It was written by American Roman Catholic Roger Smith, who at the time was a Deacon of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, and had served as leader of a Houston, Texas area singing group called "The Living Spirit." (ref)
The song was included in a 1974 album, "A Song in my Heart", by Roger Smith with the Living Spirit (ref) North American Liturgy Resources label. Copyright was registered in 1975 by North American Liturgy Resources / New Dawn Music. Later it was include in Glory and Praise Volume 2 (ref) and in Songs of the Spirit Volume 3, published in 1987 by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in England.
The idea and the first line appears to have been borrowed (perhaps unintentionally / unknowingly) from a hymn by S. Trevor Francis (1834-1925) - ref.
No current sources of sheet music have been located. The melody and harmony lines can be seen here (right or long-click and download). Books it was published in may be found in second-hand shops or via Amazon / eBay etc.
It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Smith. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are GG G G, GG G G AA AG F G_ with accompanying chords G / C / D7 / G
No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.
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).No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.
Examples
Duet with guitar - scratchy recording
Instrumental - synthesiser:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!1 Sing his message loud and clear, alleluia!
Jesus Christ our Lord is near, alleluia
2 Jesus is the Lord of life, alleluia!
Rising over death and strife, alleluia
3 Speak to us, eternal Word, alleluia
word made flesh we long for you, Alleluia
4 Hail, O Mary, full of grace, alleluia
Blest are you of women all, alleluia.
5 All the nations, bless your name, alleluia
All the people sing your fame, alleluia.
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