It was originally intended as a hymn for Offertory use, but is also appropriate for harvest celebrations. Some publishers have suggested it is appropriate for children.
It was first published in Sing a New Song to the Lord (Mayhew-McCrimmon Ltd 1970), under the pseudonym ‘Peter Icarus’ - one of several which Connaughton used for his works in this book. Later books that it was published in include hymnal supplements and denomination hymnbooks, such as:
- Praise the Lord (1972),
- Praise for Today (1974),
- New Church Praise (1975)
- Alleluia! Amen (Veritas, 1978)
- Partners in Praise (1979)
- Hymns Ancient & Modern, New Standard Edition (1983)
- Worship, 3rd edition (1986)
- Rejoice in the Lord (1985).
With meter 10.7.10.7.4.6.6.6, it was originally set to the tune JUCUNDA LAUDATIO by English organist and composer A Gregory Murray OSB (1905-1992). This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are F DF A FD E DE F, and the matching guitar chords are D A D.
Other tunes it has been set to include:
- BAY HALL by Michael Dawney (b 1942)
- WORLEBURY by John Ainslie (1972)
Examples
Small group, piano accompaniment, recording during a church service:
Children's choir, piano accompaniment, recorded during practise:
Adult choir with band accompaniment, recorded during a church service:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.. A rough outline is:1 Reap me the earth as a harvest to God ...
Chorus:
Bring bread, bring wine
Give glory to the Lord
Whose is the earth but God’s?
Whose is the praise but his?
2 Go with your songs and your music with joy ...
3 Gladness and pity and passion and pain ...
This hymn is included in the current in print hymnal 'Liturgical Hymns Old and New' pub Kevin Mayhew Ltd
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