This is a hymn, originally written for children, about the commandment to love. It is based on John 15:11-12.
It was written in New Zealand by Mary Sara (details TBA), a lay Roman Catholic teacher who was involved in religious education syllabus development.
The song was published in the 20th Century Folk Hymnal volume III, published by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in England in 1976. This book attributes it to "Millie Sara"in the text, and "Mollie Sarah" in the acknowledgements section.
The song was used in Catholic schools in New Zealand during the 1970s - and is now being sung at some funerals in New Zealand. There is also some evidence of is being used (perhaps not widely). in Ireland (ref).
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).
Examples
Singer, self-accompanied on guitar
Singer with electronic organ
Music group with guitar and piano
Lyrics
Chorus:This is my commandment I give you,
Love one another,
And let your love be
Like my love for you.
Lord, open pathways,
For friendships warm ways,
This day and always,
In your family.
Lord, hear our pleading,
All our hearts yearning,
For understanding,
In your family.
Lord heal dis-union,
Blend in communion
All who seek union,
In your family.
My mother Mary Sara wrote this hymn in NewZealand may years ago
ReplyDeleteHi - great to hear from you. Would you like to share any more detail about where the song was written, and who it was written for? I'm guessing your mother was a teacher? Was it published anywhere? Would you like to have it credited to her? (If you like, you can email me at editor@godsongs.net instead of leaving a public comment here.)
DeleteHi.. Thankyou so much for acknowledging this beautiful hymn.. yes she was a teacher and very proactive in modernisation of the Catholic Syllabus.. she wrote the Living Light Series which was used when we were children.. I’m so proud of her achievements and would live her to be acknowledged for this song.. kind regards MarieAnne
Delete