As I Kneel Before You

This is a folk-style hymn to Mary.   The verses are in English, while the chorus is the first few phrases from the Latin version of the  "Hail Mary" prayer.

The lyrics were written by Maria Parkinson (b 1956).   It was published in Songs of the Spirit, 1978 and there are suggestions that it was published in 1975 also, but this has not been verified.

The song was used when Pope John Paull II visited Liverpool Cathedral in 1982, and this suggests that it is likely Parkinson is English. She had two further songs published in Volume II of Songs of the Spirit, and they are the only hymns that CCLI lists for her. No further information about her has been located.

The songs is set to an un-named tune, also by Parkinson. This has a 3/4 time signature (waltz time), and was originally published in the key of G: the first few notes are G A F G E D.

It has been widely used on pilgrimages to places such as Lourdes and Medjugorje, and has been translated into various different languages.   For example,

The best source of sheet music is one of the hymnals it is included in, like:


As I kneel before you - simple image of Mary with the baby Jesus to accompany as I kneel before you lyrics


Downloads

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Examples

Solo singer with choir and light orchestral backing:


Choir during Mass at the grotto in Lourdes, with keyboard backing:


Seminary based music group, with guitar:


Lead singer with backing band, at a large outdoor event:


Band - professional recording:


Instrumental - organ, with arrangement by JP Lecot:


Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.

The song has three verses, each four lines long, and a two-line chorus which is repeated after each one. A rough outline is:

As I kneel before you,
As I bow my head in prayer
Take this day, make it yours
And fill me with your love

Chorus:
Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum, benedicta tu

2)   All I have I give you ....

3)   ....As I see your smiling face ...

See more ...

SONG LYRICS- KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
1) As I kneel before you,
As I bow my head in prayer
Take this day, make it yours
And fill me with your love

Refrain:
Ave Maria, gratia plena,
Dominus tecum, benedicta tu
2) All I have I give you
Every dream and wish is yours
Mother of Christ, Mother of mine
Present them to my Lord.

3) As I kneel before you
As I see your smiling face
Every thought, every word
Is lost in your embrace

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