Grant to us O Lord

This hymn of penitence and renewal is by French Roman Catholic priest and composer Lucien Deiss (1921-2007).   It was written in 1963, and first published in 1965.   Possibly it was translated from a French-language hymn,

More recently it has been included in the collection Jubilee, and octavo (ie individual song) sheet music is also still available today from by World Library Publications as a digital-download.

Though sometimes regarded as a psalm, it is actually based on Jeremiah 31:31–34 and Ezekiel 36:26.

The tune is unnamed.   It is published without a time signature - the verses are irregular, and the tune itself is based on chant so relatively free-form.   The first few notes in the key of G are GG FF E EF F D.

Downloads

Choral arrangement (SATB) by Deiss.

Examples

Cantor with organ backing - live recording:

Practise track - single voice with keyboard melody:

Cantor and organ, congregation responding:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.  A rough outline is:

Antiphon:
Grant to us, O Lord, a heart renewed,
Recreate in us your own Spirit Lord.

1 Behold the days are coming says the Lord our God ...

2 Deep within their being I will implant my law ...

3 I will be their God

4 And for all their faults I will grant forgiveness ...