Voices Found:Beside still waters, VF 142, The Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

                                                      

Voices Found # 142, Verse One

 Bless now, O God the journey that all your people make,

the path through noise and silence, the way of give and take.

The trail is found in deserts and winds the mountain round,

then leads beside still waters, the road where faith is found.

Words: Sylvia G. Dunstan (1955-1993)

Music: Ana Hernandez 

Sylvia Dunstan's hymn text echoes the words of Micah appointed for the Fourth Sunday of Epiphany.  For any Sunday service, retreat, mission trip, or conventions the full hymn provides a powerful, rousing closing.  It would be lovely at a wedding.

Ana Hernandez, composer and member of the Voices Found hymnal committee, sang  "Bless now," unaccompanied.  It is stunningly beautiful a cappella, performed by a small group or a  soloist (especially by Ana herself).  Most congregations, however,  need instrumental support.  At the request of the hymnal  committee Sister Helena Marie, CHS, another committee member, wrote a keyboard accompaniment that is published in the pew edition of Voices Found.  The Leader's Guide  offers other arrangements including  guitar chords and light percussion. A melody instrument could double the tune.

Micah 6:1-2, 8

6Hear what the Lord says:
   Rise, plead your case before the mountains,
   and let the hills hear your voice.
² Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the Lord,
   and you enduring foundations of the earth;
for the Lord has a controversy with his people,
   and he will contend with Israel. 

⁸ He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
   and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
   and to walk humbly with your God? 

https://www.churchpublishing.org/products/voicesfound2

For background and performance suggestions please see The Leader's Guide to Voices Found