perspective. The chorus, "Be Still and Know that I Am God", may be sung separately during a time of prayer in worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Good News
Based on the Christmas story from the gospel of Luke, the text emphasizes the joy in the announcement of Jesus's birth by the heavenly host. Tight three-part vocal harmonies may be doubled by instrumentalists. Bible passages related to this text include Isaiah 9:6, Matthew 1:23, Luke 2:10, John 1:14, and Revelation 7:12. The second stanza is particularly fitting during the season of Advent. |
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Chord Chart SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
Guide Our Feet
This is a jazz setting of a portion of the Canticle of Zechariah (Luke 1:68-79). The passage is often called the Benedictus, meaning "Blessed be the Lord." The text has been used for centuries during Lauds, the service at dawn. Additional scriptures related to this piece are Psalm 23:4, Isaiah 9:2, and Isaiah 11:1-9. The music may be used as an opening to worship, during the passing of the peace, or at the close of the service, among other possibilities. |
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Chord Chart SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
Jesus, Be Our Peace
This anthem paraphrases some familiar verses from Ephesians 2, which served as the basis for many of John Wesley's sermons. The three-part harmony in the closing chorus emphasizes the message of unity in the text. Bible passages related to this piece include 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 2:10-19, and Ephesians 4:1-6. This music is especially appropriate as an accompaniment to prayer or during the passing of the peace. |
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Chord Chart SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
Jesus, You Have Taught Us
The driving rhythm of this piece emphasizes the urgency and fervency of the text, reminding us that justice matters in both our individual and corporate lives. The third verse, taken from the Beatitudes, acts as a contasting section from the rest of the piece. Bible passages related to this text include Amos 5:14-15, Matthew 5:9, Matthew 5:44, Luke 19:42, and John 14:27. This piece is especially appropriate for worship during the season of Lent. |
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Chord Chart SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
This beloved hymn takes on a new flavor in this arrangement. The original swing feel is transformed into old-time rock and roll. Because so much of the piece is repetitive, the words to the refrain are easily taught to the congregation, even if the music is unfamiliar. Bible passages related to this text include Exodus 6:6, Deuteronomy 33:27, Psalm 103:17, Psalm 139:24, Daniel 9:24, and Luke 1:51. This piece is especially appropriate for worship to provide comfort and hope. |
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Chord Chart Lead Piano/Vocal SATB/Piano Listen: mp3 |
New!
Let Justice Roll Down Like the Waters
This song combines a compelling verse from Amos 5:24 with Luke 4:18-19. The driving beat of the accompaniment connotes the urgent message to work for justice in our world as people of faith. This is a song of commitment, so use it as a congregational response to the sermon or as a closing hymn to send the people forth to serve God. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Let Us Build on the Work God Has Done
Written for the rededication service at First United Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa, the text speaks to the unity of God's people working together. The anthem celebrates the resilience of the congregation after many months of work to restore their historic structure. The beauty of the sanctuary and the servanthood of all believers are also themes of this piece. Bible passages related to the text include Psalm 96:6, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Corinthians 3:9, and 1 Peter 2:16. Congregations will find this piece easy to learn. Use it as a strong closing hymn during worship. |
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Chord Chart SATB/Piano TTBB Bells Listen: mp3 |
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
This classic Charles Wesley hymn is set to a driving swing rhythm in this arrangement for praise band. The familiar hymn tune, BEECHER, remains intact, and a new refrain is added to reinforce the inspirational faith message summarized in Wesley's text. Bible passages related to the text include John 10:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. Use this piece as an opening or closing for worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet SAT/Band Listen: mp3 |
Make Love Your Aim
Based on the apostle Paul's great love poem found in 1 Corinthians 13, the title for this piece actually comes from 1 Corinthians 14:1. The musical setting is a moderate swing beat in contrast to other arrangements that lean toward a more sentimental interpretation of the text. Other scriptures related to this piece include Leviticus 19:18 and 1 John 4:11. Use this piece as an offertory anthem or other special music during worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Mobile United Methodist Missionaries
This piece, written with an easygoing country rhythm, commemorates the tenth anniversary of MUMMS. The ministry that was inspired by disaster response efforts following major flooding in Iowa during the summer of 1993. A CD of the song is available for a $5 donation to the ongoing ministry of MUMMS. Scriptures related to this piece include Psalm 98:8, 1 Peter 1:3, and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Open Up Our Hearts
This piece was written for a day of hands-on mission activities during the 163rd Session of the CD of this piece, plus its equivalent Spanish version Abre los Corazónes, is available for $15. The recording also includes nine additional songs by Phil Carver. Proceeds from the CD support Latino/Hispanic ministries in Iowa. Scriptures related to this anthem include 1 John 3:18 and Micah 6:8. This musical prayer may be used prior to the reading of scripture or as a time of dedication during worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Band Lead Piano/Vocal SATB/Piano Listen: mp3 |
Refresh Your Heart in Christ
A flowing melody in the refrain of this piece suggests water and baptism. We are reminded of the sense of cleansing and renewal found in a life of faith. And, in response, we are called to be instruments of God's healing in a hurting world. Bible passages related to this text include Ezekiel 18:7-9, Matthew 5:13-15, John 7:37-39, and Philemon 20. This music is especially appropriate for a baptism or as a closing hymn in worship. |
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Chord Chart SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
Sing Praise to God with Every Breath John Wesley is said to have recited the text to “I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath” on his deathbed. This adaptation alters the irregular phrasing of the original music to fit four-four time. Harmonizations and accompaniment patterns have been revised to give the piece a more contemporary sound. Scriptures related to this text include Exodus 15:18, Psalm 146:1-10, Ecclesiastes 12:7, and Revelation 4:7. The piece is especially good as a closing song of praise following prayer. |
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Chord Chart Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
Singing Praise Written for Faith United Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa, each verse of this piece addresses a theme of the Psalms: the beauty of God's creation, God's faithfulness, and God's justice. The lilting melody and repetitive lyrics make this song easy for a congregation to learn. Scriptures related to this text include Psalm 82:3, Psalm 104:33b, Psalm 119:90, and Matthew 6:25-34. Try this music for an opening or closing song of praise in worship. |
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Chord Chart Piano/Vocal SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
Social Creed The The United Methodist Church recently approved a companion litany of "Our Social Creed" for use in worship. The text was developed in a series of consultations with United Methodist Christians around the world organized by the General Board of Church and Society, reflecting the basic beliefs of the Church and its people. This contemporary setting of the litany is scored for SAB vocals, piano, flute, and praise band along with choral or congregational readings of the text throughout. Scriptures related to this text include Genesis 1:27, Luke 4:18-19, 1 Corinthians 2:10, and Ephesians 2:4-10. The Church encourages the use of the Social Creed regularly in worship. |
Text Chord Chart Lead Sheet SAB/Band Slides Listen: mp3 |
This abbreviated version of the above musical setting is arranged for SATB voices. The response uses the opening sentence of the litany in a shortened form. The congregation may be divided into two parts to read the plain and italicized texts. The response is sung once at the beginning of the litany, once in the middle, and one final time at the close. |
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Chord Chart Single Sheet 2-page Sheet Slides |
The melody to "Be Thou My Vision" (SLANE) is the source for this adaptation of "Our Social Creed." The response sets the opening sentence of the companion litany to the music. The remainder of the litany is read by the congregation, which again may be divided into two parts to read the plain and italicized texts. The response is sung once at the beginning of the litany, once in the middle, and one final time at the close. |
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Chord Chart Single Sheet 2-page Sheet Slides Listen: mp3 |
Here's another full version of the Social Creed in a different musical style. The sung refrain is easy to learn. And one or more soloists can rap the text. Joel Carver, the rapper on the recording, appears courtesy of Good Time Company. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet SAB/band Listen: mp3 |
Thanksgiving The title suggests the seasonal nature of this piece. And while it is a celebration of the harvest in the fall of the year, at its heart the song's theme is the stewardship of our lives. Scriptures related to this piece include Jeremiah 30:19, Psalm 26:7, and 1 Timothy 4:4. This is a great anthem for the offering time in worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
United Methodist Patter Borrowing from the patter songs of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, this piece light-heartedly pokes fun at The United Methodist Church. Each verse in turn lampoons obsessions of the United Methodist connection: conference structure, historical figures, and inclusiveness. (The original version of this ditty focused specifically on the Iowa Conference.) Try this piece out with your choir to practice diction. And above all have some fun with it. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
We Are Your Servants In The United Methodist Church deacons are ordained to a lifetime of servant leadership. This hymn celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Order of Deacon in that tradition at the request of members of the Iowa Annual Conference. Each verse recounts the story of a servant leader in the Bible. Scriptures related to this text include John 13:3-6, Acts 6:2, and Romans 1-2. This music might be used as an offertory during worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
We Have Grace
Each of the three stanzas in this piece addresses one of the basic concepts of John Wesley's teaching about (prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying) grace in an energetic swing rhythm. Scriptures related to this text include Jeremiah 31:2, Acts 4:33, Romans 3:24, Romans 4:5, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17. This music is especially appropriate as an act of praise in worship. And the chorus is easy for a congregation to learn and sing. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal SAB/Band Listen: mp3 |
What a Mystery
Where other communion pieces may stop at the cross, this song reminds the believer that we are saved by faith and called to live a life of holiness. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus propels us as followers to witness to this faith by doing acts of justice. Scriptures related to this text include Psalm 22:1, Mark 15:34, John 15:13, Ephesians 5:1-2, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 5:9, and 2 John 6. This music is especially appropriate for prayer or communion. |
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Chord Chart Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
You Are God
Two verses from Psalm 90 (New Revised Standard Version translation) provide the text for this piece. The refrain is easy for the congregation to learn, and verses may be sung by a soloist. The second verse may be sung with the congregation simply echoing the song leader phrase by phrase. Bible passages related to this text include Job 38:4 and Daniel 7:14. This anthem is useful as an opening hymn of praise or as a sound backdrop for the reading of scripture during worship. |
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Chord Chart Lead Sheet Piano/Vocal Listen: mp3 |
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