Jesus Christ You are my Life (Strength for the Journey)

This hymn was written for the Year of Jubilee, 2000 - possibly for a youth event (although this has not been confirmed).   Since then it appears to have become the unofficial anthem of World Youth Day, although it has never featured as the event's official song.

The tune and English refrain were written by by Italian composer, Roman Catholic priest, theologian and choir-director Marco Frisina  (b 1954).    A further set of English-language verses were written by Mexican-American Roman Catholic brother Rufino Zaragoza, OFM (tba) and first published by OCP Publications in 2004.   The verses have been published in (perhaps translated into) many different languages also, and OCP's current sheet music includes several verses in each of Spanish, French, Italian and Vietnamese.    Some additional English language verses, not included in the OCP version, are included in the version used at the World Meeting of Families in 2018 - the author or these has not been determined.

A recently viewed score is described as being © 2000, 2004, 2014, 2017, Laus Edizioni Musicali S.R.J. and Multimedia San Pablo

The unnamed tune by Frisnia has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D the first few notes of the melody are D D A_ BAG A, with accompanying chords D  -  A/C# - F  -  D/F#


Christ the Redeemer against a purple sunrise - Chorus: Jesus Christ, you are my life, alleluia, alleluia. Jesus Christ, you are my life. You are my life, alleluia. 0 He calls us to the waters of life, He pours His love into our hearts; Jesus comes to us in our heart, Glory to God forever. 1. Be our Way, our Truth, and our Life. Form us anew in how you died. We embrace the cross that you bore, and will arise in glory. 2. Holy fire, come dwell in each heart. Grant us the gifts your love imparts. Free our tongues to boldly proclaim Jesus is Lord forever! 3. Break the yoke of violence and war. Open the hearts of rich to poor. nations bound by terror and fear long to embrace your freedom. 4. Senseless walls of hatred divide, vengeance destroys and fear misguides. Teach us mercy: hope for new life; for you alone are holy!


Downloads

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Examples

Choir with band, directed by the composer:


Small group with band - guitar and keyboard (with a very innovative music stand!)


Closing Mass at WYD 2013:


Large concert performance, with footage from WYD 2016:


Solo singer with guitar:


Instrumental - classical ensemble:


Instrumental - organ:


Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But most of the English words are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:
Chorus:
Jesus Christ, you are my life,
alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ, you are my life.
You are my life, alleluia.

Be our Way, our Truth, and our Life ...

Holy fire, come dwell in each heart ...

In my weakness, you've chosen me ...

Break the yoke of violence and war ...

Senseless walls of hatred divide ...

To whom do all praises belong ...

He calls us to the waters of life ...

See also

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY Jesus Christ, You are my life, alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ, You are my life. You are my life, alleluia.

1: Be our way, our truth, and our life.
Form us anew in how You died.
We embrace the cross that you bore,
and will arise in glory.

2: Holy fire, come dwell in each heart.
Grant us the gifts your love imparts.
Free our tongues to boldly proclaim
"Jesus is Lord forever!"

V3: Break the yoke of violence and war.
Open the hearts of rich to poor.
Nations bound by terror and fear
long to embrace your freedom.

V4: Senseless walls of hatred divide,
vengeance destroys and fear misguides.
Teach us mercy hope for new life;
for you alone are holy.

V5 There is a road meant for you to travel.
Narrow and steep is the shepherd’s way.
And as you say"Yes" letting me guide you.
I will be strength for the journey.

V6 There is a cross meant for you to carry.
There is a cross meant for you alone,
and as you bow down in humble surrender,
I will be strength for the journey.

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