Take the Word of God with you as you Go

This is a commissioning or recessional hymn.

The words were written by James Harrington (b 1979). It was first published in 1991 by OCP Limited, and subsequently been included in the Rise up and Sing Children's Music Resource, third edition (2009). Sheet music for the song is still available from OCP (link below).

It is most obviously a recessional hymn. But it could be used in commissioning ceremonies, at the end of a retreat / course / school-year, or even and the end of a wedding ceremony.

It is set to an unnamed tune, by by Christopher Walker. This has a 6/8 time signature. When it is notated in the key of G, the first few notes are D D B G E C DGF G_ with accompanying chords G / C / Csus2 / G - although the tune is perhaps best thought of as modal.

Downloads

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Buy sheet music from OCP

Examples

Small group with piano

Professional recording, choir with organ and brass

Singer, self-accompanied on guitar

Children's choir with band, professional recording

Singer with band - professional recording

Singer with piano

Lyrics

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

Take the word of God with you as you go.
Take the seeds of God's word and make them grow.

Chorus:
Go in peace to serve the world, in peace to serve the world.
Take the love of God, the love of God with you as you go.

Take the peace of God with you as you go ....

Take the joy of God with you as you go ....

Take the love of God with you as you go ...

Other verses (eg light, hope, faith, etc) can be added as required.